Nurses Career Support
Published Aug 7, 2005
Hi, I'm new to the site, and am wanting to know (from an experienced nurse), how far an RN with an ADN can go up the ladder vs. an RN with a BSN.... or is basically the same, i.e. nurse practitioner, and so on?
Cherre
8 Posts
I think that if you want to go further towards being an NP, you will have to go back to school. Depending on where you live, usually a BSN is required for any management position. However, once you have your ADN, you might be able to go straight for your Masters.
I'm still in nursing school.....graduate as an LPN in December, and already waiting for a spot in the RN program. Anyway though, that's off the subject. I know in Missouri, even with an associate's, you have to become a BSN before heading for your master's. I'm already looking into that, since eventually I think I would like to teach.
cabgrn2
13 Posts
ou Hi USFbsn2b: do you know of any schools here in Florida that do BSN to masters online, by any chance?
Hi USFbsn2b: do you know of any schools here in Florida that do BSN to masters online, by any chance?
If you are taking the courses on line you don't need to have the school based in FLorida. Walden University offers a BSN to Masters and was offering a limited number of 50% off tuition to those starting this summer (over with) and this fall.
lk
gauge14iv, MSN, APRN, NP
1,622 Posts
The RN-MSN programs that "skip" the BSN typically grant the BSN about 1/2 way through. You aren't bypassing the BSN, just sort of doing it all continuously.
dwetherelt
12 Posts
. . . depending on your locale, quite a ways! I've been an RN for 28 years and for various reasons (none of them being lack of desire) I still have "only" my ADN. What I DO have is a wealth of experience and a good measure of common sense . . . I've come up thru the ranks (in four hospitals, not counting the contracts I worked when I owned my own Travel Agency) from staff nurse, to Preceptor, to Unit Manager and now am the Director of Women's & Children's Services.
I've looked at a BSN several times, but have now decided that a BS-MS in Healthcare Administration will serve my personal needs best.
Can you go quite a ways? Yes, indeed . . . but I do recommend deciding what track you want your career to take and then getting your advanced degrees in the area(s) that will best serve you along the way.
Good Luck!
MGM33
7 Posts
I work in a rural hospital and my DON is an AD nurse. I am an AD nurse and am a OR/outreach supervisor. I really think it depends on the facility. IF you want to be a NP you will need a masters degree.
I hope this helps.
carebear31
10 Posts
I'm new to this site and would ask for you to go to introductions and greetings and read what I wrote.I want so bad to get an opinion!Carebear31
boopchick
158 Posts
My DON is an AD RN.
showbizrn
432 Posts
hi, i'm new to the site, and am wanting to know (from an experienced nurse), how far an rn with an adn can go up the ladder vs. an rn with a bsn.... or is basically the same, i.e. nurse practitioner, and so on?
:rotfl:
your answer depends on where you are located geographically and how many bsn, msn, or doctorate-prepared nurses are located in the region that you are pursuing employment.
professionally speaking, ana, prescibes advanced practice nurses (clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, nurse educator) to have masters degrees in nursing and entry-level rns to have bachelor's degrees in nursing.
however, in any job market there are exceptions--- it's who you know not what you know. .
consultants, guest speaking/lecturers, and independent entrepreneurs who are rns carve their unique niche in the profession and can be hired free-lance and/or with a special agreement from the institution to perform their specialialties without advanced degrees.
:) don't be intimidated by the lack of advanced degree.
:balloons: celebrate your unique talents/services that you contrbute to nursing, patient care and society.
it's your dream! :)
plj
1 Post
PennyC
3 Posts
There are a lot of programs out there for RN to MSN, that doesn't differentiate between a BSN or ADN. Its the pre-requisites that set applicants apart. Most of these programs require that you transfer in at least 50 credits of college level courses, from varying subjects and your GPA is calculated from the courses that are transferred in. Some programs confer a BSN, then MSN, some just MSN. I hope this helps
BETSRN
1,378 Posts
My manager has a MBA and she is absolutely useless. Degrees do not necessarily make a good manager. It's the quality of the bedside nurse you are.
I think the original question was how far you can advance with an AD. As far as the importance of degree type in relation to the quality of a nurse manager, I believe that's a different topic.