How important is a BSN?

manna, BSN, RN · Feb 16, 2005

Of course, there are degree tracks now that offer an ADN-to-MSN, aren't there?

SmilingBluEyes · Feb 16, 2005

yes, there are. And they are spendy.

SmilingBluEyes · Feb 16, 2005

i am in schoo, for criminal justice. when i graduate i was thinking about getting my masters in nursing. is it possible?

Yes it is. http://www.allnursingschools.com

lists schools by type (private/ state etc) and programs they offer. Look for fast-track programs.

RN34TX · Feb 16, 2005

I couldn't agree more! With so many opportunities out there and so much tuition reimbursement money out there, it's a shame that so many nurses choose not to pursue higher education.
llg

I agree!! My hospital is a major university teaching hospital and offers free tuition and books to everyone who wants to move up whether it be CNA to LPN or BSN to PhD, and everything in between. When I was new people encouraged me to apply to their program. I thought, no, there are probably people dying to get in that have been there for years and I shouldn't even apply.

I was told that they do not have enough people interested and are trying to recruit more employees.

I thought to myself, are all of you crazy??

I'm an ADN RN and jumped on the opportunity to get my BSN paid for. Have no idea what I'm going to do with it when I finish but figured it can only open up more doors for me and why not if my employer is going to pay for it.

Then I see CNA's and unit clerks I work with who have no desire to take part in this program, yet complain on a daily basis about how devalued they feel and how little money they make in comparison to us "well paid RN's."

RN4NICU, LPN, LVN · Feb 16, 2005

Of course, there are degree tracks now that offer an ADN-to-MSN, aren't there?

yes, there are. And they are spendy.

Not only that, but they make you take the BSN courses (Theory, Research, Community Health, etc.) anyway, so I really don't see the point of paying the extra money rather than just getting the BSN and going from there.

jaimealmostRN · Feb 17, 2005

Just my personal feelings: I'm a new ADN grad and had NO problem getting a job and many offers. But I really want to put that BSN after my name on my nametag...I swear thats my modivation, I don't know why LOL. So I'm going to hopefully start my BSN in the next 6mos or so. Its really a personal choice and depends on whether you want to enter advanced practice nursing or mng't. Good luck.

50 Cent · Feb 17, 2005

(watch, this is gonna make people mad) on a political level, BSN education is more important for nursing to evolve professionally. all the others are doing it. pharmacy went from bachelors to pharmd. pt is going from masters to the doctorate level. socialworkers are masters prepared. we are lagging behind! by this, i am not saying bsn nurse is any better on the floor than the adn.

llg, PhD, RN · Feb 17, 2005

(watch, this is gonna make people mad) on a political level, BSN education is more important for nursing to evolve professionally. all the others are doing it. pharmacy went from bachelors to pharmd. pt is going from masters to the doctorate level. socialworkers are masters prepared. we are lagging behind! by this, i am not saying bsn nurse is any better on the floor than the adn.

Welcome to allnurses. Yes, your post might upset a few people ... but that's life. Sometimes the truth hurts.

llg

SmilingBluEyes · Feb 17, 2005

(watch, this is gonna make people mad) on a political level, BSN education is more important for nursing to evolve professionally. all the others are doing it. pharmacy went from bachelors to pharmd. pt is going from masters to the doctorate level. socialworkers are masters prepared. we are lagging behind! by this, i am not saying bsn nurse is any better on the floor than the adn.

I agree. Politically, it would benefit us all. How to make it happen, is the larger question.

hippienurse · Feb 17, 2005

Just as a side note, in my area you get paid more for a BSN starting than an ADN *shrug* Also, they "prefer" the BSN and if you and another nurse with the same experience, etc apply and the only difference is one has MORE SCHOOLING--who do you think they will go with?

And Actually, my Uncle who was a career nurse his whole life said his Salary nearly doubled when he got his BSN. *shrug* Money isn't everything, but its just something to keep in mind.

nursbee04 · Feb 17, 2005

(watch, this is gonna make people mad) on a political level, BSN education is more important for nursing to evolve professionally. all the others are doing it. pharmacy went from bachelors to pharmd. pt is going from masters to the doctorate level. socialworkers are masters prepared. we are lagging behind! by this, i am not saying bsn nurse is any better on the floor than the adn.

It shouldn't make people mad because it is not condescending and does not imply that BSN's are better nurses than ADN's or Diplomas, like so many other arguments for BSN entry level do. It is refreshing to be able to read a thread about this and not get angry. Well stated, 50 cent.

BSN Student · Feb 17, 2005

Hi I am a nursing student just finishing my ADN and am wondering "How important is it to get a BSN?"

It depends upon what you want to do, and how far you want to advance. Hope this helps.

The four-year BSN is preferred by most nursing leaders and provides the best opportunities in today's job market. If you look in the Want Ads, you'll find that a BSN is a requirement for many positions. It is the entry point for professional nursing practice.

The two-year Associate Degree focuses more on technical skills than theory and is often a stepping stone to the BSN. It allows a student to become a Registered Nurse and earn money more quickly than a four-year BSN program, so it works better for many students. It is the entry point for technical nursing practice.

The diploma, a 2-3 year experience was more common before the 1970s, when there were more than 800 diploma schools in existence. There are now less than 100 such schools. A diploma experience prepares students for work in a hospital or other inpatient facility. Depending on your career aspirations, this may or may not seem limiting to you.