I have a question if anyone will answer it! thanks!

nrsman1 · Sep 17, 2009

First off if you have your RN, bachelors or not you will get hired! All hospitals care about when hiring a new floor nurse is that RN. If you get your associates and want to get your BSN afterward that is perfectly fine. many schools offer RN to BSN bridge programs and can easily be completed in about a 1-1/2 years depending on how many credits you have. On the topic of BSNs. You almost always need a BSN to do management and a MSN to work in administration. I hope this helps.

silentRN · Sep 17, 2009

It's very difficult to find nursing jobs right now. Almost seem impossible. Who knows what it will be like in a couple of years from now. Maybe things will change, or maybe the corporate side of hospitals have realized that they can run hospitals with short staff and heavier patient loads. I don't know. It's all about money I guess. But, if the hospital doesn't get paid, then we don't get paid. I've had the same pay rate for the last 16 months now, and still on wage freeze. I bet no one else in this board has received a wage increase either lately.

So I guess, just really think about getting into nursing. Become a cop or something.

ohmeowzer RN, RN · Sep 17, 2009

as long as you can sign RN after your name you got a job. I have my BSN and the pay and job is no different than having our ADN...

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Sep 17, 2009

The pay IS different in my region of the county. $1 more/per hour for BSN.

You will learn more than just management skills in baccalaureate program. Don't limit your possibilities.

Yes, you can always go back to school. Your employer may even help with tuition.

rn/writer, RN · Sep 17, 2009

i am currently a senior in high-school, and my dream is to become a nurse. i'm still debating whether to go and just my associates in nursing, or go and get my bachelors. i was talking to my friend's mom, and she was saying that some hospitals in california (this is where i plan on going for nursing school & live once graduated) it is mandatory to have a bachelors degree in nursing in order to work @ some hospitals- she isn't a nurse, so i don't know how accurate this could be. also, i thought all a bachelor degree does is make you applicable to go into management.
you're wise to be thinking ahead. some hospitals say they prefer bsn grads. normally, that doesn't close the door to adn or diploma grads, but in a tight economy, it might make a difference. magnet hospitals have to employ a certain percentage of bsn nurses (not sure what the number is), but that rarely means that they hire only bsns. as the economy recovers, we may see nurses who deferred retirement or who returned to work or increased their hours (because of a partner's layoff) leave the workforce in a large group or cut back from full- to part-time. then there will be a vacuum to be filled, and an adn will acquire a whole new sparkle and shine.
another thing, if i go and get my associates degree, and graduate, will i be able to go back to school again for another 2 years if i wanted to get my bsn?
you certainly can do that. or you can work and go part time. that might take a little longer, but this is the choice of many folks who can't go full time and still pay the bills or have a life.
another thing, if i decide to get my bsn do you think its a good idea to go to a community college to get my pre-reqs out of the way then transfer to a univ for the nursing school part? i am not really interested in a management position as a nurse so should i even get my bsn?? thank you!!!!
going to a cc is an excellent idea! the cost difference alone can be amazing. and you might find the classes easier to get into. one caution: make sure that the university you choose for your bsn will count the credits from the cc. in my area, some universities work specifically with the ccs to make sure the pre-reqs will be acceptable.
another option is to get your adn at the cc and then do a bridge program with tuition assistance from your employer. this is probably the most cost effective option, and one that a lot of people are picking with the job market so uncertain. this might take a little longer, but it would allow you to end up with your bsn and a few years of work experience, all without incurring a boatload of debt.

i wish you the best in your adventure.

melmarie23, MSN, RN · Sep 18, 2009

I say go for he BSN. I wish that at your age, I knew exactly what I wanted to go for. My school had a nursing program, but I majored in Biology instead. Although not a total waste as my degree is totally relevant to Nursing (and I did work in research for a few years post graduation) here I am going back to school for that.

However, I loved my college experience and I wouldn't have traded it for the world. And I think that if people have the opportunity to go and enjoy a 4 year college, while working towards their profession, all the better.

Also, one thing to think about is that there is a push by the ANA for a BSN in 10 (years of receiving your license). Just something to think about.

Patricia1101 · Sep 18, 2009

I say go for your BSN; right now I am in an ADN program. The ADN program might be two years; but after you put in the time with all the prerequisites, it is just as long. I wish someone had told me this before I started school, because I sure would have put the time into a 4-year school. I also sure wish someone would have given me advice before starting school as to what is expected from clinicals. I don’t have a problem with the school work; I even help out my fellow students with studies. I even do well with the procedures and care plans. I seem to have the problems with what is expected from you at what level. If anyone out there could help with this, I sure would appreciate it.

TCLA · Sep 18, 2009

It's very difficult to find nursing jobs right now. Almost seem impossible. Who knows what it will be like in a couple of years from now. Maybe things will change, or maybe the corporate side of hospitals have realized that they can run hospitals with short staff and heavier patient loads. I don't know. It's all about money I guess. But, if the hospital doesn't get paid, then we don't get paid. I've had the same pay rate for the last 16 months now, and still on wage freeze. I bet no one else in this board has received a wage increase either lately.
So I guess, just really think about getting into nursing. Become a cop or something.

I thought nurses were "in VERY hightdemand"?

TCLA · Sep 18, 2009

I wish you the best in your adventure.

GREAT response, thanks!

PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN · Sep 18, 2009

I thought nurses were "in VERY hightdemand"?

In this economy, that applies to those nurses with vast experience.

amalbon · Sep 18, 2009

All hospitals are different, but many hospitals in big cities (where it's harder to get a job) are requiring a BSN. My hospital (NYC) no longer hires anyone with just an associates and I have heard that more hospitals are heading this direction. There are a few hold over associates prepared nurses and I know the pay rate is different for us as well.

Plus....enjoy college! Really! There's plenty of time to work. Go to a 4 year college, enjoy it. If you have to take out loans, do it. Pick a public university, instead of a private, expensive one if you have to but go. College is one of the best times of your life.