If you're a nurse working with an ADN, then suddenly you're required to have a BSN...

loriangel14, RN · Apr 22, 2009

I don't think they can make you go back to school. I would imagine that would cause an uproar.They changed the RN requirement in Ontario to BSN but the exsisting RNs don't have to go and get it. All newly licenced RNs in the province have to have it though and if you are coming from another country you must have it for licensure.

rn/writer, RN · Apr 22, 2009

I have never heard of a place that required instant compliance. I do know of several nurses who were in management positions as ADN or diploma grads. They were asked to start working toward a BSN degree. All of them did so, taking one class a semester. Some facilities will reimburse at least a portion of the expense, provided the class is passed at a certain level.

If you are concerned about this, I would ask about tuition reimbursement and timelines for meeting BSN requirements. Some places will grandfather in their current employees (though they may encourage them to upgrade anyway), and others try to come up with reasonable plans that don't disrupt work schedules. If they didn't, they probably wouldn't have much of a staff left as ADN and diploma nurses make up about 65% of the workforce.

Hope you find the answers you are looking for.

oramar · Apr 22, 2009

I have seen cases where people were required to work on their BSN when facility went all BSN. However, most people I knew took one class a semester, didn't kill themselves trying to get one. No one minded as long as they worked on it.

caliotter3 · Apr 22, 2009

The last job listing that referenced this that I saw indicated that applicants for the job had to meet the deadline to either have graduated from an RN program or they had to show proof that they were currently in an RN program. It would depend upon the employer and how they intend to handle it. No one does it instantaneously. They all give deadlines. Have not heard of any employer paying for school under these circumstances, but have heard of people leaving the job because they did not comply. This is why one should get the BSN on their own at the beginning of their career. Avoid all of this.

rn/writer, RN · Apr 22, 2009

This is why one should get the BSN on their own at the beginning of their career. Avoid all of this.

That's a good thought for those who can manage it. Much less muss and fuss later on. But I'd hate to see someone back away from nursing just because they can't do it all at once.

allnurses Guide · Apr 22, 2009

Rumor has it the NM BON was considering requiring ADNs to get their BSN within 10 years of graduating or lose the license. Now, let me get this straight....You're a good nurse for 10 years but at the 11th you suddenly become senile, decrepit, and useless without studying management and research?

I'd say if your facility is suddenly requiring it, they should be giving you a timeline AND tuition, as well as scheduling time off for classes.

That, or just grandfather in the existing ADNs, and only hire BSN in the future (much more reasonable to my way of thinking)

Natkat, BSN, MSN, RN · Apr 23, 2009

That's what I was going to say. Any place I've heard of that change their requirement didn't do it all of a sudden. They usually gave everyone fair warning, usually a few years, and they didn't require established nurses to get their degree. It only applied to new hires.

soulofme · Apr 23, 2009

If it ain't broke.... don't fix it.....

pagandeva2000, LPN · Apr 23, 2009

imagine the lpns who are being terminated or reduced to working as techs because they didn't become rns. i think that is not a fair deal. may it be lpns or associate degree rns...many have worked and have proved themselves to be dedicated nurses for years. i never saw it as a fair deal to suddenly turn them away.

i do hear that they let you know well in advance. if they did this at my job, hopefully (especially in this economic environment), i will have time to move on to a place that does appreciate dedicated lpns.

Neveranurseagain, RN · Apr 23, 2009

JBUD you might be right! Here is an article: http://www.thefreelibrary.com/BSN+renewal+requirement+in+New+Mexico+talking+points.-a0196908174

I personally think we need to stop this precedent. Hospitals only pay anywhere from .25 hr to a few dollars an hour yet we will be saddled with thousands of dollars of student loans. This equals more work for less pay!

http://209.85.173.132/search?q=cache:LLV0zmNWfsIJ:nursing.advanceweb.com/Editorial/Content/Editorial.aspx%3FCC%3D91436+new+mexico+BSN+within+10+years&cd=4&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

"New York and New Jersey are looking at legislation mandating all ADNs earn a BSN within 10 years of graduation," she noted. "Physical therapists and pharmacists have changed their entry level degree. Perhaps it's time to reform the BSN. If an ADN takes one 3-credit course per semester after graduation, she will have a BSN within 10 years."

It takes on average 3 years minimum for an AS/AA in nursing then to be saddled with having to go to school part time (6 units per semester) for 5 years plus work full time plus have a family is going to equal one burn out nurse! 8 years of school!!!! But we are super women! We can do it!!!