Is BSN ( bachelor degree in nursing) worth it ?

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Jul 17, 2008

Neat,

You are right on target. Unfortunately, increasing your educational level does not usually equate to higher salary in nursing. However, a BSN will open doors for you. For instance, in order to be eligible for many specialty certifications you have to have a BSN. A lot of non-bedside positions require BSN in this area of the country.

I don't blame you for not wanting to move into management - you have a lot of company!

mpccrn, BSN, RN · Jul 17, 2008

i never got my BSN and never regretted it. i can't justify the money spent for nonsense courses that have little to do with nursing. having said that, the big push is for degrees. if you have ANY inkling that you would someday leave the bedside, a degree is almost a must. none of the hospitals i ever worked for payed a bedside BSN more than a bedside diploma grad. good luck with your decision.

RN1982 · Jul 17, 2008

If you want to go on to become a CRNA, you will need a BSN. However, there are MSN programs that admit ADN prepared nurses and require them to take BSN courses before moving on to MSN courses.

RN1989 · Jul 17, 2008

You will probably have more choices available to you if you get your BSN. It really depends on your goals and desires. Remember that your current goals and desires can and often do change over the years. Give yourself whatever you think will help you in the future, even if you don't think you'll need it.

LadyBug77 · Jul 17, 2008

Bsn! Bsn! Bsn!

squirtle · Jul 17, 2008

I am graduating soon with my ADN but plan to move on to my BSN. I don't plan to go in to management either, but the reason I am doing it is because you never know what the future holds. Not only do your wants and desires change with regard to your career, but something could happen to you that for some reason prevents you from doing bedside nursing. Whether it be a medical condition or whatever, at least you one step ahead of the game having your BSN. Just a thought. Good luck with whatever you decide :)

nurseinlimbo · Jul 17, 2008

I am currently working on my BSN, through a distance learning university. It will take me 4 or 5 years to finish, but I think it will be worth it in the long run. I am not interested in management either, but might like to work in home care (ask for BN) or community health (BN needed), or teaching clinical (BN working on Masters needed). I can't imagine the shift work and weekends forever and no other way out of that without a BN.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Jul 17, 2008

Knowledge is never a waste.

Mommy2NQ · Jul 17, 2008

I have an associate degree in nursing and am RN for about 2.5 years. I work on med- surg floor, and have no interest in any of the nursing management positions. I know that I don't need BSN for bedside care. But I have more than 30 yrs ahead of me in nursing and am thinking that I should go for a BSN ( 2 semesters), just in case I would need it in non-bedsite nursing position in the future, if I would really get tired of bedsite care. I just don't know if it is really worth it. It would be an expense, and I just don't want to throw money away.
For those who have BSN- how did this degree helped you, please tell me.

Education is never a waste:nuke:

tryingtobecome · Jul 17, 2008

I think you should go for it. I have no degree yet but my plans are aas in nursing then go for bsn work a little bit and hopefully go to become a crna. You should do it specially it is only two semesters that will go by so fast. And you never know if you might need it in the future. Things could change years from now, in which everyone will require a bsn. You should do it now instead of worrying later. That's my opinion. Good luck in what you decide and only you knows what is best for yourself.

rita359 · Jul 17, 2008

Yes, you should get your BSN. What is 2 semesters in the perspective of the rest of your life? I got my diploma many years ago and have taken some college courses over the years but have never gotten a degree and can't say it has hurt me at the bedside as I keep up with changes but it definitely limits my opportunities for advancement, not that I am looking for advancement at my age. You should prepare for any alternative and the only way to do that is as much education as you can get.