Is a BSN critical

[Platypus]

Hello,

I am a new member and doing my second clinical course in nursing school at a local community college. I plan to graduate Dec. 2008. I already have a B.S. degree in another field and was wondering if a BSN was critical? I was hoping that the fact I have a BS would be enough for most organizations to be able to move up.

I have applied to a master degree program in Healthcare administration. The program extends over 2 years and meets once a week (made for working adults) and I would graduate with an MBA. Do you think it would be worthwhile?

Thanks for your help!

Lisa

[patwil73]

Hello,

I am a new member and doing my second clinical course in nursing school at a local community college. I plan to graduate Dec. 2008. I already have a B.S. degree in another field and was wondering if a BSN was critical? I was hoping that the fact I have a BS would be enough for most organizations to be able to move up.

I have applied to a master degree program in Healthcare administration. The program extends over 2 years and meets once a week (made for working adults) and I would graduate with an MBA. Do you think it would be worthwhile?

Thanks for your help!

Lisa

Depends. For most nursing jobs a BSN is not critical - you will get hired either way. Most places have no difference in pay between the BSN and AN. Some places want there charge nurses to have BSN's but will make exceptions for truly talented people. If you are planning a career in management a MBA would be truly helpful. It all depends on what you want to do. If you really want to work on the floor with bedside care - the AN degree is great.

Hope this helps,

Pat

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

I've known several people to move up the ladder with a Masters in Health Care Administration, less with an MBA. These degrees would be your selling point, along with your nursing experience when applying for mastered preferred jobs, rather than the BSN since they are the advanced degrees.

Good luck.