Is BSN necessary?

[Bird1987]

Greetings all,

This is a first time post so please forgive if this has been addressed. Due to a confluence of factors and influences, I've decided to change careers with the goal of eventually becoming a nurse practitioner. Since I already have a bachelors and a grad degree, is it necessary to obtain a BSN prior to working as a nurse and then applying for masters programs? Or would getting the educational and practical training through an ADN program and working as an RN w/out the BSN suffice? Thanks in advance:bow:

[listener]

Greetings all,

This is a first time post so please forgive if this has been addressed. Due to a confluence of factors and influences, I've decided to change careers with the goal of eventually becoming a nurse practitioner. Since I already have a bachelors and a grad degree, is it necessary to obtain a BSN prior to working as a nurse and then applying for masters programs? Or would getting the educational and practical training through an ADN program and working as an RN w/out the BSN suffice? Thanks in advance:bow:

It's my understanding that it depends on the school with the NP program; some require a BSN, others don't but require a BA.

[sandycheeksrn]

If you want to be more than a staff nurse, you really need to have your BSN. I obtained my ADN five years ago, and I will be graduating in 03/2009 with my BSN through Graceland University's online program. Just look at the paper or onlne at job oppenings... it is required very frequently, and even a MSN is preferred... in many cases.

[HeartsOpenWide, RN]

Even UCSF, and every school I have looked into allows some one with a BA/BS in another field with an ASN to apply for a masters program, they even alow you to apply for a direct entry program in which you earn your RN in one year and then start working towards your masters (if you already have a BS/BA). A heads up though, it has been passed that to be an FNP you will have to have a DNP by 2015. Those that have their FNP will be grandfathered but will more than likely be pressured to go back to school or get paid significantly less than those with a DNP (this is from my instructor AND a representative from Francisco State University school of nursing who came to talk to us about the DNP and CNL)