Is a BSN needed in nursing today?

sbic56, BSN, RN · May 13, 2005

I think you are mainly looking for opinions? If I were you, I'd run, learn a new language and take pictures. I am in a similar boat as you, only a little older at 48. The way I figure, I have no desire to work in upper management or teach at college level, so I don't need more than the ADN. My options are still wide open and with the shortage not getting any better for at least the length of my career, I don't see why I would need to go back to school, unless I had a burning desire to do so. The boys are grown. My time, now. I'd rather be kayaking, living a laid back life with no added responsibilities and doing what I want for the rest of it. Easy choice for me!

SierraN · May 13, 2005

I think you are mainly looking for opinions? If I were you, I'd run, learn a new language and take pictures. I am in a similar boat as you, only a little older at 48. The way I figure, I have no desire to work in upper management or teach at college level, so I don't need more than the ADN. My options are still wide open and with the shortage not getting any better for at least the length of my career, I don't see why I would need to go back to school, unless I had a burning desire to do so. The boys are grown. My time, now. I'd rather be kayaking, living a laid back life with no added responsibilities and doing what I want for the rest of it. Easy choice for me!

I am looking for opinions and I appreciate the time you took to reply. Even if the shortage got better, which I don't see happening any time soon, it would only mean the nurses with BSN degrees would be the ones moving into management..perhaps...All my nurse managers have all been ADNs....I work in an area where there are just a lot more ADNs then BSNs.....

Ex130Load · May 13, 2005

A BSN degree gives you more options--ward nurse, nursing director, nurse eduation, etc. If you've no desire to down those paths, you probably won't need a BSN. The VA allegedly is now only hiring BSNs. The other poster's opinions are very valid. Jobs generally are plentiful and becoming more so.

An hour and a half commute--wow. Have you looked into on-line schools? Can be more expensive, but you're doing more stuff at home or work(?). Some folks have work environments that allow'em to spend some time at work doing outside activities on the clock or afterwards. The 3-hour (round trip) commute times could be spent more productively.

I remember when I used to run--many pounds ago. Now that I'm out of school... Had to have sleep then--a necessity.

z's playa · May 13, 2005

Popular question these days here at allnurses.

Z

SmilingBluEyes · May 13, 2005

many, many threads exist regarding BSN/ADN education. I would invite you to do a search.

It's a very heated topic usually.

Is a BSN "needed"? No. Is it recommended? You will find few who can honestly say "no". Education is never a waste of time, and more doors will be open to you if you do choose to pursue a BSN or higher degree. Good luck.

RN4NICU, LPN, LVN · May 13, 2005

Depends on what you want to do, and of course, where you are. A BSN is required for all management positions (from nurse manager on up) where I am, and a Master's degree is required for upper management. A Master's degree is required for our nurse educator positions. If you think you may want to do something like that in the future, I would go ahead and get the BSN. If you are content at the bedside, I would still encourage getting the BSN, but I don't suppose it would be a necessity. It would, however, give you other options should something unforseen happen (a back injury, for example).

SierraN · May 13, 2005

Thanks for the reply - the school is an hour and a half away - (Auburn University) . My husband completed the program a few years ago and he is now in a Master's program for Nurse Practitioner...The ride isn't too bad - it's maximum one day a week - the rest is on computer. There are some weeks that you don't go..It's all that work and time in between the car rides that I have the major problem with...not to mention, I started a new job where my education benefits don't kick in until next year....so the entire expense is out-of-pocket....

CardioTrans, BSN, RN · May 13, 2005

Since you mentioned that you are looking at Auburn........... have you looked at Jacksonville State? Their RN-BSN program is completely online. There is a max of 1 day each semester on campus. Just a thought.

Vanfnp · May 13, 2005

Couldn't you take an initial class to get your feet wet and see how you like the program? If you are not committed to this project, you won't be happy and maybe won't do well. We all know life's too short for that. On the other hand, you might find you really like your classes, professors and fellow students. As a practicing nurse, you already have the education and experience to function in your current role. Most likely you are learning new stuff every day in practice and through CEU's and the like. Your BSN will give you in-depth knowledge in other areas and you will have an opportunity to explore areas of interest to you. I've been there and done the RN to BSN, which I thoroughly enjoyed, although it has made not a whit of difference to my current job description (didn't even get a raise!) I learned more than I thought I would and wouldn't change a thing. You, too might be surprised....

Mulan · May 13, 2005

If I didn't want to do it, I wouldn't do it, particularly if the thought of doing it depressed me.

If you were to die in a year, would you rather have spent that year in a BSN program or taking photography and Spanish?

Tweety, BSN, RN · May 13, 2005

In in an RN to BSN program and I won't finish until May 2007, as I have some coreqs to do and I ask myself the same question. I'm mainly doing it for personal satisfaction and for options later. I'm 46 (next week) and am wondering if when I'm 60 do I still want to do this, or would I rather have options to do something else that might require a BSN, or where a BSN would give me an edge.

ADN nurses have lots of options as well. In my class there are supervisors, directors, managers, ADON's and I'm wondering with all those options why get a BSN?

So my answer to you would be "what do you envision for yourself 20 years from now". (The above question is valid too, what if you were to die a year from now.) For me, I'm probably going to have to work well into my 70s and I'm not sure I can hack floor nursing that long. :)