Is the BSN worth it?

BeachsideRN, ASN · May 24, 2015

Mostly depends on employability in your market

BeachsideRN, ASN · May 24, 2015

I don't think the BSN goes any deeper into AP or skills. Matter of fact I've heard that our local ADN program is much heavier in actual hands on clinical work than the BSN program.

NurseCalamity · May 24, 2015

The heaviest clinical is in the hospital programs here where I am from. I just think I'd rather specialize than to be just a generally educated nurse.

Farawyn · May 24, 2015

I think it's worth it for a new nurse, because it is a tough market. As for me? No. I don't think it is. I'm doing it only to stay marketable.

Purple_roses · May 24, 2015

If you have the time and resources, it would be worth it. As others have stated, it's mostly just for marketability. A lot of hospitals are making it a requirement. Some of the hospitals will help you with the cost of going back for your BSN; it's just a matter of getting that job in the first place.

nutella, MSN, RN · May 24, 2015

my personal opinion is that it is absolutely valuable.

I learned a lot of valuable skills and the degree makes me more credible in a variety of ways.

It does not automatically makes you a good nurse - skills need development and and as we all know - a lot if hands on.

Employers in my area prefer BSN over ADN and so there is also always the question of how marketable you are or will be in a couple of years.

NurseCalamity · May 24, 2015

Very excellent points. I know the hospitals are pushing for BSN educated nurses only. Where would that leave ADN? Clinics, LTC, SNF, etc and every nurse needs that hospital experience you learn sooooooo much!

Editorial Team / Admin · May 24, 2015

In deciding if a BSN is worth it, have you looked at job postings in your area? Do they state BSN preferred or BSN required? If so, you definitely want to go the BSN route. Additional education opens far more doors that would otherwise be closed. While the BSN may include some management education, it will not truly prepare one for management and many positions wouldn't even consider someone with only a BSN- a good manager needs bedside experience and most positions will require an MSN as a minimum. I don't however see more of a focus on A&P or clinical skills- those guidelines are set forth by the BON for all nursing programs regardless of the degree conferred. Some schools will go above the requirements and others don't, but it can't be generalized that BSN programs are the ones placing more emphasis.

I'm also not quite sure what you mean by this:

But would a nurse with a certain specialty be more desirable than a general educated nurse? Like oncology cert psych cert, etc?

A prelicensure RN program only provides general nursing education. The specialization comes with the job, not school. Many of the certifications require a set amount of experience and actively working in the specialty to even be eligible for the test. But in general, places are going to prefer those who have experience over a new grad who will require a longer orientation and more resources to learn. Take a look at my facility's critical care orientation for new nurses of 6 months class and clinical vs a 12 week orientation for those with ICU experience- which applicant do you think the nurse manager would choose?

Libby1987 · May 24, 2015

If either choice was feasible, I wouldn't base my decision on what's required in today's market but by projected requirements (so basically speculation) upon graduation which be minimum 4 years out.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 24, 2015

I, too, started as an LPN. Monetarily, the RN licensure and BSN degree have been very much worth it for me because I've almost doubled my annual income.

Furthermore, the enhanced knowledge base has been empowering.

NurseCalamity · May 24, 2015

Indeed! LPN doesn't pay enough for a family I hope to have one day.