Is it mandatory to have a BSN in most states?

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Hi! I am wondering if most states require nurses to have at least a BSN, or if they accept A.D.N. nurses also? Please let me know! Thank you! :)

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

No states require BSN as a requirement. However with employment being tight in many markets some individuals are finding some facilities prefer BSN grads.

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Specializes in Gerontology, nursing education.

North Dakota used to require a BSN but that was dropped years ago. It proved to be too difficult to recruit enough RNs. Some facilities in western ND still offer hiring bonuses because they can't attract nurses.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

A few hospitals in my area have made their ADN staff go back to school for their BSNs or face being fired. Good thing about it is the hospital is paying for that degree.

They will no longer will hire ADNs.

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In Oregon or the west coast in general where it's popular to live, pretty much all job offerings ask for a BSN - but they are open to you working on it while you already have your ADN RN. Probably just better to get it over with. I have never seen a job post specifically asking for a ADN nurse. Look in your area at the areas you desire - the jobs posts will say what's required. Check out the hospital websites. You can at least get a feel for it. I think ADN's would be more welcome at long term care facilities also.

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I didnt know it was mandatory in any. I don't think it is. I wish it were at times.

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Specializes in Psych, EMS.

No state requires a BSN.

Many employers, however, require their hires to have BSN's. This is especially true of new grad fellowship programs. My hospital is one of them. I asked the DON why they only accept BSN grads, she said that an evidence based practice project is incorporated into the fellowship and research is generally more thoroughly taught in BSN programs. Magnet hospitals and those vying for magnet status often prefer BSN's as higher education is one of the magnet standards.

Know your local industry before enrolling into a diploma/ADN program...as great as they are, not having that BSN may limit your opportunities in this scarce economy.

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I guess it just depends. I'm in NY and from what I've seen there's more postings looking for RNs rather then BSNs. Which is good because I have NO desire to get my BSN.

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

How many states require a BSN? A a grand daddy of...ZERO! Some facilities may require, some may prefer, but no entire state mandates a BSN.

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.
I guess it just depends. I'm in NY and from what I've seen there's more postings looking for RNs rather then BSNs. Which is good because I have NO desire to get my BSN.

BSN are RNs. They have an RN just like the ASN; just more education. Do you mean and RN ASN with experience over an RN BSN new grad?

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Several states are considering adopting a 'BSN in Ten' policy. This would tie into having a BSN degree into the RN license. Most RN licenses are good for two years, and this proposal would require a BSN degree to be awarded if you wanted to renew your license after your 10th year of practice.

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BSN are RNs. They have an RN just like the ASN; just more education. Do you mean and RN ASN with experience over an RN BSN new grad?

Not sure....I'm just going by the job postings on hospital websites. I see much more postings for 2 year RN then I see for 3-4 year BSN. There are jobs I've seen that require BSN and some that prefer it but it's main "just" an RN degree that's required.

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