Students General Students
Published Oct 19, 2010
You are reading page 2 of Is it really worth it to get your bachelor in today's economy?
LittleOneRN
18 Posts
Get your BSN. I am finishing mine, and wish I had not waited this long. It is doable working full-time, but you pretty much lose your social life, especially those with kids that take priority. You will never regret it, and will be glad to have it some day as it may give you more options in the job market.
j621d
223 Posts
Get the BSN. I had a bachelor's in business and went back to earn my BSN (this was over 20 years ago and there wasn't any discussion of ADN vs BSN). I worked critical care straight out of school, and when I wanted to leave the bedside, my BSN put me at the top of the hire list. Glad I had my BSN.
I never thought I'd go back to school (maybe even swore it off), but here I am completing my MSN. It would have been much tougher, longer, and prehaps off-putting if I didn't have the BSN.
Go for the BSN. You won't regret it. I promise.
mikeworksRN
32 Posts
Agree with onaclearday because that's my experience. That said, my present CNO has made it clear that she will promote based on education and not experience. Elitist, yes, deluded, in my opinion, most certainly. I'm not trying to rub anyone the wrong way, really- when I say that some of the worst nurses I work with now or have worked with in the past, are the most educated, pursuing or have received their Bachelors or Masters. More time at the bedside learning clinical skills and practicing patient care would have been a clear plus, if one is going to be that member of management who tells everyone how to do their jobs, who develops even more policies and, sigh... more places to chart and rechart.
But like I said, just my opinion.
Missy77
174 Posts
Yes I agree, don't procrastinate. It will be rough at times, but it's doable. The tuition won't be as cheap as it is right now. :)
EMM2erl
7 Posts
Go for it. Empower yourself. Get your BSN. I've notice the job ads. BSN preferred, then have certification doesn't hurt. It's an investment to see other titles behind your name.
kesr
162 Posts
Get it - this economy won't last forever and there are predictions of a shortage in 5 years when my generation finally hangs it up. Additionally, a BSN will make you more marketable for nonhospital nursing jobs.
pednursedeb
100 Posts
Yes, get your BSN. I think in the not to distant future it will be required in some areas and especially to advance in your career, like management. I started with my LVN then went to ADN. I wish I had the chance to get my BSN. I don't think at my age I will though. I would love to be certified in pediatrics, but can't because I don't have my BSN.
notsosupernurse
113 Posts
Its a great Idea to get your BSN. I know that it will open up managment oppertunities for you in the future .
jmokeefe
54 Posts
One piece of advice (not sure if its already been mentioned) is that many places of work will pay for continued education, so get your BSN for free (or at least near free!). My job (in the hospital) pays for school after only a 60 day period of work to begin with so I say get the job first, then the BSN. I have found in all my interview processes that most places don't really care whether you have a BSN or not if you are a new grad, you are a new grad. Best of luck to you!
Blackheartednurse
1,216 Posts
Thanks for your opinions...I decided to go for it!!! I'm in the middle of enrollment process,I start November.10.
I'm also saving money to get a wound care certification in December.
blueheaven
832 Posts
Get the BSN. There may come a time when you will thank your lucky stars that you got this out of the way now, rather than leave it on a forever back burner.
Don't leave it on the back burner! I am 54 years old and back in school for my degree. Even though I have many years in the nursing profession, I cannot transfer out of a patient care area without a degree. Does it tick me off? Yes, but it is the reality of this profession today. On a lighter note, my braincells don't synapse aw well as they used to and it takes more effort to do my assignments!
Get the degree
You will find that the younger students will be turning to you for nuggets of clinical knowledge. Your experience will enrich their learning. Kudos to you for taking the bold step of earning your degree. I would have added "at your age," but considering I'm the same age as you, I will just give you a pat on the back. (actually, I hold my age as a badge of honor!)