Is it worth the time to go on for a BSN?

Nurses General Nursing

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For those of you out there who went from an ADN to a BSN can you share with me how you feel this extra education has helped in your career? I am currently finishing an ADN program and am considering the BSN. ;)

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Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds.

It helped my career plans immensely. It took me two years after graduation, taking classes by correspondence (no online classes back then!) to finish up the "prereqs" for the RN-BSN program at my local university (prereqs: organic chemistry, statistics, health - had already taken college algebra and microbiology). It took me 3 semesters to complete the actual RN-BSN curriculum, once in the program (could also be done in 2 semesters, but wouldn't recommend it). Now, most RN-BSN programs are completely online, which makes completing them so much more convenient.

Because of my BSN, I was able to apply for and was hired as an ADN instructor (in North Carolina, a BSN is all that is required to teach in ADN programs; this will be changing in 2015, as a Masters will be required). Since then, I have obtained a Masters - MSN, Nursing Education.

Looking back, this year it will have been 10 years since I graduated with my ADN. I appreciate the opportunity afforded to me by my local community college to obtain my ADN (obtaining a BSN in a 4-year program would not have been a viable option for me). I am now teaching in the same ADN program from which I graduated! So yes, pursuing your BSN after obtaining your ADN is a wonderful career move :)

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

I do not have my BSN but am currently enrolled in a half-time all online program and Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences. It's been a challenge, and will take me a about 2.5 years because I had to take co-reqs (Chemistry, Statistics, Western Civ., Religion, etc.).

I don't have any success story to tell, but just wanted to share my motivation which is to have options as I age in nursing. The longer I'm a bedside nurse the more I realize I might not be able to do this type of nursing until I retire.

Who knows I may become like Vicky and be an instructor and get my Masters one day.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I did a BSN completion in 2004 and for me, the BSN was a stepping stone to an MSN. The advanced degree gives me more options. Can't say as I have a success story yet, because I'm still looking for a job - lol. However, I feel that I have set myself up for the best possible job with the MSN.

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