lvn to RN or LVN to BSN

Nurses LPN/LVN

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I'm currently looking into college/programs to bridge from LVN. I have recently heard most healthcare companies will only be hiring nurses with a bsn. Is that true? I don't want to spend 2 extra years in college if not needed. Does anyone have insight on this? Is it worth the time and money to get a BSN or will RN be accomplishable?

Please help!!

Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

All else being equal I would say to go for the BSN. Obviously nobody can predict the future or what employers may do, but with recent studies showing that nurses are delaying retirement in large numbers combined with a study of a few years ago noting the record number of young people choosing nursing -- any advantage you can give yourself now will pay off in the future. As time goes on, other things in life can get in the way of returning to school. I would make the investment in my career up front. Best wishes to you!

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Many hospital systems are limiting their hiring to those who have BSN degrees. However, you should be fine with an ASN degree if you are willing to work outside the exalted acute care hospital setting. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

The best way to find out is to research your area employers and ask about their hiring practices; as well as think about your fruit plans; think about the unexpected as well.

Personally, I went for my BSN; I always wanted my bachelors, and I picked a program that would be a fit for me; I also knew a few years ago that ADN nurses were having a hard time getting jobs-the VA had an information session and they were upfront in letting nurses know that they were interested in BSN nurses; I was a LPN at the time, and they still hired LPNs, but they were interested in RNs with their BSN and LPNs only.

Specializes in Cardiac.

Definitely go for the BSN if you have the chance. I had to go the LVN route since I previously bombed my GPA at a university due to being young and careless. I am looking forward to bridging though hopefully starting next year.

Specializes in Emergency Department.

If you can at all afford it, go BSN. Even though much of the content of an ADN program is identical to a BSN program, employers prefer the BSN, so getting that degree will only preserve or even enhance your ability to get a job. Unfortunately for me, I didn't get a BSN as that educational route wasn't open to me at the time. I have some limitations as to where I can successfully apply for jobs. Something that may shorten your program just a little bit will be if the program will give you credit for the LVN and essentially allow you to bridge into the program in a semester or two ahead of other entering students. I doubt it, but it's possible that they may do this.

If not, don't worry about doing the full traditional program as you'll have quite a bit of knowledge already and will be able to focus on learning stuff and picking up info that other students just won't because you won't be building an entirely new body of knowledge.

I know you'll reach your own decision soon enough, and it'll be the right one for you.

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