NEED HELP!

Bobbkat · Jun 4, 2010

It depends on a lot of factors, but to get a general view of the situation in your area look at the career sections of the hospital websites around you. If most of the jobs state 'BSN preferred', then I'd say that the BSN would be more advantageous to you. But then again, a hospital may state that it prefers BSN's, but in the end is just as willing to hire ADN's or Diploma nurses. It really depends on the area that you plan on working in.

In general, I think that more education is always better in today's job climate, but only you know your exact situation and what would work best with your life and circumstances. 8 months vs. 3 years is a pretty big difference in time. How long would it take you if you did the 8 month RN program, and then did a RN to BSN bridge? Then you would have the option to work as an RN as you continued school.

wildsmile24 · Jun 4, 2010

It is not necessarily easier to get a job as a BSN than as a RN. Right now there is no difference, if any difference at all in pay between an RN and BSN. Some people in certain states may get a few extra dollars per hour for a BSN, but for the most part, there is no difference in pay. THe only thing you can do with a BSN that you cant do as a RN is teach. Like teaching in nursing schools. Usually, the nurses (People) who are LVNs that go for their BSN, are looking to eventually advance their career to a masters or achieve their BSN so they can teach. If I were you, I'd go the quick 8 mo, and be a RN, but I don't know your current family or financial situation. If you see yourself wanting to get your Masters, the BSN is a pre-requisite. Its all about you......and what you're planning to do.

wildsmile24 · Jun 4, 2010

I do not think it will be difficult for you to find a job as a RN once you graduate. Since you a LVN, you have EXPERIENCE! Would you rather hire a BSN with no previous hospital job experience, (which there are) or a RN , who was previously a LVN. Do you get what I'm putting down? But I agree with Bobbkat that you should look around your area and see what the hospitals are requiring or preferring. To do this, call the hospitals and ask to speak with their nursing recruiter. If she's not in, just leave a message, they call back pretty quickly. Go ahead and ask him/her your question, they'd be able to give you some advice.

cameronmpear · Jun 4, 2010

I have a friend that graduated with BSN and she has not been able to find a job and it's been six months now. some of my RN friends say that I am young and I should take my time and do the education since the price will be the same. it is veryahrd to decide specially withthe economy beging so bad

Bobbkat · Jun 5, 2010

Yup, i'm 6 months out of school with my BSN too, and haven't been to a single interview yet, despite about 200 aps. I finally landed one later this month. The catch is that I'm going to have to move 5 hours away from my family (and I don't mean parents, I mean my husband and daughter) to take it, should I get offered the position. So no, even though all of the hospitals in my area say 'BSN preferred' it obviously hasn't gotten me anywhere to have one. The upside is it's for a great unit, full time in a hospital. But if I could just land a position in a LTC somewhere near my current home I would be SO much happier. LTC won't even interview me though.

wannabHishands · Jun 5, 2010

I think it depends on two things:

1. the market you are applying in. if there aren't any jobs, there aren't any jobs, period. no BSN will help in that situation.

2. the education and past experiences of the person hiring you. if that person got a BSN and hasn't had any major bad experiences with BSN nurses, or exemplary experiences with ADN nurses, I'd bet that person WOULD hire a BSN first.

oh yeah, one more:

3. the reputation of the nursing school you attend. this says more than you know!

I chose to get my BSN. I have a job (with NO previous experience), and I haven't been out of school long enough to even get permission to take state boards. It's not your degree, sorry, it's the connections you've made to get the interview, and your interviewing skill to get the job.

Good luck!