Non-nursing B.S. what's my move B.S.N or ADN??

Tinker · Oct 6, 2003

I went to Columbia University's second degree program (ETP) last year. It only takes a year - which is a plus. The downside is thatit is expensive and I did not feel we got enough practical nursing experience . I have since made up for that in my current job, but it was a stressful initiation into nursing. Even so, I am glad for the time that I saved.

wayover20 · Oct 6, 2003

Hello. I am an ADN RN with 13yrs emergency room experience and previous 15yrs as an LVN also in the ed. There are about 45 RN's on our staff of which approx. half are BSN's (seems to be the newer nurses), and 20 are Diploma or ADN's and then about 3 MSN's. We all do the very same thing!! There is a whopping $50.00/mo extra if you have a BSN and 100.00 for MSN. Our director has a BSN. (Yes a BSN not MSN....nobody else wants the job). If you're sights are set on the management/administrative aspects of healthcare, a BSN will most likely be the minimum you'll need. But if you want to work in the trenches with the rest of us, at least here in San Antonio, we all work alongside each other no matter what degree you hold. I personally went the cheaper, faster route cuz I had to finish school quick to support the family. If you have the time (and finances), go for the BSN if it's a personal goal.

The powers that be have yet to require that BSN be the minimal standard for RN's to be considered a "professional"....too many other issues more relevant I guess. I believe we are all professionals considering the care we administer to people who's lives depend on NURSES when they're ill. Remember, without a nurse the doctor is useless. Whatever you decide, do it fast.....we need you out here!

lulu4 · Oct 6, 2003

Thanks for your input Tinker and wayover20, much appreciated. I know I'll have to way out the pro/cons and if am able to financially do an accelerated BSN program vs and ADN ...BUT really...is there is a big difference between a BSN and already having a B.S. although it's not in nursing??

wayover20 · Oct 6, 2003

You're welcome. There is a difference in the two degrees as far as Nursing does not recognize any other than LPN/LVN, ADN, BSN, MSN, and other advanced degrees in nursing. A BS in Kinesiology has encompassed many of the courses required towards a nursing degree, but alot of others courses geared specifically for the Nursing are left to complete. But a BS does not translate into a BSN in any way. Good Luck!

KristinWW · Oct 6, 2003

Believe me, I've researched that same question as I was in the same situation. There are programs which will go BS to MSN, but I haven't found anything anywhere in which a BS + ADN equals a BSN.

Just curious, with your kinesiology did you consider MS in PT?

Quickbeam, BSN, RN · Oct 6, 2003

Yes there is a difference between a BS (non-nursing) and a BSN. I have both.

I'd encourage anyone interested in nursing today to consider a BSN. Many jobs other than hospital nursing require a BSN. A lot of those jobs are ones you might want after your joints wear out...they tend to be the sedentary desk jobs, planners, consultants...with good hours and no weekends.

I always recommend a BSN because although it might not make any difference at the hospital level, you do want to have some career flexibility as you get older.

Nurse Ratched, RN · Oct 6, 2003

I had a previous unrelated BS and went on to get my BSN - and found out after I was hired for my current job - my dream job - that I wouldn't have been considered for it without the BSN despite my other degrees.

Some positions are just like that. If you've got the time and $, I'd encourage you to go for the BSN. As always, this is not to put down ADN's. My brother is a diploma nurse and is in a managerial position, so it's not out of the question to advance without benefit of the BSN, just becoming more rare IMO.

sjoe · Oct 6, 2003

Do a fast-track BSN program. It will be quicker than many ADNs anyway.

NursePru · Oct 6, 2003

Not married and no kids... I had the same exact dilemma. If you think that you are going to want to go back for your BSN at all in the future, you may as well do it now. Thats what I have finally decided on. It has to be difficult to go back when you have a family...

Quickbeam, BSN, RN · Oct 6, 2003

I should have added more to my earlier post. I had a non-nursing BS and was changing careers. It WAS actually faster for me to go through an accelerated BSN program than to go through an ADN program. It was expensive but being self supporting, the opportunity costs to me for another year not working was too high. I have absolutely no regrets. The BSN has opened a lot of doors for me. My current job required at least a BSN.

Best wishes in your decision!

maggiesma · Oct 6, 2003

Originally posted by sjoe
Do a fast-track BSN program. It will be quicker than many ADNs anyway.

I disagree here....a fast track program usually is for someone who already is an RN...it's fast because there are no clinicals.

I would suggest a BSN program myself....it would open up more opportunites for you. Even though you have the BS degree you will still need the clinical education in nursing. An ADN program will give you very good clinical experience, but many positions will only look at a BSN.