tnel89

This is absolutely true. For CRNA school and NP school (not sure about other APRN fields or degree programs) you must have a BSN first, as well as the other criteria previously mentioned by Rocknurse.

I agree with the accelerated BSN program. Since you have a BA you would certainly qualify for it, it's just a matter of getting accepted into it. As far as graduate programs, I don't think they would look down on you at all for transitioning from ASN to BSN. In my opinion, that move proves that you're willing to better yourself and further your education. I will tell you that it may be very difficult to get a job into ICU as a new graduate ASN nurse. I worked in a very busy ICU in Atlanta as a new graduate (BSN) and there were quite a few ASN/ADN nurses, but they all had a lot of experience (15+ years). I can't speak about med-surg floors as I've never worked outside of ICU. As previously posted, it's all about the job market in your area. Some hospitals don't necessarily care about your degree, rather your understanding of what it takes to care for a high-acuity patient.

Oh ok, I'm sorry I misunderstood what you were saying... To a certain degree, this is true. In my opinion, it may be more challenging to find a hospital job as an ASN nurse, only because a lot of major hospitals are now striving for the Magnet status. With that said, there is still a nursing shortage in the Atlanta area, are there are a whole lot of hospitals, medical offices, urgent care facilities, etc. that would still consider hiring you with an associate's degree (especially if you told them, or could prove to them that you were going to be getting a bachelor's in the near future). It may narrow your window of opportunities, but it certainly won't close it. If you get into the BSN program, that's awesome. If not, complete your ASN and start applying for jobs. Take whatever you can get to gain experience while you complete your BSN. From there, the opportunities are endless and you'll pretty much be able to work wherever you want.

It depends on what type of student you are. In my BSN program, nobody finished with a 4.0. We had a few students finish with a 3.9 or higher but realistically I'd say that the majority of my class was in the 3.0 to 3.5 range. I would also tell you that going back to graduate school is certainly not all about undergraduate GPA. Maximize your opportunities (and your resume) by volunteering in the community and by participating in clubs/organizations while in school. Also, experience matters. My graduate school looked at my experience and overall knowledge (in my interview) more than my undergraduate grades.

Hi, I can tell you, that's not the case at all! Go for it and get your BSN. I worked at Emory for three years and I can tell you from experience that they hire mostly BSN nurses due to their Magnet status (a certain percentage of their nurses must hold a BSN). Also, at places like Emory (and many other major healthcare systems), they will help pay for your BSN if you are already employed and working with an associate's degree. As far as the job market in Atlanta, there are NUMEROUS hospitals in and around the Atlanta area. As a new graduate (with a BSN), I had three job offers within 1 month of passing NCLEX. Also, I was stubborn because I only wanted to work in an ICU setting. If you open yourself up to working anywhere or on any floor, you will have numerous opportunities in and around Atlanta. Good luck with everything! Don't let the opinion of one person get you down. As I said, there are a ton of hospitals and job opportunities for nurses in that area.