question about ba vs. diploma restrictions

RNIT, MSN, RN · Oct 12, 2004

I am in a diploma program currently and I am wondering what i will not be able to do as an RN. I have heard various things from various sources and i am hoping that some people on here might be able to give me a little bit more of a definitive answer. There is an articulation program from my school that i could look into but i really just kinda want to hit the ground running... not keep going to school. I have a lot of credits from before starting this diploma program so i may be able to get the BA quickly but again... how fast is fast enough?

If anyone can help me out please let me know.

Thank you!

Billy

[email protected]

IMustBeCrazy · Oct 12, 2004

Doesn't matter which you graduate with, either Associates/Diploma degree or BSN...all take the same boards for RN.

IMustBeCrazy · Oct 12, 2004

Doesn't matter which you graduate with, either Associates/Diploma degree or BSN...all take the same boards for RN.

RNIT, MSN, RN · Oct 12, 2004

Ok, that is what i have heard a lot of but then i had some doubts because some people told me you had to have a BSN to do Flight Nursing and a couple of specialties like that. I was also told that military nurses have to have a BSN (not that i'm itching to get into the military right now though). Thank you for the reply!

Billy

RNIT, MSN, RN · Oct 12, 2004

Ok, that is what i have heard a lot of but then i had some doubts because some people told me you had to have a BSN to do Flight Nursing and a couple of specialties like that. I was also told that military nurses have to have a BSN (not that i'm itching to get into the military right now though). Thank you for the reply!

Billy

IMustBeCrazy · Oct 12, 2004

There are a few specialties that probably will require an advanced degree and/or certifications, the requirements differ from hospital system to hospital system. I believe where I live not only do flight nurses need BSN status but have CCRN certs among other advanced certs. If you know that flight nursing is something you want to do, check with your local hospitals regarding their specific requirements.

This is an exception to the rule however. In 99% of cases, an RN is an RN.

IMustBeCrazy · Oct 12, 2004

There are a few specialties that probably will require an advanced degree and/or certifications, the requirements differ from hospital system to hospital system. I believe where I live not only do flight nurses need BSN status but have CCRN certs among other advanced certs. If you know that flight nursing is something you want to do, check with your local hospitals regarding their specific requirements.

This is an exception to the rule however. In 99% of cases, an RN is an RN.

ratchit · Oct 12, 2004

You have to complete an accredited educational program to be eligible to take boards. LPNs and RNs have different boards, but diploma, ADN, and BSN grads all take the exact same RN boards and have the exact same RN license. A BSN is not legally allowed to practice any differently than anyone else with an RN license. (The only exception to this that I am aware of is some states require a BSN for school nurses.) The only state that required a BSN was North Dakota- and they not only had a 5 year grace period for non-BSNs who moved to the state but I read a couple months ago that they were at least considering dropping that requirement. They are joining the compact and recognizing licenses from other states that do not require a BSN.

The choice to require a BSN is a choice of an employer- the same as a choice to not hire new grads or to only hire a nurse with certain experience. It is not a legal limitation on your practice, it's an issue of getting someone to hire you. The flight nurse company might require a BSN but they're losing out on some darn good nurses if they do.

I am absolutely NOT reopening the ADN/BSN argument but it boils down to: you can legally practice anywhere you want with an RN license. Some employers will require the BSN for some areas but they have all been known to make exceptions. :) They are not going to hire a new grad to be a flight nurse, though- those nurses have to have years of critical care experience (usually both adult and peds.) If you get your RN another way, you'll have lots of time to get the BSN before you'd be able to get in to flight nursing anyway. And they'll look at your resume a lot more than your degree at that point.

ratchit · Oct 12, 2004

You have to complete an accredited educational program to be eligible to take boards. LPNs and RNs have different boards, but diploma, ADN, and BSN grads all take the exact same RN boards and have the exact same RN license. A BSN is not legally allowed to practice any differently than anyone else with an RN license. (The only exception to this that I am aware of is some states require a BSN for school nurses.) The only state that required a BSN was North Dakota- and they not only had a 5 year grace period for non-BSNs who moved to the state but I read a couple months ago that they were at least considering dropping that requirement. They are joining the compact and recognizing licenses from other states that do not require a BSN.

The choice to require a BSN is a choice of an employer- the same as a choice to not hire new grads or to only hire a nurse with certain experience. It is not a legal limitation on your practice, it's an issue of getting someone to hire you. The flight nurse company might require a BSN but they're losing out on some darn good nurses if they do.

I am absolutely NOT reopening the ADN/BSN argument but it boils down to: you can legally practice anywhere you want with an RN license. Some employers will require the BSN for some areas but they have all been known to make exceptions. :) They are not going to hire a new grad to be a flight nurse, though- those nurses have to have years of critical care experience (usually both adult and peds.) If you get your RN another way, you'll have lots of time to get the BSN before you'd be able to get in to flight nursing anyway. And they'll look at your resume a lot more than your degree at that point.

smk1, LPN · Oct 12, 2004

from what i understand, all Rn's (bsn diploma or ADN) have the same scope of practice (not advanced practice RN's of course), and theoretically can do any RN job, however local preferences/requirements for certain posistions do apply. For instance, in my area, school nurses must have a BSN and community health nurse positions also require a BSN. Certain positions also state a "preference" for BSN. Again though, this is not a licensure restriction, but rather a facility or area policy. Some of you RN's out there correct me if I am wrong.

smk1, LPN · Oct 12, 2004

from what i understand, all Rn's (bsn diploma or ADN) have the same scope of practice (not advanced practice RN's of course), and theoretically can do any RN job, however local preferences/requirements for certain posistions do apply. For instance, in my area, school nurses must have a BSN and community health nurse positions also require a BSN. Certain positions also state a "preference" for BSN. Again though, this is not a licensure restriction, but rather a facility or area policy. Some of you RN's out there correct me if I am wrong.