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?
Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatric, Behavioral Health.
I agree with everyone. In most all states, a Generic (AD, Diploma, BSN) RN is an RN. Employers can prefer one over the other, but most now just want to fill their RN slots that are open. You mentioned some exceptions to the rule, flight nurse and military. I believe pharmaceutical sales also prefer a BSN. Nursing instructors may be required to have it as a minimum. Again, there are always exceptions to the general rule.
Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatric, Behavioral Health.
I agree with everyone. In most all states, a Generic (AD, Diploma, BSN) RN is an RN. Employers can prefer one over the other, but most now just want to fill their RN slots that are open. You mentioned some exceptions to the rule, flight nurse and military. I believe pharmaceutical sales also prefer a BSN. Nursing instructors may be required to have it as a minimum. Again, there are always exceptions to the general rule.
From the ads I have seen listing positions, pharmaceutical sales require a bachelor's degree and an RN (it can be a BA in underwater basket weaving with a diploma or associates in nursing, but they want the bachelor's degree level of education). Military also requires Bachelors - that one might actually have to be in nursing to function as a military nurse at the officer level, but I am not sure on that one. Had not heard anything like that about flight nurse, so not can't help you there.
From the ads I have seen listing positions, pharmaceutical sales require a bachelor's degree and an RN (it can be a BA in underwater basket weaving with a diploma or associates in nursing, but they want the bachelor's degree level of education). Military also requires Bachelors - that one might actually have to be in nursing to function as a military nurse at the officer level, but I am not sure on that one. Had not heard anything like that about flight nurse, so not can't help you there.
Not all flight nurses have to have a BSN. But some programs are very competitive, so it wouldn't hurt. As someone else said, other advanced certs and ICU/ER experience is usually needed.
Not all flight nurses have to have a BSN. But some programs are very competitive, so it wouldn't hurt. As someone else said, other advanced certs and ICU/ER experience is usually needed.
My community health RN job required a BSN. Public health nurses in my state also have a BSN. Please note there is a difference between a BSN and a BA in Health Arts. I have several very unhappy friends who got the latter thinking it would substitute for the former.
My community health RN job required a BSN. Public health nurses in my state also have a BSN. Please note there is a difference between a BSN and a BA in Health Arts. I have several very unhappy friends who got the latter thinking it would substitute for the former.
My community health RN job required a BSN. Public health nurses in my state also have a BSN. Please note there is a difference between a BSN and a BA in Health Arts. I have several very unhappy friends who got the latter thinking it would substitute for the former.
To "co-sign" on the above post: In California, in order to obtain your Public Health Nurse Certification, you must have your BSN.
I've often thought about getting some other sort of four year/advanced degree rather than an advanced nursing degree. However, the career paths that I want available to me require the actual advanced NURSING degrees (in addition to whatever 'side' degree I want).
Thunderwolf, MSN, RN
3 Articles; 6,621 Posts
I agree with everyone. In most all states, a Generic (AD, Diploma, BSN) RN is an RN. Employers can prefer one over the other, but most now just want to fill their RN slots that are open. You mentioned some exceptions to the rule, flight nurse and military. I believe pharmaceutical sales also prefer a BSN. Nursing instructors may be required to have it as a minimum. Again, there are always exceptions to the general rule.