Question about career change...

nursemike, ASN, RN · Jul 7, 2005

Generally, an ADN plus a non-nursing bachelors does not equal a BSN. He'll have the same options as any other ADN, but fewer than BSNs in some venues. My hospital, for example, requires at least a BSN for management positions, and really prefers a masters, although not necessarily an MSN. A BSN/MBA would be a good degree path for management.

There is more to the difference between an ADN and a BSN than English Lit. Bachelor programs in my area include classes in advanced assessment and other skills, the value of which I consider unquestionable. Other courses like community nursing and leadership may be questionable--some find them useful, and some don't. There are also those who argue that the extra liberal arts courses are also very important. I'm not one of them, though. I consider being well read a pastime.

I've been told by a few BSNs that it's pretty much a waste of time, if you don't plan to get into management. I plan to go for one, anyway. I'm not dissatisfied with my associates degree, but I do want to learn more.

Your friend's bachelor does have one advantage. He might be able to get into an accelerated BSN or RN-MSN program. If I understand correctly, some schools will accept an RN license and a bachelors degree as qualification to pursue an MSN.

MaleRN2007 · Jul 7, 2005

Generally, an ADN plus a non-nursing bachelors does not equal a BSN. He'll have the same options as any other ADN, but fewer than BSNs in some venues. My hospital, for example, requires at least a BSN for management positions, and really prefers a masters, although not necessarily an MSN. A BSN/MBA would be a good degree path for management.
There is more to the difference between an ADN and a BSN than English Lit. Bachelor programs in my area include classes in advanced assessment and other skills, the value of which I consider unquestionable. Other courses like community nursing and leadership may be questionable--some find them useful, and some don't. There are also those who argue that the extra liberal arts courses are also very important. I'm not one of them, though. I consider being well read a pastime.
I've been told by a few BSNs that it's pretty much a waste of time, if you don't plan to get into management. I plan to go for one, anyway. I'm not dissatisfied with my associates degree, but I do want to learn more.
Your friend's bachelor does have one advantage. He might be able to get into an accelerated BSN or RN-MSN program. If I understand correctly, some schools will accept an RN license and a bachelors degree as qualification to pursue an MSN.

That's great. Thanks for the reply. My friend wants to be a nurse practitioner eventually, so he definitely will go the BSN/MSN route.

live4today, RN · Jul 7, 2005

My youngest daughter recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Social Psychology. Before she graduated, she met with many academic counselors specifically to ask them if she wanted to become a nurse, what would she have to do now that she was about to graduate with "said degree". She was told all she needed to do was one year in the accelerated BSN program to get her nursing, and sit for boards. It may have a lot to do with what courses you already have under your belt, because she has plenty of the required sciences and then some. She is now thinking of getting her masters degree in health management so she can be a hospital ceo.