Question for those that hire ...

I have looked into getting a BSN but most colleges will transfer a limited amount of credits and require a certain amount of "residence credits" meaning they will make me retake classes I have already taken, which I was told is a money thing for each college.

It is also a matter of quality control. Otherwise I could hypothetically take a bunch of classes at an inferior college, take the last three hours that I needed at Harvard and claim a Harvard degree. Every college requires a minimum number of credit hours from that institution to get a degree from there.

I am in a situation similar to yours. I have an ADN and a BA in another field of study. I don't qualify for positions that require a BSN.

Unfortunately, in most cases, a BSN is a BSN. Some places of employment may be different as far as hiring for some entry level jobs, but some jobs require BSN, and that is where there would be the sticking point. I hope this answers your question.

I agree with the above replies, and let me say that I am in a similar situation as yourself. I got a BS degree in molecular biology (including tradiotional university classes including: bio, chem, physics, organic chem, genetics, a&p, micro, pharm) and then went back to school for a nursing "certificate" program. I have absolutely NO intention of ever going back for a "BSN". At least here in Connecticut, a BSN does not get any additional pay or recognition. I am however considering going back to school for advance practice in the future, but a BSN is not required. One can simply go on to a masters or doctoral program.

I would apply for jobs that requested a BSN and simply have confidence and try to sell yourself as the best fit for the job. Some institutions will hire you, some may not... More important than your degree is your experience and personality. Good luck to you!

At least here in Connecticut, a BSN does not get any additional pay or recognition.

Depends on where you work. I'm from CT and where I work BSNs do make more. $0.50 more.

I don't know where you live but around here, unless you have a BSN, you won't get much of a job if any at all. I work at 2 hospitals in CT, one in the ED and one in Med/Surg. Both have hired new grads, but they won't even interview someone who doesn't have a BSN. They don't care if you have a Bachelors in something else or not. They either want experienced RNs or RNs with a BSN.

I am in the exact same boat as you. I have a science degree and am pursuing my ADN. I currently work full time and chose the ADN program b/c it was the only one that offered a nights and weekends option. After looking at the RN-BSN programs in my area, it was 3 different classes - Health assesment, evidence-based practice, and community nursing - online!! Really? With all of the other stuff I have under my belt, these 3 classes matter that much?? I could see if they offered a significant amount of clinical experience, but they don't. I too plan to bypass the BSN and go straight for my MSN. I don't need another bachelor's as I have been fully educated from an outstanding university. I can pick up those super important classes on my way to my MSN. Truthfully, I never believed I would have a problem until I started reading these boards. For each person that says you have to have a BSN, there is another right behind him/her saying no you don't. For each person that says ADNs can't get jobs b/c they don't have a BSN, there are loads of ADN's telling you that they aren't having any problems. For each person that says other degrees don't count, someone else is saying yes they do!! I even read a thread where someone said that she works for a hospital that says "BSN only" and the latest group of new hires was composed mostly of ADNs!! Each region, city, hospital, floor, and hiring manager is different. Every single nurse I have talked to both socially and in my clinicals say that this is the same story that has been going back and forth for years and will continue to go back and forth for many years to come!! My ADN program has a 100% NCLEX pass rate whereas the 3 BSN programs here are at 86-90%. I think that speaks volumes, personally. Also, I have met several new grad nurses from my ADN program working at my clinical sites. I have yet to meet any new grad BSNs. I am NOT saying there aren't many out there because I am sure there are plenty, more so even. It just reinforces, to me at least, that there will be opportunities available to me when my time comes!

I think you have to take the path that works best for you and just have faith that everything will work out. I would encourage you to talk with the nurses/nurse managers at your clinical sites. They will have more insight for your area. This may also help you make contacts for the future.

My philosophy is and always will be - take everything you read on the internet with a grain of salt!!

Have you considered the online RN-BSN programs. Most will accept all your credits.

I recruit for temporary rn case managers in Illinois. We are more concerned with the experience than whether they have an ADN or BSN.