"Don't waste your time getting your BSN..."

Mamanurse62 · Jan 9, 2008

True, I did the transition program for LPNs the want their RNs I also had to re do some prereqs because mine were too old though to transfer. I finished those and then the nursing courses had to be finished in 5 semesters, but with the other stuff it took me a total of 7 semesters. They still call the associate a "2 year degree" as compared to the BSN, which is typically a "4 year degree", which is not offered where I went to school. I am in SC.

scooterRN52 · Jan 10, 2008

True, I did the transition program for LPNs the want their RNs I also had to re do some prereqs because mine were too old though to transfer. I finished those and then the nursing courses had to be finished in 5 semesters, but with the other stuff it took me a total of 7 semesters. They still call the associate a "2 year degree" as compared to the BSN, which is typically a "4 year degree", which is not offered where I went to school. I am in SC.

I am now looking into an RN to MSN program so I can teach in a few years. I am 57 years old soon to be 58, I think I should have done this sooner but I was working fulltime like I am now. I also havea mortgage on a house, so I'm not looking to retire.:redpinkhe

Mamanurse62 · Jan 10, 2008

Scooter, I am considering the same, I hope to be able to teach, because I can't plan to retire either, I am 45 about to be 46. I am just finished with my ADN, and plan to start work on my BSN. I have heard of a program that lets you go from RN to MSN with out the BSN if you plan to teach and most of it can be done on line.

scooterRN52 · Jan 10, 2008

Scooter, I am considering the same, I hope to be able to teach, because I can't plan to retire either, I am 45 about to be 46. I am just finished with my ADN, and plan to start work on my BSN. I have heard of a program that lets you go from RN to MSN with out the BSN if you plan to teach and most of it can be done on line.

You are smart starting your education now, I am looking into a program That will

goright from RN ADN to an MSN in 3.5 years and I can do it online. I will betalking to them this coming Monday.:redpinkhe

nursebadkittyRN · Jan 10, 2008

I think the RN to MSN is an awesome idea. I graduate from RN school in may and plan on getting my MSN, bypassing the BSN. My mom has her BSN...so not worth it, she said she wished they would have had the RN/MSN program when she was ready to go back..I'm actually wanting to get my NP, so this is a good way to start.

scooterRN52 · Jan 12, 2008

I say go for it, this country and our society are all about education. If you can't fight them, join them.

klmRN234 · Jan 13, 2008

If you're able to get your BSN (either 1st or after the ADN) I would say go for it. You certainly won't reqret it! I got my ADN first, then went back to school for my BSN. I'm really not sure if I'm paid more than an ADN grad, but for me-I'm just really proud that I have a bachelor's degree. I always felt that I had to apologize for only having an Associate's Degree. I was really tired of the old ADN vs BSN comparison. :uhoh3: P.S. Excelsior's online RN-BSN program is excellent!

mrsabc · Jan 15, 2008

Sorry to just jump in the conversation but I wanted to ask your advice. I won't be able to start nursing school until the fall of 08 or fall of 09, however, I already have a BS in interdisciplinary studies and teach middle school right now. I'm getting married and don't want to start nursing school until after the wedding. My question is this. I was recommended by my admissions counselor at a major online school here in houston to get my MSN now, and then when I go back for my RN ADN I'll already have my MSN. It just seems weird to me to get the MSN before the ADN. What do you think?

Mamanurse62 · Jan 15, 2008

I think you should speak with a Nursing advisor at the school you plan to attend and see what theY

Farmer Jane · Jan 15, 2008

Sorry to just jump in the conversation but I wanted to ask your advice. I won't be able to start nursing school until the fall of 08 or fall of 09, however, I already have a BS in interdisciplinary studies and teach middle school right now. I'm getting married and don't want to start nursing school until after the wedding. My question is this. I was recommended by my admissions counselor at a major online school here in houston to get my MSN now, and then when I go back for my RN ADN I'll already have my MSN. It just seems weird to me to get the MSN before the ADN. What do you think?

Hmmm... that doesn't really make sense. An MSN is "Master of Science in Nursing." It is impossible to earn an MSN before becoming a nurse. There are, however, accelerated programs that allow people with a previous bachelor's degree to quickly earn a BSN and progress directly to an MSN. Perhaps that is what your counselor meant.

Farmer Jane · Jan 16, 2008

Anyway, hello all. I'm new to the boards. There are so many interesting points in this conversation. I am an ADN RN, and I think BSN should be the entry level for practice. Why? As has been said before, it has nothing to do with the skill level of individual nurses but rather what we want for the profession as a whole. Not only that, I think the current BSN programs need to be ramped up to mandate more sciences. While I do not think conversion to BSN only will solve all problems within our profession, it would certainly be a step in the right direction.

Again, this has NOTHING to do with the abilities of ADN or Diploma nurses, and honestly I think the reason many are so opposed is because an unfortunately large number of our nursing leaders and those in academia have chosen to make this issue ADN vs. BSN rather than focusing on elevating the profession. When the vast majority of nurses feel dismissed and insulted by their supposed leaders, those very leaders are unreasonable to expect support from the masses.

We should look no further than our fellow health care professions such as pharmacists and physical therapists as examples. They have elevated the educational level of their profession and been successful. We can do the same. Note a very important difference, though: When the leadership of PTs and pharmacists were promoting their doctorates, did they say that BS or MS educated PTs were not "real" PTs? No, of course not. Did they insult 70% of their profession's members by calling them "technicians" rather than professionals? Did they publish a poorly done, bogus study about the dangers of being cared for by a non-doctorate PT or RPh? No and no.

Those professions understood that it is impossible to elevate a profession by insulting and disparaging one's own members. It is a disgusting and childish practice, in my opinion, and benefits no one. There is absolutely no excuse for how our leadership has behaved. Frankly, they have made me far more ashamed of my beloved profession than the educational level of my peers. Do we think other professions and the public don't see this behavior? Do we really think that leadership calling 70% of us mere "technicians" elevates us in the eyes of physicians? Do we think that the "study" showing the dangers of said 70% was comforting to the public who depends upon us for care? And finally, how can we possibly expect that 70% to ever get on board with the BSN-as-entry proposal if the arguments continue to be based on insults and put-downs? If we wish to elevate our profession we need to do it together.

ZASHAGALKA, RN · Jan 16, 2008

How did I never get around to posting in this thread? Amazing!

If the programs and the marketplace made it worth the time, then it wouldn't be a waste of time. PAY me for it, and I'll get it. Until then . . . I do just fine without those initials after the initials after my name.

~faith,

Timothy.