R.N. debating to pursue BSN

Ella26, BSN, RN · Oct 29, 2019

Hey there,

I too, was hesitant about wanting to get my BSN and I didn’t necessarily want to stay in a leadership role. But, I knew down the line it would open more potential doors than an ADN would. So I went for it.

I am no longer in leadership (I was a private clinic nursing supervisor at the time, now just a staff nurse at a different clinic in a different state), but, I do feel good about my future prospects. It’s like extra security in a way. Not necessarily vital, but, can help give you an edge in an otherwise pretty competitive market.

Now... you are right that it will be costly, but, you can do it reasonably. Perhaps, your job has tuition assistance?... You can try applying for scholarships. As a single mom in college, there may be some help for you...

Something to think about as well, some places pay same for ADN and BSN. So, some people don’t feel it’s financially worth it. Especially if you like your job and don’t plan on leaving, have good benefits and pay, why go into more debt?...

And the “research papers “ yes, there are definitely tons of papers involved. Your mental laziness is warranted. It will be mentally exhausting. Prepare yourself!

Lastly, I’d like to note it was not just a professional goal, but, a personal goal of mine as I was the first one in my family to get a bachelors degree! I wanted to make myself and my family proud!

Some food for thought. Good luck on your decision.

Katie82, RN · Oct 30, 2019

I remember when I graduated from school 30 years ago, we were encouraged to get a BSN as soon as possible because the NLN will not rest until every nurse has a 4-year degree. I see that trending now. As more and more hospitals achieve Magnet status, nurses with 2-year degrees will be harder to place. So at my fifteen year point, I went looking for a BSN Program. After comparing curriculums, I just decided that I could not waste my time and money on a program that would probably teach me nothing I didn't already know. So I found a program that helped healthcare professionals "broaden their horizons". Ended up with a BBA in Healthcare Administration, and a MBA in Healthcare Management. Have never regretted it. Has given me the edge on a couple of really interesting jobs, and I really enjoyed the journey.

beekee · Oct 30, 2019

Take a look at WGU. It’s affordable, all online. self-paced and all pass/fail. If you are self-motivated, it’s a good option. If you are a procrastinator, it may not be a good option for you. I finished my BSN in one term, for about $3500. You pay per term, not per class.

ertoclinics · Oct 30, 2019

I debating for a while and decided it was not worth the money for me. We are already paying my husband's student loan debt off and will be for a long time. There will be no pay increase for me. It would get me back in the hospital, but right now I am off on disability and my doctor would not sign me off to going back to school anyway. Plus, this maybe a permanent thing. If you're young, I would go for it.

Martinezrn84, ADN, RN · Oct 30, 2019

1 hour ago, Katie82 said:
I remember when I graduated from school 30 years ago, we were encouraged to get a BSN as soon as possible because the NLN will not rest until every nurse has a 4-year degree. I see that trending now. As more and more hospitals achieve Magnet status, nurses with 2-year degrees will be harder to place. So at my fifteen year point, I went looking for a BSN Program. After comparing curriculums, I just decided that I could not waste my time and money on a program that would probably teach me nothing I didn't already know. So I found a program that helped healthcare professionals "broaden their horizons". Ended up with a BBA in Healthcare Administration, and a MBA in Healthcare Management. Have never regretted it. Has given me the edge on a couple of really interesting jobs, and I really enjoyed the journey.

Quote
Thank you so much for your feedback, what program did you do for Healthcare Admin?

jinct · Oct 30, 2019

Only do it if it is part of your personal or career goals. Personally, I don't find any additional value in the BSN, but I am still paying off the student debt!

nfahren05 · Oct 30, 2019

I would consider it, but I would also not spend a great deal of money on it. There are a lot of for-profit schools out there offering programs at top dollar, but it's hard to get a return on investment for the BSN (particularly for those who already have a non-nursing bachelor's degree as I did.) If your plan is for community health care, however, it may be worth it since many public health programs do want BSN's because ADN programs often don't teach that content and their graduates haven't had community health clinical experiences. Look around for local state university programs that offer online RN to BSN programs. I had to wait a couple of years until our local school offered this since when I first considered this option the only state school that did was over 100 miles away, but it wasn't long before several nearby schools joined in. I had to take one prerequisite chemistry class before I could start the nursing classes, but after that it was all online until the last semester, and I was able to fufill the clinical component at my local hospital. I can't say that my career has taken off since completing the program, but I no longer have to apologize for not having the BSN credential, and since I did it at a public university, my student loan debt is very minimal.

Jedrnurse, BSN, RN · Oct 30, 2019

There are a lot of jobs (in all industries) that require a minimum of a BA/BS to be considered for, period. For example, I interviewed years ago for a paralegal position in a big law firm, thinking that my nursing license would make me an attractive candidate for medical law areas. Unfortunately, they didn't hire anyone without a 4 yr degree. It could have been in Ancient Roman Poetry, but they wanted that degree.

And that's if you ever want to leave nursing.

As an RN, getting a BSN through one of the many RN to BSN programs available would probably be the fastest and least expensive ways for you to get that bachelor's degree. I say go for it. Research the many options out there, and don't overpay. (Needless to say, it will open doors for you as a nurse.)

Martinezrn84, ADN, RN · Oct 30, 2019

4 minutes ago, Jedrnurse said:
There are a lot of jobs (in all industries) that require a minimum of a BA/BS to be considered for, period. For example, I interviewed years ago for a paralegal position in a big law firm, thinking that my nursing license would make me an attractive candidate for medical law areas. Unfortunately, they didn't hire anyone without a 4 yr degree. It could have been in Ancient Roman Poetry, but they wanted that degree.
And that's if you ever want to leave nursing.
As an RN, getting a BSN through one of the many RN to BSN programs available would probably be the fastest and least expensive ways for you to get that bachelor's degree. I say go for it. Research the many options out there, and don't overpay. (Needless to say, it will open doors for you as a nurse.)

That’s pretty funny, Ancient Rome poetry! ?
You definitely have a point. Thank you for your advice I really appreciate it.

Hoosier_RN, MSN · Oct 30, 2019

8 hours ago, beekee said:
Take a look at WGU. It’s affordable, all online. self-paced and all pass/fail. If you are self-motivated, it’s a good option. If you are a procrastinator, it may not be a good option for you. I finished my BSN in one term, for about $3500. You pay per term, not per class.

Exactly what I was going to recommend

MrNurse(x2), ADN · Oct 30, 2019

It is very hard to switch jobs without a BSN. I am in my 50's and will be pursuing my BSN for my "retirement" job. You could cruise in your current position for the next 30+ years, or bite the bullet. I come from the era of being told we would be "grandfathered" in, yeah, right. The professionalizing of nursing has been a mixed bag of blessings and curses, but I don't think it is going to change. Take the plunge and get used to the water.