R.N. debating to pursue BSN

[Martinezrn84]

Hello, I have been stuck and stagnant in my nursing career/future. I’m 35. Single mom of 1 daughter. I have an ADN degree and currently work in the OR at a surgery center. I tried med/surg and OR in the hospital and it was a lions den! So my dilemma is: I do not want to be in management, but I do want to help patients especially underserved patients, like community outreach or something similar; and I really like computers.( I’m a tech-y) I have been putting off getting my BSN because of money and not having the desire to write a bunch of papers again ;(. I know maybe I’m being mentally lazy, but I don’t know what to do!!

I really admire the nurses that reply to these threads because you all have such amazing wisdom and great advice! Thank you

[CommunityRNBSN, BSN, RN]

I work in community health (most definitely with an underserved population, as you mentioned). They pay all the RNs the same, whether we have a BSN or not. I loved my BSN program, but that because I love school. If you aren’t feeling it, and can’t get excited about studying and papers and tests, I don’t think you need to force yourself to do it. Just my two cents.

[vampiregirl, BSN, RN]

I completed my BSN a couple of years ago at local private college. It was actually less expensive compared to other programs I looked at. It was designed for working adults and very organized. I think I learned as much from my cohort as I did from the courses themselves. And most of our projects, papers etc allowed me to delve deeper into topics relevant to my area of practice. I also found the research class very beneficial (but I love EBP anyways). No regrets here about getting my BSN.

[Nigelene]

On 10/30/2019 at 6:52 AM, 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.)

??at "ancient Roman poetry "

So true tho