Can an ADN become a charge nurse?

roser13, ASN, RN · Apr 22, 2016

3 out of 4 of my managers in a very successful organization are ADN's.

Do AANC recommendations carry any actual weight?

Read around here. There are new grad ADN's bring offered DON roles. Not that that is a bright idea, just letting you know that it's done.

Boomer MS, RN · Apr 22, 2016

I know this is a common discussion but I'm just curious about a few things with ADN vs BSN. Can an ADN become a charge nurse or do they usually pick a BSN for that position? Also, I've heard of ADN's becoming nurse managers but I thought in 2011 the AANC required nurse managers to have at least a BSN? If that's the case, then why is an ADN being hired as a nurse manager? I'm not trying to bash anyone because at the end of the day ADN and BSN are both nurses but I thought to be in management you needed a higher degree?

In my experience, I have seen ADN prepared nurses who are hired as managers and/or assume the charge nurse assignment. You may be referring to the recommendation that all RNs have a BSN by 2020, I believe. I applaud that, but there are numerous experienced, gifted ADNs with a huge body of knowledge. Some facilities do require a BSN or higher to be hired as a manger, but that is not true at every institution.

Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN · Apr 22, 2016

They'll put you in charge before you can even figure out where the saline flushes are.

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Apr 22, 2016

Charge nurses can be an ADN. In all honesty, our hospital used to put titles on the charts and stuff like that. However, I can care less since I get paid the same whether I am an ADN, BSN, or if I finish my MSN. It is almost confusing for patients to see me with two RN badges on (each facility I work in a different RN badge so I technically have 3) let alone the additional letters after my name.

Also, they usually look at experience at the facility. Although one day it was between me and this other girl so we both were like, "nooope. You're it." Luckily someone else showed up.

llg, PhD, RN · Apr 25, 2016

It depends on the facility and the region of the country.

In some places, the job requirement in "RN" regardless of the level of education. But in other places (particularly in tertiary care centers), most jobs require at least a "BSN."

At my hospital, a tertiary care children's hospital, all new grads must have a BSN or be currently enrolled in a BSN program. We will hire ADN nurses, but only if they already have relevant job experience. Managers must have Master's Degrees or be in school actively pursuing one. BSN's are strongly preferred as preceptors and charge nurses, but experienced ADN's are sometimes allowed to fulfill these roles, depending on the specifics.

If you are trying to make a decision for yourself ... you need to explore the types of jobs available for ADN's in your area. Are those the types of jobs you want?

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Apr 25, 2016

Each organization establishes its own rules about qualifications needed for various jobs. In my organization, an MSN is required for all nurse "management" jobs - but this may not be the case in others. Check with your HR department - they should be able to fill you in.

madsfabs · Apr 25, 2016

I want to go on for my masters eventually! My dream is to be in a Level I Trauma hospital like MCV in Richmond, Va. There are ADN jobs available in my area but they are also having to sign contracts agreeing that in a couple years they have to go back & get their BSN in order to keep their job. I don't know what I want to do with an MSN whether I want to be Nurse Manager or Nurse Practitioner or CRNA. I like the Chief Nurse Executive/Chief Nursing officer position but thats with many many many years of experience & probably higher than an MSN degree

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Apr 25, 2016

Can an ADN become a charge nurse or do they usually pick a BSN for that position?

I've worked as a charge nurse and house supervisor with an ADN degree. I've had colleagues who worked as assistant directors of nursing and unit managers in the post-acute setting even though they were LPNs, not RNs.

Also, I've heard of ADN's becoming nurse managers but I thought in 2011 the AANC required nurse managers to have at least a BSN? If that's the case, then why is an ADN being hired as a nurse manager?

The AANC can only make recommendations; however, the AANC cannot require or mandate that any company make any changes with regards to whom they hire.

The AANC does not write laws or make rules regarding nurses' required educational attainment. Always remember that they can only provide recommendations, and that's about it. Whether hospitals and other corporations opt to adhere to these recommendations is another story altogether.

elkpark · Apr 25, 2016

What's this "AANC" everyone's talking about? I'm familiar with the AACN and the ANCC (two entirely different organizations), but have never heard of the AANC. Am I missing something here? (And I try so hard to keep up ... :))

CowboyMedic, DNP, APRN, CRNA · Apr 27, 2016

I was training for charge nurse while I was in orientation. It is a very small unit with just 6 pts. 3 to 1 load with a tech. I step down from that role because of school but still do it part time when needed. Been an ADN RN for just over 10 months.

cecile9155, BSN, RN · Apr 27, 2016

Depends on your facility. I got a charge nurse position as a new grad ADN but all nurses at each station are called charge nurses where I work.