Who really wants BSN degrees?

Nursing Students ADN/BSN

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Hello. I'm starting nursing school in January. I'm currently taking a Chemistry class that I thought I might need in case I didn't get in to a school, but I did. So I'm thinking of dropping the course because it's so much work, (and I hate it) and I really don't need it UNLESS I want to get my BSN someday. When I start nursing school I'll be 48, so I want to get my ADN and start working as an RN as soon as possible. I really can't see going back to get my BSN and spending another couple of years in school and however much money. Even with the BA I already have, it's a couple more years. But, I keep seeing "they want BSN" degrees here and there so I can't help but think, god forbid, I might end up needing it. I know once I finish nursing school I will be over school. Soooooo, I'm wondering who is it, or is there any one particular organization that is leaning towards BSN's only? I'm really hoping that (only) having an ADN (and a BA, if anyone cares) won't limit my job opportunities too much. Especially since I've learned on this website that they seem to make the same as ADN's across the board. And by the way, I'm in Los Angeles. I appreciate any thoughts!

Specializes in Trauma, Orthopedics.

If you're in Los Angeles, it will be rough, rough days without a BSN, or so it seems from the hundreds of posts about it on here already. Hell, even the BSN new grads can barely get a job there.

I'm in Connecticut and it is very difficult to find a job without a BSN. Most places I have applied say "BSN preferred" and some even require an associates applicant to be enrolled in an RN-bsn program to even be considered.

Specializes in ED RN, PEDS RN, IV NURSE.

I start my BSN in January.

That being said I have yet to have an issue with my ADN. I am, however, not considered for my "dream hospital" but aside from that, I work in a pretty awesome hospital in the ER and before that I worked Peds. I have only had one hospital job, but in my job search to get in, having no BsN wasn't necessary a hinderance. Just for my dream hospital. If you can spare the time and energy? Go for your BSN.

I live in florida.

I'm in your area and have an Associate's. I find that my options are/were limited, though- even with a few years of experience (in another city). I would not want to be a new grad in this market with any degree, but especially not with an Associate's.

You're already in the class. Finish it. You won't find any more useful thing to do while you wait to start school. And you may find that if you get a job in a hospital, they will help you pay for your RN-BSN. If you don't find a job, many ADN nurses seem to be filling the time by getting the BSN while job hunting.

If you already have a BA, and it will only be a couple more years, then I would go for it.

It is a really tough market, even tougher without a BSN.

I live in Cleveland where we have three excellent hospital systems. Two of them require obtaining BSN within 5 years as a condition of employing an ADN nurse. The other system only hires BSN no if, ands, or buts. Even aids working there who graduate with an ADN must seek employment elsewhere.

Specializes in NICU.

Since you already have a BA degree, why not apply for Accelerated BSN programs? You could get your BSN in the same time it takes for an ASN.

Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

An RN-BSN program won't be a couple more years. You can easily finish your BSN in a year through several different online programs, most of which are well under $10,000.

Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I think some of it will depend on your area's market and your aspirations. If I had wanted to remain a floor nurse in my area there is no way it would have paid to get my BSN. I got $1 an hour raise, whoopee. Jobs definitely won't be as plentiful but if you are ok with that then I don't necessarily see the need to spend more time and money on school. If I were in a hospital that at some point required I get my BSN and I really wanted to remain there I might consider taking a course each year or whatever just to shut them up if they were paying.

I like that you are being realistic about your age and career longevity as you consider this decision. I see too many people who seem to think it is realistic to continue nursing into their late 60s-70s. Not that there aren't a few who are still able and competent but not many in my experience. Good luck!

As a new nurse you really do need the BSN. What Guy in Babyland said, go for accelerated. Good luck.

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