RN to BSN Is It Worth It?

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Specializes in Maternal Child Health.

Employer adopted the IOM's recommendation on 80% of nurses to have BSN by 2020. I am currently enrolled in a RN to BSN Program, class assignment is to ask an expert a question. So who better than to ask allnurses? Here's my questions:

If I have and continue to educate myself in my chosen field and continue to use evidence based care why do I need to go back to college to get my BSN? Will that really make me a better nurse or asset to my employer? Will it be worth it for me, my employer and ultimately for my patients?

Thanks for any replies in advance.

Teri

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Honestly....... I felt exactly the same when I got my BSN. It was like a repeat of the ADN courses I took. I don't believe at all that a BSN makes you a better nurse. Now, to employers, it looks good to have a BSN. I'm glad you have decided to get that degree, but just for the sake of keeping your job. It'll be worth it for your employer.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Trying to come up with a response that doesn't sound too Orwellian... The significant effects of increasing nursing educational levels were measured at the group/collective level rather than the individual level. It is very difficult to be truly objective about anything that you are personally experiencing because our thought patterns are dependent upon our own 'filters'.

I'm trying to think of an analogy that makes some sense . . . OK. Why do we insist that everyone have a driver's license when it's absolutely true that that piece of paper cannot actually make you a better driver. So, why do we do it? It's because the 'process' itself that is required to get that license not only makes an impact on the individual but it also instills a collective standardization - knowledge & skills that "all licensed drivers" should have.

The primary difference in a BSN curriculum is NOT in the realm of clinical tasks... instead, it is a larger conceptual frame of reference with exposure to more ideas and theories. The additional 'learning work' that it takes to get there also improves the individuals "learning how to learn" skills. When you compare individuals, differences in educational levels are not clearly apparent. But when the comparisons are made at the group or aggregate level, it is measurable.

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

I find the whole process a pain. I am getting ready to start at a second school and am finding the inconsistencies between 2 state schools unfathomable. The requirements are so very different. So is the curriculum. I have just resigned myself that I have to do whatever they say to get this over and done. I have take 2 foreign language courses after taking 2 semesters in my first undergraduate degree. They are no giving me credit for any graduate level course. I have to take 4 non-nursing courses and then they may or may not transfer any the 11 credit hours I have from the previous program. It is all about money. I am so disgusted.

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Specializes in L&D.

Before I started my BSN, I would have said "No, it's not necessary and doesn't make me a better nurse." However, my opinion has recently changed. I received a fantastic ADN education. We use evidenced based practice and are taught how to research. I am very proud of my education. However, I am in my second semester of my BSN program and I feel that I am learning even more regarding research and other ideas. I do feel it is worth it and will help in the long run. Some nurses I work with who have not been exposed to EBP or research tend to be more old school and rely on practices b/c that's the way it's always been done. They are very resistant to change. I think working towards my BSN has allowed me to expand my practice and how I am nursing.(not changing me from a bad nurse to a good nurse...bc I feel I have always been a good nurse(even if a new one), but just changing how I think and perceive nursing care).

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Specializes in Maternal Child Health.

Thank you for everyone who replied to this post. I was very thrilled to get a different perspective and it has helped to reinforce that the decision I made to get my BSN even though I will be close to retiring by the time I'm done was the right one.

I was also thrilled that I got replies, other classmates never received responses to their questions. so THANK YOU !!!!!!

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Specializes in OR.

A lot of the hospitals around me are currently in rounds of "we don't hire ADNs" because of seeking magnet status and other issues. While I'm told it will swing back the other way, I've also been told by every professor I have had in nursing school that the ADN is not to be considered a terminal degree anymore. Your mileage may vary...

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Specializes in geriatrics.

A BSN won't necessarily make you a better nurse because it depends on how you personally apply the knowledge. However, a BSN does make you more employable which is important in the current market. Facilities can afford to be selective, and having a BSN will afford more opportunities.

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