RN-BSN, or RN-MSN??

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Hello-

I am a registered nurse(ADN), but also have a bachelors degree in psychology. I am looking to going back to school. My question: is there a benefit to getting a BSN? There are bridge programs RN-MSN for people who hold a bachelors in another field. Thank you!

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I have an associate's too and have been struggling with this as well. Most of the RN-MSN programs do not offer a BSN... this is not a problem if you finish. If you don't finish, or quit part way through you are back to just having your RN. I have chosen an RN-MSN program for NP and it does not offer a BSN. This saves a lot of money because it cuts down on a lot of courses I would have to take if I did my BSN first. I have no desire to get my BSN to have my BSN. It would merely be a stepping stone to the MSN. If you can get through the whole program without having to quit, this would a great option. But if you anticipate something like having a baby or what not during the program, you may be better off getting the BSN. There are also some RN-MSN programs that do award a BSN as well... I have no reason why I would need to quit, and if something were to happen, I have looked at their LOA policy and it satisfied me, so once I do it, I am going all the way. That was another benefit to the RN-MSN... by not getting my BSN first, I don't have the chance to "take a break" and then have it be years down the road before I actually go on to graduate school.

It is purely a personal choice, but if MSN is your goal, go for it! Don't waste the time on your BSN.

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