RN to BSN timeline

NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Oct 23, 2014

There is absolutely no need whatsoever to wait on work experience especially since many employers are requiring a BSN in order to even be considered.

NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Oct 23, 2014

^Of course, it depends on the area in which you live or work.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Oct 24, 2014

I am an ASN degree holder who started as an LVN. My lack of a BSN degree has not prevented me from job opportunities, but be mindful that I have little to no interest in working at an acute care hospital.

Someone who wants that prestigious job in the NICU, trauma ICU, cardiac cath lab, the ER, or outpatient surgery may wish to earn the BSN degree as soon as possible. On the other hand, those of us who don't mind working in home health, private duty, hospice, group homes, jails, prisons, nursing homes or physical rehabilitation will suffice with ASN degrees for the time being.

rubato, ASN, RN · Oct 25, 2014

I started my job with the promise that I would start my bridge program within a year. So, I started the job in June and will begin school in January.

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · Oct 25, 2014

I graduated in May 2013 with my ADN. In October of that same year I began my RN to BSN.

I can say, many of the hospitals in my area strongly prefer the BSN. Some are willing to hire ADNs with the stipulation that within a certain time frame (usually a year) the employee will begin their BSN program and will have their BSN within a time fraime (5-6 yrs from hire).

I have had some calls from hospitals (that strongly prefer BSNs) regarding having an interview who mentioned specifically and asked about my being in the BSN program. they were wanting to make sure I had been enrolled in a BSN program and that i was still in the program taking courses. I have to say its been more of a help than not actually being in a BSN program.

You don't need work experience in order to being the program. Often starting right after graduating helps more than waiting. You're still in that 'school' mode of studying, having to prioritize what is important to do now and what can wait etc. As well, the job market is tough for new grads in the majority of the country. Your student loans will kick in 6 months after you graduate. Since I hadn't landed a job at that point, being back in school held off my student loans needing to be repaid now (yes, I do understand interest is adding up, but I couldn't really afford for my student loans to start up again without having an RN position)

Lennonninja, MSN, APRN, NP · Oct 25, 2014

Here's what I did

June 2011 - passed NCLEX and started working

July 2012 - changed jobs

August 2012 - started ASN to BSN program while working

December 2013 - graduated from BSN program.

I used my first year of working to concentrate on learning to be a nurse and saving up so I could pay for my ASN to BSN program all out of pocket. I got hired at both jobs with an ASN but now my current job says they won't even consider ASNs any longer.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Oct 25, 2014

There is absolutely no need whatsoever to wait on work experience especially since many employers are requiring a BSN in order to even be considered.

Actually, there are definitely RN-BSN programs that WILL NOT accept an applicant who is not already working as an RN. This assertion is untrue for all of those programs that have this requirement. Can't say I really agree with it, but I DO know it to be a requirement in some schools I've looked into.

If one is not already employed, and wishes to continue education in this manner, one needs to find a school program that allows it first. If you're already employed, no problem. If not....carefully check the rules!

NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Oct 25, 2014

Actually, there are definitely RN-BSN programs that WILL NOT accept an applicant who is not already working as an RN. This assertion is untrue for all of those programs that have this requirement. Can't say I really agree with it, but I DO know it to be a requirement in some schools I've looked into.
If one is not already employed, and wishes to continue education in this manner, one needs to find a school program that allows it first. If you're already employed, no problem. If not....carefully check the rules!

Of course there are those programs....never said there wasn't. The OP was asking if we recommend work experience first or not. She didn't ask about any specific program. So, if she wants to go ahead with the BSN, she can because the BSN can be obtained without any work experience.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Oct 29, 2014

Of course there are those programs....never said there wasn't. The OP was asking if we recommend work experience first or not. She didn't ask about any specific program. So, if she wants to go ahead with the BSN, she can because the BSN can be obtained without any work experience.

Well....you DID say that there was "absolutely no need whatsoever to wait" and that's what I was commenting on. Sometimes, there IS a need to wait, if the program one desires requires it, that's all.

As for the rest....yeah....I know that. My answer was intended to assist the OP from a different angle......and I did that.

NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Oct 29, 2014

Again, with all due respect, the OP mentioned nothing about a program AND she asked our opinions, which I am entitled to. So, it is my opinion that since there IS a way for the OP to continue on with the BSN, which, I might add, would greatly improved her chances of getting a job in the first place, (especially with this trend of BSN-preferred), I stand by MY opinion that there is ABSOLUTELY no need to wait.

You are commenting on a question that wasn't asked, which is your right. Besides, I think it's a given that if the OP is anticipating a program which requires work experience as grounds for admission, there would be no need for the post in the first place. So, again, question asked and that is the question that I answered. I didn't bother with what-ifs because there are far too many of those.

DisneyNurseGal, BSN, RN · Nov 3, 2014

I got a job right away with an ADN, but I still stayed on track to get my BSN. The longer you wait, the harder it is to go back to school. I will be done in May 2015!