RN to BSN timeline

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Do those who have done an RN to BSN program recommend starting soon after you receive your RN or waiting until you have some work experience first? Have you found that not having your BSN has prevented you from getting many jobs/interviews?

Specializes in Adult and Pediatric Vascular Access, Paramedic.

I would get right too it since you are still in school mode! I waited several years an am regretting it, as it has significantly limited my job options, and I dislike my current job even though it is only per-diem!

HPRN

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I began my RN to BSN through Old Dominion University's online program as soon as I graduated. It took me 2 years only because I completed it part time. It can be completed in 1 year if it is done full time all year round.

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Specializes in hospice, HH, LTC, ER,OR.

I started the week after I graduated from the LPN-ADN bridge May 2013. Yes I did get a few a refusals from hospitals wanting a BSN. And I was walked out of one interview. I will have a BSN 12/13/14. Hopefully I will become more marketable.

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I have my ADN and will have my BSN by January 2015( prayerfully). I waited 2 years to return to school after my ADN. I waited due to financial reasons and just wanting a break from school. I never had a problem getting a job with my ADN. I think it depends on where you live. I have had jobs and offers in the ER , CVICU SICU and etc. I even got hired at a magnet hospital with my AdN.

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

I was able to get a job with my ADN and I think the experience has helped me be able to apply what I am learning. I was SO burned out from nursing school I needed a new focus for a little while. I didn't wait long, about 1 1/2 years to start. I will be done this Spring. ADN '12, BSN '15. I think it depends. I needed to work and I was lucky.

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In my area it is very easy to get a job with an ADN, so many of my classmates have not returned to school. Although the major hospitals in the area are now requiring ADN's to have their BSN's within 5 years- so most do have plans to go back. I graduated with my ADN May 2013 and was back in class 4 days after graduation. It is taking me 2 years of full time classes to complete the RN-BSN. I didn't have a lot of co-req's done for the program though because I was only in school one semester before starting the ADN program. I went full time in the ADN program but didn't take many BSN co-req's because I was completing the ADN co-reqs needed to graduate. I have been in school full time for 4 years with no summers off, only a few weeks for Christmas vacation, and I am burnt out! I work full time as a nurse, and am taking three classes right now. I spent 44 hours on homework last week, no exaggeration. I would recommend going part time for the RN-BSN if you are planning on working unless you don't mind sleeping 2-3 hours a day and not seeing your kids.

I do have to say that I have seen so many posts that say there is no point of the RN-BSN but that is not true from my experience. I am learning so much, not just in the RN-BSN classes but also in the co-req's. It really gives you a new perspective when caring for patients and seeing healthcare. I thought that I seen the "big picture" before but feel that I am seeing it much more with these classes. Anyone who says that these classes do not help with being a bedside nurse probably isn't having an open mind or taking advantage of the education, just my opinion.

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I'm hoping to start my RN-BSN next August. Can anyone give me some ideas of what to expect? I've been out of school for 25 years and I'm somewhat nervous about starting this adventure. Thanks

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