RN-BSN vs BSN in terms of jobs after school?

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Hello everyone,

This is my first time posting here, and forgive me if this has already been asked somewhere before, but I am wondering what the differences are in obtaining a BSN degree vs. completing an RN-BSN degree program. Specifically I am wondering what the differences are between the two when it comes to applying for jobs.

I am applying to both ADN and BSN programs this fall. I would prefer going the BSN route, but if that doesn't work out and I am accepted to an ADN program I am trying to understand what my options will be as a new grad. I am interested in public health nursing, community health nursing, and psych/mental health nursing. I know that it may be more difficult to find a job in these fields with an ADN, which is why I am looking into RN-BSN options.

Hopefully this makes sense. I just want to make sure I am prepared for the future. I don't want to count on the back-up plan of RN-BSN program only to find out that it is not enough to work in an area that I want to be in!

Thanks for the help!

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Welcome to Allnurses.

Both the ADN and the BSN programs will prepare you for entry level bedside positions equally. This probably includes entry level pysch positions. Some public health and community health positions require a BSN and experience, so those might be hard to get to start with.

Also, it depends on supply and demand. If there are only a few new grad positions open and a lot of ADN and BSN candidates then the BSNs might have an edge.

However, for the most part the BSN is an investment in the future and entry level positions are filled by ADNs and BSNs equally, since they both are pretty green, take the same NCLEX, etc.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Tweety is so right: the BSN is an investment in the future. It gives you more options later on. Two new grads: one ADN and one BSN will probably have very similar jobs. Good luck in school.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

my local public health agency prefers bsn. however, they will not hire new grads. thus, in the time frame that one has to get work experience (typically as a staff rn), an adn can do a rn-bsn program and have both the bsn and one-two years of work experience required. so, definitely don't feel bad about taking the cheaper route if that is the way you go!!

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Thanks to everyone who has replied so far.

I would ideally like to pursue a BSN, but it is very, very competitive to get into any nursing program in the area that I live. So, I am applying to both ADN and BSN programs. If I go the ADN route, I definitely will want to go back for the RN-BSN degree. I am just wondering if obtaining my BSN this way differs at all from just getting a BSN to begin with.

Any thoughts on the difference between obtaining BSN credentials going the RN-BSN route vs. getting a traditional BSN degree?

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Any thoughts on the difference between obtaining BSN credentials going the RN-BSN route vs. getting a traditional BSN degree?

There is no difference.

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