RN Education Requirements

[RetSGT]

I have a B.A. degree from a SUNY school from many years ago. I will be starting an ADN program this week in the hopes that in 2 years or so I will be an RN embarking on a second career, after retiring from the Police Department. I know that the field is also requiring RN's to earn a BSN either prior to being hired or after being hired. My question is this. Does a Bachelor's degree in another discipline mean anything in the Nursing Field or is it just a good refrigerator decoration? Also, Will my experience in law enforcement make a difference when the time comes apply for a job? Any advice is much appreciated.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Your BA might help a little ... but it will depend on the particular employer's preferences. The BA in another field will NOT count as a BSN if/when the hospital applies for Magnet certification. So, it is of limited help ... but all other things being equal, it will give you a bit of an advantage over another ADN grad.

Your background in law enforcement may help with some jobs. Many people will respect your experience in dealing with the public under stressful conditions -- and that's a good thing.

But you'll still need to get your BSN to get many jobs.