RN with unrelated BS degree

Wanna_BA_Nurse · Jan 2, 2011

from my understanding of things, it doesn't really matter unless you hope to go on to your msn later.

i mean...a bsn nurse and an asn nurse (although under hot debate) have basically the same job opportunities and salary. your unrelated bs in computer science doesn't hurt you at all. in fact, i know of at least one school (boston college) that will let you go from rn to msn with your unrelated bachelor degree knocking off the general education requirements.

if that isn't confusing enough, let me know :smackingf

iPink, BSN, RN · Jan 2, 2011

It'll matter in regards to the hiring in your area. I'm a career changer who is going from a B.A. to BSN. Due to the economy, hospitals in my area are hiring BSNs and not ADNs.

In short, go for the BSN.

CuriousMe · Jan 2, 2011

I have a BS degree in computer science and am enrolled in an ASN degree program (change of careers). I will graduate with my ASN in May 2012 and I have an opportunity to continue to BSN and graduate in 2013. Basically just another academic year to convert my ASN to BSN. My question is this... Is there any advantage to having a BSN degree over an ASN with unrelated BS in computer science? Or is it basically the same thing? Two of my career goals are working in critical care such as ICU, or OR and travel nursing.

There's generally about one academic year of nursing coursework (as opposed to general education credits) for the BSN that is not available for the ADN (it usually includes a Public Health component). For that reason, most employers don't seem to consider a bachelors in another discipline as equivalent to a BSN.

As to whether you need a BSN or not, I'd investigate what the employers in your area are requesting.

Bob_N_VA · Jan 3, 2011

I'm in the same boat, have a previous degree and working in a diploma program. I'm on the older side and really have no desire to get into the management end of things. A BSN is a good thing to have, so if you have long term plans to move up in the career then by all means work toward the bachelors degree.

ImThatGuy, BSN, RN · Jan 3, 2011

There are a lot of RN-MSN programs out there like another poster mentioned. Plenty of people with bachelor's degrees go back for nursing degrees. I'm doing it right now. I initially thought of an ADN program because it was less work, and despite what people say about role and salary, I decided that going that BSN route was a better career choice. Regardless, both programs required two years of my life from the outset.

2ndyearstudent, CNA · Jan 3, 2011

I have a BS degree in computer science and am enrolled in an ASN degree program (change of careers). I will graduate with my ASN in May 2012 and I have an opportunity to continue to BSN and graduate in 2013. Basically just another academic year to convert my ASN to BSN. My question is this... Is there any advantage to having a BSN degree over an ASN with unrelated BS in computer science? Or is it basically the same thing? Two of my career goals are working in critical care such as ICU, or OR and travel nursing.

I am in the same situation, only I have a BS in Mechanical Engineering.

I have some of the exact same goals as you and I believe that your computer science degree means exactly as much as my BSME degree does in the context of our career goals:

NOTHING.

I'm doing the ASN-BSN program ASAP.

guest112 · Jan 4, 2011

Thanks everyone for your insights. They were very helpful!