RN vs. BSN

Hi Everyone...

I am currently in a 4 year BSN program (2nd year), but I have had problems with my school so I am in the process of applying to transfer. I have been looking at schools and I was wondering if there was a difference in having just an RN vs a BSN when trying to get a job as a NICU nurse. I'm about 95% sure that NICU is what I want to do when I graduate (if I ever do:( ) and I want to give myself the best possible shot at getting a position. Any thoughts on this? Thanks!

Not where I work...just all RN's. I'm almost finished with my BSN...and I have a 3 year RN now. Only 5 courses to go...and now it's all going to be on-line which really makes me nervous...I'm from the "stone-age" you know.

It doesn't matter.

Nope doesn't matter, you are an RN as long as you pass the boards.

Hi

If you plan on continuing your education afterwards (such as getting your masters or become an educator, clinical nurse specialist ect...) then you will need a BSN in order to advance. Otherwise, it really does not make a difference. But I do think there is a difference is pay whether a nurse does or does not have her BSN...but all in all, we are all RN's once we pass the boards. Good luck.

I personally don't think it matters...but I have noticed that some nurse managers think it does. When I was in school, there was talk of a lot of units hiring only BSN RNs, and the manager of the unit where I currently work no longer wants to hire anyone without a BSN. I have worked with some fabulous RNs -- and some not so fabulous BSN RNs! I'd suggest checking with the unit you are interested in. Good luck, we need more NICU nurses!

Carebeth is right, it really just depends on whether you have plans to go into management in the future or not, if so then you would need a BSN. Otherwise, it makes no difference.

Please do a search on this topic, there are TONS of threads relating to this.

Thanks everyone! I'm definitely going to try to stay in a BSN program but if it doesn't work out now I know I have some options. Thanks again!