Should I continue my BSN?

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Hello all! I am a 38 year old mother of four. ASN,RN with only three years of experience as a Perioperative nurse. About two years ago, I decided to be a stay at home mom, just until my last and final child gets to kindergarten. During this busy time, I am taking BSN classes online through the college I had earned my ASN from. My question is, in todays world, how important is it to finish my BSN? I love nursing! I miss every bit of it, but know how important it is to take this opportunity to stay at home with the kids.

I'd love to hear your recommendations and honest opinions.

Thanks!

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Really important , when you go back to work you can say, I choose to advance my education for my return to the workforce.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Acute care facilities in some geographic regions of the US will not longer hire RNs who are educated at the diploma or associate degree level.

Although I am an ASN degree holder who does not have a pressing need for the BSN degree, I have been enrolled in an online RN-to-BSN completion program as a hedge against the uncertain future. So far my experience has been enjoyable.

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I would recommend that you finish working towards your BSN. The actual importance of that degree will depend on where you live and the requirements of the facilities around you.

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I don't know where exactly you work or live but I do know that many hospitals in Southern California are turning into magnet hospitals and are looking for BSN vs ADNs .

My cousin was working as an ADN for over 10 years full time at one hospital and part time at another, both hospitals kept encouraging her to pursue obtain her BSN.

She did an online program and shortly after she graduated she received raises at both jobs and a promotion at another.

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Agreed with all above!!

I am about your same age with same amount of experience and school-aged kids. I am currently getting my BSN through an online program. I was told by my manager that I had little chance of being promoted or even transferring in my hospital because they are looking for BSNs for magnet status. I applied to another hospital and did not get any calls back. Then I updated my resume to include "currently enrolled in BSN program" and got a call back. Probably not a coincidence.

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Specializes in General Surgery, NICU.

I would encourage you to finish your BSN program! In the three years that I have been licensed as a nurse I have seen a huge shift in the area that I live and work in towards BSN required or BSN preferred in job listings. Also, some area hospitals are requiring their ADN prepared nurses to have their BSN within 5 years of employment. Having an ADN limits my ability to apply to many hospitals in the area, so I am thankful I am 6 months away from achieving my BSN.

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Specializes in PCCN.

yup, some places wont hire you without it

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

In my area of the country (near Chicago) it's very difficult to get a job if you don't have a BSN, and if you're already in a job, lots of places are saying you must have your BSN within X years or your job is gone.

Get the BSN. You can work on it a bit at a time or jump in with both feet and get it done quickly. There are lots of totally online programs out there.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.

My opinion for what it's worth...go ahead and finish your BSN. Even if it isn't required to find a job in your area, it will most likely be easier to get a job when you re-enter the work force if you show that you were proactive in continuing your education during your time off.

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Thank you all! My heart is telling me to finish my BSN. I'm a bit overwhelmed with life at the moment, but sometimes it's great to hear from fellow professionals! I appreciate each of you taking time to comment! Best wishes to all!

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I'm about the same age and have 2 school age children and a 2 year old. I'm doing my BSN online one class at a time. I do not want to wait for my facility to give me the news "Get your BSN or you cannot longer work here." It is not a matter of if that will happen ,but when that will happen. So when it happens I am hoping to have my BSN or at least being close to get it. Like most in the thread I would encourage you to continue your BSN even if it is just one class at time.

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