Thinking of dropping my RN-BSN program

Merlyn · Mar 13, 2012

I've really been thinking letely that I want to drop my RN-BSN program, and I have a very limited time to make this decision. I am just not into it, and hate spending so much time sitting in front of my computer when I could be doing other things.
My question is: can I make it out there without the BSN? I'm 30 years old and have a BS in another area. I'm worried that I can never move up wihout all the new mandates for nurses in manager positions in my area to have a BSN and MSN. But I wonder...do I even really want to move up? I like what I do. I really do. Are there people out there like me who just want to be a staff nurse and anjoy it without moving up?
I know this is going to fall into the whole associates vs bsn degree and I don't want that. I'm looking more for people who have been in my position.

If you want to be a manager a BSN is the minimum.

Good Morning, Gil · Mar 13, 2012

Yep, management requires a BSN as do most other non-bedside positions, clinical educator, etc. You may want to make your decision based on the number of credits you have left and whether or not you can save the credits you have invested for later. If you're not into it now, and you're happy with your current position, then you can always go back to school another time if that's what you want.

There are a lot of people like you that have a BS in another field and an associates/diploma. I'm one of them :), and like you, I enjoy my bedside job and have no intention of leaving, as well. I do want to advance my education in the future, but I will do the RN-MSN option at that time. From what I've found, there are plenty of RN-MSN programs to choose from with short bridge programs embedded into them, and if I end up needing the separate BSN, I will pursue that at that time. There are degree programs out there for people just like us, loyola university has an RN-MSN program with a short bridge BSN for people just like us (that's if you're interested in management since that's what that program entails). This is fully online, and I have also seen that Drexel has a bunch of online RN-MSN options, as well. There are others, as well, that are state schools in different states that offer online programs with clinical components near your location (if necessary), so that's something to consider down the road, as well.

Best of luck with your decision! If your hospital is paying for your BSN, then that's probably something to consider, as well. What are you hoping to get your MSN in just out of curiosity? I mentioned the Loyola program since you mentioned management. I'm thinking possibly nursing education down the road, but we'll see. Have a good night!

ORoxyO · Mar 13, 2012

Good Morning, Gil: The original plan was to take a few years off after the BSN and do my MSN later. I just feel so burnt out; like I have been in school forever. But, I talked to an old friend and her husband (both nurses) and I think I am going to stick it out. As much as I feel like this is torture right now, I feel that it will probably be even harder if I take time off and return later. Thank you so much for the response.

Guttercat, ASN, RN · Mar 13, 2012

Haven't read through all the repsonses, but...

I have an ADN, and have not pursued the BSN route somehow knowing that if I ever went back to collidge (:)), it would be outside the realm of nursing-specific degrees... so it made no sense to invest the $$ and time...

Am in fact now pursuing a bachelors (BCHS/ PA-C) route, with a long term goal of MCHS.

If you as you say, you already have your BS in another area, I'd expand on that. There are many Master's/post-grad routes to go with that are complimentary to ADN/RN degrees and will open up way more doors down the road rather than streamlining to an MSN/ANP degree.

Just my .02.

Don't put your eggs all in one basket...that goes for investment portfolios as well as professional. :)

OCNRN63, RN · Mar 14, 2012

Haven't read through all the repsonses, but...
I have an ADN, and have not pursued the BSN route somehow knowing that if I ever went back to collidge (:)), it would be outside the realm of nursing-specific degrees... so it made no sense to invest the $$ and time...
Am in fact now pursuing a bachelors (BCHS/ PA-C) route, with a long term goal of MCHS.
If you as you say, you already have your BS in another area, I'd expand on that. There are many Master's/post-grad routes to go with that are complimentary to ADN/RN degrees and will open up way more doors down the road rather than streamlining to an MSN/ANP degree.
Just my .02.
Don't put your eggs all in one basket...that goes for investment portfolios as well as professional. :)

That's so cool...good for you, Gutter!

chevyv, BSN, RN · Mar 14, 2012

Perhaps you can pursue a management degree if the BSN program isn't what you're searching for. I think it's torture either way, lol! It's hard having an ADN and going back for the BSN because I won't see any benefit in my current position and jobs are tough to come by right now. I find myself going a semester and then taking a semester off. It will never end this way!

heartnursing · Mar 14, 2012

I've really been thinking letely that I want to drop my RN-BSN program, and I have a very limited time to make this decision. I am just not into it, and hate spending so much time sitting in front of my computer when I could be doing other things.
My question is: can I make it out there without the BSN? I'm 30 years old and have a BS in another area. I'm worried that I can never move up wihout all the new mandates for nurses in manager positions in my area to have a BSN and MSN. But I wonder...do I even really want to move up? I like what I do. I really do. Are there people out there like me who just want to be a staff nurse and anjoy it without moving up?
I know this is going to fall into the whole associates vs bsn degree and I don't want that. I'm looking more for people who have been in my position.

I am still a student (3rd year of my BScN) and I find it torture....even though we are experiencing different situations the program is still torture and i feel like quitting at least twice a week :eek:

I say just go for it get it done and over with so you can move on in life:cool:

subee, MSN, CRNA · Mar 14, 2012

It's not just management jobs that require BSN. You can't predict your future and even though you're enjoying bedside now, things might be different in 10 years with physical or emotional fatigue. You're still young and will never have the energy again that you have right now. IMHO, I would finish (I had to be on food stamps a short time while getting BSN after a BA..life was very hard) because you don't want to limit future options and you're already in the system. Just have to lift one foot after the other and get this degree done.

NewGoalRN · Mar 14, 2012

Well you didn't say how far along in the program are you? how many credits does it take to complete the program, how many have you finished? Do you get tuition reimbursement from your job? etc

Even without those answers, if you plan on staying in nursing for some time, I would urge you to continue. I don't think there has been a time when students haven't felt about quitting their program or just taking a break. I've thought of it in passing many times.

You're young and in the system, it's much easier to do now than being older after a break. It's ;your choice but I would urge you to continue. I have several higher degrees in business and a ASN. I intend to enter a MSN track and yes, it feels like i've been in school a long time and my family is tired, lol. But even taking one class at a time, time continues to go buy and doesn't stop so it's worth it to continue. You'll be finished eventually.

Good luck.

jmpnjessie · Mar 14, 2012

At 30 the nitty-gritty of bedisde nursing is OK. At almost 50, it is a different story. I WISH I had gotten my BSN and MSN....I had plenty of time and $$ to do it, but like you, thought, "I really like what I do, poop included." I have avoided back problems by being halfway smart, but now am planning on a runaway train in the next four years to get that MSN. Do it now!

Just my opinion. By the way, I still like what I do. (:

Good luck!

33762FL · Mar 14, 2012

Okay... I'm about your age, I also got a 2-year nursing degree and had a previous bachelor's in another subject. I chose to do my BSN right after I passed NCLEX because without BSN, my job options are limited. I am working in a hospital now, but not only can I not move into management in the future without a BSN, but only having an associate's greatly limits the number of other hospitals I can apply to. I don't want to depend on one facility for a job, I want the flexibility to work anywhere, any shift.

IMO you got through college the first time, then you got through nursing school, so you can definitely get through an RN-BSN program while working right now. Just keep at it, finish it, and you'll never have to worry about it again.