Thinking of dropping my RN-BSN program

FutureRN_NP · 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 felt the same way while doing my RN/BSN. My recommendation is to take a semester off if you feel overwhelmed. Believe me it worths it although I do not have a good use of it right now. I know I need my BSN to continue my FNP career path.

ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP · Mar 14, 2012

Finish your BSN. It will give you much more flexibility and an edge in an otherwise very competitive.And you feel like you have been in school forever? I am 20 and I don't even know what it is like to not be in school and I have gone to school year round since starting college. I do know it will pay off someday.

JLoya · Mar 14, 2012

I am about to enroll in a BSN program and I would even look at an ADN program. The hospitals in my area are "target" hospitals which generally only consider BSN candidates. I have NO INTENTION of going into management. I just want to remain the most competitive candidate for the whatever bedside position I apply for.

I have worked in Emergency Medicine for 12 years and I cannot wait to move into an ICU setting. I am 36 now and have just been an MA, BUT I know what it takes to be an RN and every single nurse I have worked with has stated, GET YOUR BSN!!!

Stay with it...

cpl_dvldog · Mar 14, 2012

A high school guidance counselor gave me some great advice, that I did not follow unfortunately.... Ignore how you feel about a job at the present and decide where you want to be in 10 yrs, 15 yrs, and 20 yrs. In most jobs the first year or two are pretty great, then you get settled in and start seeing opportunities. Talk to people that have been in that job for 15-20 years to get a true feeling if that is where you want to be at that stage of your life.

Advancing your education is never a bad thing to do. It will not prevent you from going where you want to go, but if you don't have the education you can watch others pass you by.

caliotter3 · Mar 14, 2012

Once you get the BSN, you never will have to worry about being in the position of being told "BSN or lose your job". I think it is worth the peace of mind.

catiern · Mar 14, 2012

I was 31 y.o. when I thought I was finally done with school. A couple of years back, after about a 15 year hiatus from school) I enrolled in an RN-MSN program (on-line) and I am struggling in even completing the BSN portion. I have found that I would rather scrub my toilet than write one more paper. I actually chose my program b/c there is almost no mandated "discussion board" sessions and I just have to write papers. I guess I'm trying to say that I think I know how you feel. BUT, I can tell you this--I keep telling my self that I had better finish this b/c I'll feel like an idiot if I just quit now. So, perhaps there's a program that's better suited to you? Are you enrolled in an on-line program when you are more of a brick & mortar person? Are there other programs you might enjoy better? Like I said, even though I think the program I am in is the best suited to me, I am still having a difficult time, so...Good luck to you.

noc4senuf · Mar 14, 2012

Regardless of everyone's opinions, you need to do what is best for you. I have an ADN, I have also been a Director of Nursing for over 10 years and not had any trouble finding positions.

cpl_dvldog · Mar 14, 2012

Realistically in this day and age do you see a new ADN becoming a DON? You did not tell how long it took you to reach that position, how many years of nursing experience you had. You also did not say if it is in a hospital, a Nursing Home, or a Home Health agency.

Guttercat, ASN, RN · Mar 14, 2012

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

Thanks OCN! :)

Managed to claim a spot for the April, UofW PA/MEDEX pre-applicant information session.

Step #1 of 256 to go! :)

noc4senuf · Mar 14, 2012

Actually, many of your seasoned nurses stopped at the ADN. I was an RN for 8 years before becoming a DON. I work in a large metro populace of over 1M people. I know many nurses that earned their way to the top and the letters behind their name did not make a difference.

Aurora77 · Mar 14, 2012

Are you going full or part time? Is your program online or seated? If you're going full time, can you go part time and take one or two classes a semester so it isn't as overwhelming? If it's seated, can you switch to a different program that is online to give you a little more flexibility?

In the end, you have to do what you think is right, but my thought is, if you're going to be in nursing for 10 years or more, the BSN will pay for itself (that's the cost benefit analysis for my program anyway). Once you have that piece of paper, it's yours forever and will open more doors.