To Rn or BSN?? That is the question.

Lovely_RN, MSN · Jul 1, 2008

When you say you have been accepted into a nursing program do you mean you are actually IN the program or are you still doing pre-reqs? If you have a definite spot it would be foolish to give it up on the chance of getting into another program.

JB2007, ASN, RN · Jul 1, 2008

Around here there are no limitations as far as working in the ER with an ASN. I know several of my class mates that went to work in the ER right out of school. However, if you are thinking of doing something away from the bedside a BSN would be your fastest way to that goal.

It is difficult to get into a nursing program for your first degree, unless you go to a private university. However, once you have your ASN it is not too difficult to get into a RN to BSN program. I am looking into this in my area at this time. I would check with the colleges and universities in your area to be sure.

I hope this helps you.

RN4NICU, LPN, LVN · Jul 1, 2008

Hi everyone. I just got accepted into a nursing program and im feeling a mix emotions right now. Im debating if I should go an get my Associates since this is a for sure thing or wait and shoot for my BSN in Spring which I am not sure if I will get accepted:banghead: Are there any limitations as far as getting my Associates (working in ER) which is something I ultimately want to do. Also, how hard is it to get into a RN to BSN program nowadays? How long will that approximately take after I get my Associates?

How competitive is the BSN program and how strong a candidate are you? If there is a reasonable chance that you might not get in to the BSN program, I would go with the sure thing. It is not at all hard to get into an RN to BSN program - I don't think I've ever heard of anyone being rejected. How long it takes will depend on the setup of the program and what/how many courses you need to complete the program's requirements.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jul 1, 2008

There are a few competetive RN to BSN programs out there, but for the most part there are many vacancies and you can walk right into an RN to BSN program. Plus there are many online Rn to BSN programs, which is what I did.

Go for the sure thing. You can work as an RN new grad which offers the same job description whether your a BSN or ADN. The BSN advantage comes to play in the future when you're looking for jobs away from the entry level. Plus many place reimburse part or all the tuition for RN to BSN programs. Good luck.

These kinds of questions are usually put in the ADN/BSN forum where I'll move it. You'll also find many interesting topics there.

Good luck!

Renae14 · Jul 2, 2008

I have a seat in the nursing program. I will be going into my clinicals by Spring 09 at St. Lukes College in Iowa

Lovely_RN, MSN · Jul 2, 2008

Since you have a clinical seat I advise you to get your RN then do an RN-BSN completion program.

The advantage is that you will be a working RN making the same money or slightly less money than a BSN grad. (The difference in pay is usually minimal). You aren't going to get a job away from the bedside w/o experience as a bedside nurse anyway so you might as well work while you get the BSN. In addition to that you have to think about the money you will NOT be making as a nurse while you are in school for two extra years getting the BSN. Finally, most hospitals have some form of tuition reimbursement so you may not have to pay for your BSN.

I don't know much about Iowa but I looked up your school and 12k for the RN seems like a bargain to this New Yorker. Correct me if I am wrong but wouldn't it cost you much more to get the BSN? So why pay for it when you might be able to get it for a lot less with tuition reimbursement while you make good money as an RN in the meantime?

Renae14 · Jul 2, 2008

Thank you. I guess one of the things that have been running through my head is the feeling of selling myself short if I dont get a bachelors degree and what that will look on my resume. But like you said, I need experience before I can move up. How do you like working at the bedside? Have you thought about getting your BSN if you don't already have one?

Lovely_RN, MSN · Jul 2, 2008

I have a bachelors degree in communications so it doesn't relate at all to what I am doing now. I did things a bit differently, I actually found a 1+1 program. So instead of doing an Accelerated 2nd degree BSN program I did my pre-reqs and LPN simultaneously. Now I am working as an LPN and finishing my second year.

Once I get the RN in April of 09 I am applying to ADN-MSN programs for people who are RNs but have a bachelors in another field.

There are many paths to the RN and I say whatever way you can get it is fine.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jul 3, 2008

Thank you. I guess one of the things that have been running through my head is the feeling of selling myself short if I dont get a bachelors degree and what that will look on my resume. But like you said, I need experience before I can move up. How do you like working at the bedside? Have you thought about getting your BSN if you don't already have one?

It will look fine. You will be able to get any number of entry level bedside positions the same as a BSN. Also depending on where you live ADNs enjoy wide opportunities, particularly in rural and smaller hospitals where ADNs are manager, educators and directors.

However, the BSN is more of an investment in the future, because you might not always want to or physically be able to do bedside nursing. Waiting to get one is o.k., as long as you go back and don't do like I did and wait 15 years to start. :chuckle

rcmhrn · Jul 9, 2008

When I went to nursing school in 1971, I chose a local ADN program. We were visited by BSN instructors who told us that we would never be supervisors, educators or director of nursing. I have held the assistant supervisor position for 2 years, OB coordinator of a rural hospital for 5 years and director of nursing for over 10years and now I have been a Patient Care Manager for more than 5 years. I have worked in a small rural hospital and if my co-workers will come to me for the answers and to be shown how to do a procedure. I have taught classes in NRP, put together Mock Codes etc. The point is, you can do what you want to do if you are willing to learn, keep your ears and eyes open for learning opportunities. Ask yourself what do you want to do with your nursing degree. Good luck.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jul 9, 2008

When I went to nursing school in 1971, I chose a local ADN program. We were visited by BSN instructors who told us that we would never be supervisors, educators or director of nursing. I have held the assistant supervisor position for 2 years, OB coordinator of a rural hospital for 5 years and director of nursing for over 10years and now I have been a Patient Care Manager for more than 5 years. I have worked in a small rural hospital and if my co-workers will come to me for the answers and to be shown how to do a procedure. I have taught classes in NRP, put together Mock Codes etc. The point is, you can do what you want to do if you are willing to learn, keep your ears and eyes open for learning opportunities. Ask yourself what do you want to do with your nursing degree. Good luck.

It's good to hear that experience and skills count. However, it's not that way everywhere. Where I work ADNs do not advance into management and directorships, end of discussion. I was even shut out of an educator position when I had only two courses left to getting my BSN.

However, some of the more smaller hospitals in this area allow ADNs in management positions. In my RN to BSN class which was online there were directors, educators, managers and house supervisors who got their positions with their ADNs.