What are the benefits of getting your BSN?

MikeyJ, RN · Jun 17, 2008

An ADN nurse is fairly limited in advancements or career changes -- not totally limited though. There are many nursing positions that require a BSN or higher. There is usually very little, if any at all, pay difference between an ADN and BSN nurse when it comes down to bedside nursing.

cookienay · Jun 17, 2008

First of all, good luck in your endeavor to become a nurse!

Now, to answer your questions: As a new grad, your opportunities are basically the same. Many hospitals offer a pay differential for a BSN, some do not. However, after some time has passed, and you have some experience a BSN can give you a leg up on some job opportunities. I was an ASN nurse for over 10 years before I got my BSN. In my experience as both a nurse and educator, I find the BSN programs usually offer more in the way of assessment preparation, appreciation for outcomes versus "tasks", and knowledge of an evidence based practice. When students or others ask me, I advise them "If you have the opportunity and the resources for a 4 year program- do it". Just basically my opinion-Hope this helps.

cookienay · Jun 17, 2008

forgot to tell you,Depending on where you live and your facility some job opportunities available to BSN nurses that may not be available to ADN nurses: Quality management, Infection control, Management, school nurse (again depends on your area), telephone triage, clinical instructor, hospital nurse educator- just to name a few!!

Harparia · Jun 17, 2008

At the hospital where my sister works, the bedside nurse with a BSN makes a whopping $600 per/year extra. At that rate, it will take me about 15 years to pay off my student loan for the BSN program. So, it's not the pay.

MBUnurse · Jun 17, 2008

As a seasoned ADN nurse that went back to school for my BSN and then MSN, what these degrees do is open doors and options for you in your career. When I went back to school it was to move up to a new job, but at the time I thought I would always want to be at the bedside. As you grow older, it is hard to do acute care 12 hour shifts. I still see many nurses at the bedside who are burned out or tired or both and they have no options. My degrees have given me many options as I work for at least the next 15 years or so. I can continue on as I am or become faculty or do school nursing or case management or .... Get your degree, work for a while and then continue on in your schooling. I hear many say I am waiting until kids are older, I am waiting for ... There is no good time, so continue on. It will be useful later and you will feel great about your accomplishments too. Be wise though, I do have student loans to pay off and it does not bring you a ton of money to pay those back. Explore all the many options available.

Best of luck

luckylucyrn · Jun 17, 2008

I agree, I think that the main benefits come more from advancement versus additional pay. When you first graduate from school whether it be an ADN or BSN degree, your opportunities are the same. However, if you plan on advancing your career, then getting your BSN now will help in the future.

Let's say you want to go get your Master's Degree so you can be a NP or Teach. If you already have your bachelor's you can do that right away, instead of first having to get your BSN.

A lot of people may go into it thinking that bedside nursing is all you want to do, but a few years go by and you may find yourself looking for something else. Having a BSN now will get you there faster.

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Jun 17, 2008

The impact difference may seem small at this time...but, the BSN does open doors. On a side note, I am aware of at least 1 hospital (maybe 2...thinking hard now) that hires ONLY RNs with BSNs. Certainly not a trend....yet. But, it could become the future trend witnessed by today's brand new nurse (who is young) in his/her career. My recommendation is if you are in your late teens or early twenties and thinking about obtaining an RN...I would definately suggest the BSN for this very reason.

angel337, MSN, RN · Jun 17, 2008

when i first graduated i thought to myself ----this is it!! i don't need to go back to school. i thought i would just stay in the hospital. but now after 5 years i am planning on going back for my MSN. although i graduated with a BSN, i notice that alot of the jobs that used to require just a BSN, now require a masters such as some public health positions. i can still do alot with the BSN, but i plan to slowly get my masters because i know in 20 years when i am in my 50's i more than likely will still be working and i just don't want to deal with the bedside. actually i don't want to deal with the hospital within the next 10 years unless its a hopital based m-f position that i will enjoy. i love patient care but i know i can't do it for the duration of my career. too many options out there.

angel337, MSN, RN · Jun 17, 2008

The impact difference may seem small at this time...but, the BSN does open doors. On a side note, I am aware of at least 1 hospital (maybe 2...thinking hard now) that hires ONLY RNs with BSNs. Certainly not a trend....yet. But, it could become the future trend witnessed by today's brand new nurse (who is young) in his/her career. My recommendation is if you are in your late teens or early twenties and thinking about obtaining an RN...I would definately suggest the BSN for this very reason.

i agree with you. here the VA only wants BSN graduates and i am seeing more and more hospitals "preferring"a BSN.

Trauma Columnist · Jun 17, 2008

As many posters have pointed out, the BSN gives you more opportunities. I went into nursing as a second career when I was 34. I thought the ADN would be fine because I could do bedside nursing forever! Tee hee hee - boy was I stupid! So, at the age of 44, back to school I went. I am one of those people that sometimes acts first and then thinks...did the BSN, then non-clinical MSN (dumb, dumb, dumb). So...here I am with an MSN and a job I hated...so back to school for an adult health CNS. Now, I've got a clinical component and am an APN but can't see kids! Ugh....now what???

So...please learn from my costly mistakes (costly in time, effort and $$$): decide BEFORE you commit to a program what will give you the broadest scope and chance for jobs.

Good luck.

RNDreamer · Jun 17, 2008

Some of the hospitals I am seriously considering applying to either prefer or require a BSN. The benefit for me is to be able to apply to these hospitals.