What can I do with my BSN that Assoc. RN's can't?

RN34TX · Jul 6, 2004

I am 54 years old and will graduate with my BSN in May 2005. It has not been easy, but I am preparing for the future in case I decide to get away from critical care and the ER. I expect to work until I retire and the BSN will give me an opportunity to find a nursing niche more suitable as I grow older.

That's the same reason I want to get my BSN. People ask me why I want to get it if RN's do not get compensated for having a BSN and I have no desire to move into administration/management.

All I know is this...I'm 34 now and I know that I will not be able to turn and lift 250++ pounds of dead weight in an ICU forever. Most men will not admit that but we will all get older.

I even see nurses who are younger than me but very out of shape and they are huffing and puffing throughout their shift. I have no idea what they think they are going to do to earn a living as they get older and even more out of shape.

This kind of work is fine for now but I think it does catch up to people and we all need to be thinking and planning ahead.

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Jul 6, 2004

IMO, the most valuable skill a nurse can have is to be bilingual.

I know of a situation where an AAS nurse was chosen over an MSN nurse for a public health job, because the AAS nurse was bilingual, and the MSN nurse was not.

The job required the nurse to direct a public health office and write federal grant money applications. Still, the AAS nurse got the job.

alacek · Jul 6, 2004

One thing that you can do with a BSN that I haven't seen anyone else here post is that you can join the military as an officer. I am in the Air Force Nurse Corps, and if I didn't have a BSN, that wouldn't be possible. I am really enjoying the AF so far, although I work a lot, and no overtime pay--lol. But, after working in the civilian sector for 8 years, this is a nice change, and it has afforded me the opportunity to work on my master's degree with 100% Tuition assistance. So, there are options available. Education is never wasted!

catcolalex · Jul 6, 2004

A BSN is a necessary step in order to pursue nurse anesthesia.

Destinystar · Jul 6, 2004

I can only speak from a California perspective, but our RN scope of practice applies to all Diploma, ADN, BSN, MSN the only difference is when some one becomes a Nurse practioner. It is up to the policy of each health care organization if they want to make policies that state BSN prepared RN's do something different. I know in California an RN has to have a BSN or MSN to go into management in the teaching hospitals and that is because of their policy. In California you have to have a BSN to become a public nurse or a WOCN, also have to have a BSN to be a Director of Nurses in a college that teaches LVN's and RN's. Also to get an RN license in some foregin countries you have to have a BSN. Sounds like the fact you have a BSN is an issue to you. It is not going to be an issue to anyone else outside of the person who hires you and places you in a position. , True you dont have to get a BSN to get more money or to be offered the many management positions that are available in nursing. It is just a matter of personal choice. Because you are dealing with human beings a BSN will not give you the compassion, values and people skills that nurses need to posess. Congratulations! :balloons: I hope you pass HESI.

I just graduated with my BSN this spring. I'm working as a PCA2/Graduate Nurse at a local hospital until I take my boards... I am taking my HESI tomorrow at the college I graduated from. This is an 'exit' type of exam that we have to pass before taking our boards. I'm feeling down about not being able to pass and have this huge fear that I am not going to pass my boards!

Amidst my fear, I am questioning taking a role as an RN on floor nursing. It seems like most of the RN's on my floor have an associates degree, and I am questioning if I should be doing something different since I have my bachelor's? The pay is the same for an Assoc. or BSN, which doesn't make any sense to me. Just wondering what else is available that I might not be looking for, or what your opinions are!?

Another BSN student who just graduated as well was speaking with me, and said she wonders if the Assoc. degree RN's laugh thinking that we have wasted our time getting our BSN when we get the same pay/same responsibilities. Is this a big issue?

Thanks!
Miranda

efy2178 · Jul 7, 2004

I have been an RN for amost 20 years and until my current position I have never been compensated for having a BSN. That does not mean it does not make me a better, educated nurse, nor does it mean that ADN's and diploma nurses are not good nurses. I have, however, landed a position that requires a BSN and heart care experience and I couldn't be happier.

You get what you give and will learn if you keep applying yourself. I got into the habit early on to go home and look things up I didn't know. I have very good clinical skills (I am a certified OR nurse, have been a certified GI nurse and now work in a heart clinic in electrophysiology--definitely the most difficult to learn!). You keep adding on. Getting a couple of solid years on any medical surgical floor is a great way to go. It gives you foundation and I must say there were many LPN's as well as some fantastic ADN's who gave their time and expertise to teach me. I personally believe any RN who goes for higher education will be better off no matter what kind of education. Home learning, another degree, a certificate, getting involved in a nursing group of any kind. The best advise if to ask why and get the answer and build on your knowledge.

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 7, 2004

I only wish education were compensated respected in nursing the way it is in other professions. Until this happens, many people will figure "why bother". Too bad. Education is so valuable...be it BSN, BA, BS, Master's and on......Too bad the ONLY bachelors that means anything at all (and little at that) IS the BSN. But that is another thread. I also agree all forms of education deserve respect...continuing education included.

judymai · Jul 7, 2004

In California you have to have a BSN to become a public nurse or a WOCN, also have to have a BSN to be a Director of Nurses in a college that teaches LVN's and RN's.

I find it hard to believe that the NLN or the California state board of nursing would accept a BSN for the director of a nursing program. Although I have taught in both LPN and ADN programs with a BSN, it has been because of the faculty shortage and a qualified MSN applicant had not accepted the job. The directors of all three programs have had a Masters or PhD. and most faculty have a MSN (or are working on one - as I am now). Just to teach in a program (even in LPN programs) you have to have at least a BSN and clinical experience.

I have taught in both Idaho and Oregon. :)

Destinystar · Jul 8, 2004

well believe it. our state(ca) regulations only require an rn to have a bs excuse me not even a bsn to be a don in an lvn program. of course it is up to each institution to elevate those standards to whatever degree they want. in the community colleges the don's always have msn's or phd's. a state regulation and an institution requirement may vary. if you were able to teach with a bsn then there is no way you could have legally been in the position unless the state requirement allowed you to do so. sounds like it was your schools policy to hire msn but not a state regulation. like i said in california an rn with a bs can teach in those programs, but in florida their state policy is bsn.the state sets the minimum requirements. when nurses are discussing issues here it would be helpful for them to mention what state they are refering to because regulations vary from state to state.:)

in california you have to have a bsn to become a public nurse or a wocn, also have to have a bsn to be a director of nurses in a college that teaches lvn's and rn's.
i find it hard to believe that the nln or the california state board of nursing would accept a bsn for the director of a nursing program. although i have taught in both lpn and adn programs with a bsn, it has been because of the faculty shortage and a qualified msn applicant had not accepted the job. the directors of all three programs have had a masters or phd. and most faculty have a msn (or are working on one - as i am now). just to teach in a program (even in lpn programs) you have to have at least a bsn and clinical experience.
i have taught in both idaho and oregon. :)

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Jul 8, 2004

My best friend is an agency RN in Kansas.

She tells me that in KS, LPNs are often the DONs in nursing homes. In fact, KS does not even require that nursing homes have even one RN on staff.

They must have an RN on the premesis just 40 hrs a week. Many nursing homes use agency nurses to fill this requirement.

My friend's agency has called her to go to nursing homes in her area and just do care plans, monthly summaries and other paperwork. The nursing homes tell her they don't really need an RN for anything, but meeting the 40/wk state requirement.

At one facility, the LPN DON decided she didn't like the title "licensed practical nurse." So, she got badges made for all her LPNs that say "LPN- Licensed Professional Nurse."

BTW- my friend has been an RN for 20+ years, but she did not graduate from any nursing program. She challenged the boards in her 3rd year of a 4yr RN program, back in the days when this was allowed.

judymai · Jul 8, 2004

well believe it. our state(ca) regulations only require an rn to have a bs excuse me not even a bsn to be a don in an lvn program. of course it is up to each institution to elevate those standards to whatever degree they want. in the community colleges the don's always have msn's or phd's. a state regulation and an institution requirement may vary. if you were able to teach with a bsn then there is no way you could have legally been in the position unless the state requirement allowed you to do so. sounds like it was your schools policy to hire msn but not a state regulation. like i said in california an rn with a bs can teach in those programs, but in florida their state policy is bsn.the state sets the minimum requirements. when nurses are discussing issues here it would be helpful for them to mention what state they are refering to because regulations vary from state to state.:)

actually i did note at the bottom of the post that i have taught in both idaho and oregon. in both of these adn programs it has been difficult finding qualified msns to fill faculty roles. each year the colleges needed to prove that they had advertised and interviewed possible candidates. until i began my msn program (i will finish next summer), i could only be given a year-to-year contract. just in case anyone doubts that we have a faculty shortage. - i worked that way for 12 years.

bsnecu99 · Jul 9, 2004

I just graduated with my BSN this spring. I'm working as a PCA2/Graduate Nurse at a local hospital until I take my boards... I am taking my HESI tomorrow at the college I graduated from. This is an 'exit' type of exam that we have to pass before taking our boards. I'm feeling down about not being able to pass and have this huge fear that I am not going to pass my boards!
Amidst my fear, I am questioning taking a role as an RN on floor nursing. It seems like most of the RN's on my floor have an associates degree, and I am questioning if I should be doing something different since I have my bachelor's? The pay is the same for an Assoc. or BSN, which doesn't make any sense to me. Just wondering what else is available that I might not be looking for, or what your opinions are!?
Another BSN student who just graduated as well was speaking with me, and said she wonders if the Assoc. degree RN's laugh thinking that we have wasted our time getting our BSN when we get the same pay/same responsibilities. Is this a big issue?
Thanks!
Miranda

Hey Miranda! I don't think you are alone in wondering what the heck you must have been thinking. I also fell for that ridiculous degree nonsense. I already held a B.A., which got me nothing at all and I really wanted to just go to school one year and get my LPN. No, my PhD husband said, 'no one will respect you unless you have that degree!' Well, five years later he is still watching his back so I don't get him! I spent four years and thousands of dollars to make the same as a two year RN. Not only that, but each year I make less! What other profession that requires a college degree reduces your wages every year? Only in nursing! Not only that but the ADN nurses think you are too uppity and they won't talk to you and diss you every chance they get. Besides, the hospital wants people that can start an IV on a balloon and most BSNs haven't even started an IV before they graduate! So who cares? What else can you do with BSN? Well, work for a Vet Administration hospital, most of which require BSN. You may also get lucky enough to work as an admissions nurse for a home health (that job is terrible, I can tell you that). Other than that, I'm not sure. Some junior colleges want BSNs for educating ADN students but for the most part they really prefer the MSNs. Wish I could give you more information, but after five years of BSN, now I'm totally unemployed. Don't you think that makes me mad? Think very well, my friend.