What to do with an RN license without a nursing degree?

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I have had my RN license in California and have been working since 2010. I had almost finished what is called a Generic Masters Degree in Nursing (you don't have to have a degree in nursing or an RN to enter, just a bachelors in something else). These programs are mostly specific to California and I attended San Francisco State University. I almost finished my Masters program (one class away), but got a job 6hrs away from where I was going to school. It was during a time of NO nursing jobs in the SF Bay area so I had to take it and move (only job I got in two years of applying, I was desperate). My Masters program did not do online then, so I dropped out. I am now trying to get any kind of degree in nursing, but I am stuck as all of the RN to BSN programs I have contacted require an Associates Degree in Nursing. My old Masters Program at SFSU will not let me re-enter even at entry level because I already have an RN. I am worried if I leave my current job no one will hire me without a degree in nursing. I has not been questioned by my current employer and I have been there 11 years so I am not worried about that, just worried if I ever wanted to move on. Any advice on what to do?

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Specializes in Occupational Health.

so...what degree in Nursing do you have that allowed you to obtain your RN license?

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
sleepwalker said:

so...what degree in Nursing do you have that allowed you to obtain your RN license?

CA allows challenging NCLEX in certain scenarios. It's possible that's how OP obtained licensure. 

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Specializes in Occupational Health.
Rose_Queen said:

CA allows challenging NCLEX in certain scenarios. It's possible that's how OP obtained licensure. 

I found this from the CA Board of Registered Nursing once you said that: 

"LVN 30 Unit Option

Designed as a career ladder for California Licensed Vocational Nurses wishing to become registered nurses. Takes approximately 18-24 months. No degree is granted upon completion. Most other states do not recognize California's LVN 30 Unit Option and will not issue RN licenses to these LVNs."

But this means OP would be an LVN...doesn't match what OP is saying. So probably something else????

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
sleepwalker said:

But this means OP would be an LVN...doesn't match what OP is saying. So probably something else????

You can also become an LVN in CA by challenging with other healthcare experience. 
https://www.bvnpt.ca.gov/applicants/method_3.shtml

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I am not an LVN. Because of the nursing shortage California instituted these 3 year programs called "Generic Masters in Nursing" as I mentioned before. This 3 year program (which I have only heard of in California) had me do 2 years of nursing school, then take the NCLEX at the end of the two years, get my RN, start work, and then finish the Masters part of the program in the last year. I, however, did not complete the Masters part of the program. Therefore I do not have a degree in Nursing, but I do have the education. The program does not reward you with a degree so that people don't drop out after obtaining their RN license (like I did). This has kind of left me in limbo. However I did find an online RN to BSN program that accepted my education and allowed me entry. Thanks for your comments and Happy New Year.

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Only in California...

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