Who really wants BSN degrees?

[demford]

Hello. I'm starting nursing school in January. I'm currently taking a Chemistry class that I thought I might need in case I didn't get in to a school, but I did. So I'm thinking of dropping the course because it's so much work, (and I hate it) and I really don't need it UNLESS I want to get my BSN someday. When I start nursing school I'll be 48, so I want to get my ADN and start working as an RN as soon as possible. I really can't see going back to get my BSN and spending another couple of years in school and however much money. Even with the BA I already have, it's a couple more years. But, I keep seeing "they want BSN" degrees here and there so I can't help but think, god forbid, I might end up needing it. I know once I finish nursing school I will be over school. Soooooo, I'm wondering who is it, or is there any one particular organization that is leaning towards BSN's only? I'm really hoping that (only) having an ADN (and a BA, if anyone cares) won't limit my job opportunities too much. Especially since I've learned on this website that they seem to make the same as ADN's across the board. And by the way, I'm in Los Angeles. I appreciate any thoughts!

[Ioreth, ADN, RN]

Here in Colorado Springs, both major hospital systems (hospital and all associated outpatient clinics) require all RNs to have a BSN. A new hire can get in (rarely) without a BSN as long as they sign a contract to have the BSN completed within a certain amount of time, usually 4-5 years. There are other facilities that don't require a BSN, but they are rare.

Edited to add:

There's no reason to even consider dropping out of the ADN program. You may want to consider looking into a RN to BSN bridge program. Many of these can be done entirely online, so you can attend a school that's not even in your state while working as an RN. My local university offers a dual enrollment RN to BSN program. That means I can start working on the BSN (all online) while I'm still working towards the ADN. Look around. I am sure there are similar options for you too.

[deemonee, MSN, RN]

I used to call the BSN degree the BS degree as to have it is BS to begin with...or so I thought.

But anyways, large hospital systems that hire RNs want BSN prepared nurses as they are seeking higher reimbursement rates. As healthcare is a business, they are looking to hire BSNs as research shows that nurses that are BSN prepared have higher satisfaction rates. That and improving hcahps scores means happier patients and more successful outcomes = meaning more money and higher reimbursement.

Having an BSN does open up more opportunities. It has for me, and I'm not stopping there. Education does give you a benefit for job security and to climb higher.

Soon enough, the BSN will become the entry level professional nurse. Just like LVNs to an extent, ADNs and diploma nurses may be relegated to settings outside the hospital, ie. ambulatory care, skilled nursing, hospice, home health, etc.

Healthcare is always changing. As nurses, our point of entry may be different, but ultimately it is our practice to which we are judged.

Furthering our education is in our dna as nurses.

[KThurmond]

In Ga they want BSN. Even though some job postings say either or everybody knows if three nurses with associates applies and then somebody with a bachelors applies, thats who they will choose. Thats why I'm going straight for BSN. Even though there are many bridge programs, it's not worth trying to find a ASN job to work at while completing the bridge.

[APRN., DNP, RN, APRN, NP]

I work for a Magnet facility. They hire BSN's only. They weren't that way when I first started there back in the early 2000's.

When they decided to go for their Magnet status, they implemented their BSN only, and sent a letter out to all of the nurses which told them that if they are still an ADN by 2020, they will be fired by midnight, at the end of 2019.

Just imagine all of the nurses who have worked there forever and now have to go back to school in order to keep their position. It didn't matter if they were in management or not.

None of us saw that coming.

If you get hired at a facility with an ADN, and they want to go for Magnet status, you can pretty much bet that the push for BSN will be felt in one way or another.

Get your BSN sooner rather than later.

[Irish_Mist, BSN, RN]

Assuming you've been enrolled in this class since August and it's almost November, it makes absolutely no sense to drop the class now. My advice is to suck it up and finish. Having said all that, if you plan on being marketable in the LA area as an RN, having a BSN is definitely needed. A bridge program won't take all that long either. There are RN-BSN programs in my area that take as little as 9 months. I live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, by the way. I'm sure there are plenty of comparable programs in greater LA area as well. I start an accelerated BSN program in January so I know the anticipation. Congrats on starting nursing school!

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

My current company requires BSNs within 5 years. I do not know if they will keep that requirement going out as they split from the parent company. If you plan carefully, it would really take one or two more years.

[AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

You will need your BSN if you want to work as an RN! I live in the north east and EVERY hospital has either BSN required or BSN preferred and I wouldn't doubt in a few years they will all say BSN required!

Annie

[smartnurse1982]

You will need your BSN if you want to work as an RN! I live in the north east and EVERY hospital has either BSN required or BSN preferred and I wouldn't doubt in a few years they will all say BSN required!

Annie

That isn't true at all.

Maybe you mean "If you only want to work in hospitals,then you need a Bsn".

I work as an Rn in Nj,but in non acute care.

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

You will need your BSN if you want to work as an RN! I live in the north east and EVERY hospital has either BSN required or BSN preferred and I wouldn't doubt in a few years they will all say BSN required!

Annie

Not every hospital requires a BSN. Also, a lot of hospitals will make exceptions for very experienced and specialized nurses. However, the majority of nurses that are new will not be considered.