Why BSN over ASN?

U.S.A. Connecticut

Published

Hello,

I just want to ask a question. Why are many of the hospitals in CT requiring a BSN prepared nurses over a ASN prepared nurses? What is the difference between the two degrees? I am planning on hopefully going to LPN school in January 2017 that is when the next class begins for the state schools and then I plan on going to get my ASN Degree and then my BSN Lord willing, or should I get my LPN work part-time and then just go straight to BSN? I am not sure if I want to work in a hospital. I really would like to work in a LTC facility. What are your thoughts on this issue?

Carmen

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

An ADN is an associates degree, typically taking 2 years to complete once the prerequisites are done. A BSN is a traditional four-year bachelors degree. Both take the same NCLEX exam and have the same license.

The push for the BSN comes from an IOM report. Take a look at Recommendation 4 here. Another factor is the fact that many areas are seeing far more nurses applying than open positions. Requiring a BSN filters out the number of applicants/applications to sort through. It also reduces the need for tuition reimbursement for those returning to school for an RN-to-BSN program (that's probably the cynic in me coming out).

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Specializes in Emergency.

The above poster is correct. I too am a cynic...a realist is more like it...check into the dog and pony show that is magnet status. My suggestion is if you can afford it go straight for the BSN...ADN sadly is fast becoming obsolete especially if you see yourself in a hospital. Also avoid the RN to BSN bridge programs if you can...I did one and yes I am secure with the BSN (expensive piece of paper) but it was essentially a repeat of all the ADN classes and even as a working nurse had to endure clinical! Ridiculous and a big money maker, but it is the game to be played. Good luck!

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I mean someone may want to correct me on this. Most LTC in CT utilize LPNS more than RNS. RNS usually play the role of unit manager or Charge Nurse during a shift. There is a higher ratio at LTC of LPNs.

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Forensics, Addictions.

Having worked at a CT hospital before and after it became Magnet, I can verify that the BSN is required mostly due to hospitals wanting to become or maintain Magnet status.

I know that the state of CT still hires ASN nurses in all its agencies: DCF, DOC, etc.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
Having worked at a CT hospital before and after it became Magnet, I can verify that the BSN is required mostly due to hospitals wanting to become or maintain Magnet status.

No. Just no. This is a myth that needs to stop being repeated. Magnet has nothing to do with requiring a BSN. It is all from the Institute of Medicine report linked in my previous post here in this thread.

From Magnet FAQs

[h=2]Do I have to have a BSN to work in a Magnet Hospital?[/h]No. Magnet does not define what percentage of RN's must have a BSN. The Institute of Medicine (IOM), Future of Nursing Initiative recommended that organizations should strive to achieve 80% BSN prepared nurses by 2020.
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