Why did/are you getting your BSN?

ukjenn231 · May 31, 2012

I got my BSN initially (didn't bridge from an ADN) so I don't know about the curriculum differences, but I personally feel that there are more opportunities with a BSN away from the bedside. Also, many hospitals are requiring a BSN now. I got mine because I don't think I want to be at the bedside forever, and I think I want to get my masters.

PeepnBiscuitsRN · May 31, 2012

Because many facilities are requiring it. If for whatever reason I left the current hospital I work at, I'd be in trouble without having a BSN, even with experience. Plus, it does open more doors for going on.

PennyWise · May 31, 2012

I have been playing with the idea of returning to school to get my BSN (see my other post about feeling bored on the job) because I love school and may someday wish to go to grad school. However, if I don't go to grad school. . .I'm wondering why I would spend the $$ and time on the degree. My hospital doesn't care if I have a BSN. Would I learn interesting things or just the same old theories/care plans?

Open up any old thread discussing BSN vs. ADN and you will see a great deal of posts exclaiming:

"I didn't learn anything in my RN to BSN courses except APA formatting."

I'll be done with my RN 2 BSN courses this coming December. I can honestly say that, although I enjoy most of the classes I've taken, there is a definite feeling that Im just "going through the motions". In other words, Im not actively learning, instead I am simply paying my dues for a more privileged title.

I went back for the BSN only for peace of mind. If the trend towards preferring nurses with a BSN continues, I don't want to be in a position where I have to scramble to get it when I really need it. I might be looking to go into OR nursing soon, and I am certain having my BSN will improve my chances of getting there.

We all float down here.

That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B · May 31, 2012

To jump through the hoops. I know that I could sell myself better if I had a BSN. Personally a lot of the classes were a complete waste of time.

allnurses Guide · May 31, 2012

I am doing it because I told myself I would and because my facility requires it. I also may wish to go the round of nurse practitioner someday and having my BSN keeps my options open.

RNMom2010 · May 31, 2012

I am starting my RN BSN this fall. I do not need the degree for my current position but if we would ever need to move out of the area I would like to be as marketable as possible. I hope to obtain a masters in my lifetime so it is also a personal goal to have a bachelors.

Trauma Columnist · May 31, 2012

I was an LPN who did an ADN then 8 yrs later did a BSN - I did it as the writing was on the wall for me: my hospital was going Magnet and in order to be considered for further professional growth, I had to have more education.

33762FL · May 31, 2012

There are some useful curriculum differences that will expand your knowledge such as nursing research and leadership & management.

You open up your career opportunities further, if you ever want to be in management or work at a facility that requires a BSN. Even if you don't, you're more likely to get ANY nursing job if you have the BSN (even non-BSN required hospitals still prefer BSN).

Some states are considering enacting a law that nurses must obtain a BSN within 10 years of passing NCLEX.

Personal satisfaction - I wanted a bachelor's degree in nursing, so now I'll have 2 bachelor's degrees.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · May 31, 2012

the facility may not pay extra for the degree but they do take notice of who is continually aspiring to professionalism. Yes, you will learn more in the BSN program. My program had nothing to do with care plans - it was assumed we knew that already. Once I got into grad school I learned even more. To me, the education makes you a more valuable employee and gives you more opportunities. Anyway, who says you will be working at this place forever?

TiffyRN, BSN, PhD · May 31, 2012

I am getting my BSN partly because my husband (also an ADN) really wanted to get his for job advancement and he convinced me we should do them at the same time and help each other. If there are any wives out there, you know you wind up helping your husbands with that sort of thing, so I might as well get credit. I did have a few more pre-reqs to get than him, but I am now nearly caught up. I also had some concerns that BSN may become required to stay in my specialty (NICU) if I should ever change employers. Many local NICU's are only hiring BSN nurses now.

I have been pleasantly surprised by the courses I have had to take so far. Most have been very relevant in some way. Ethics, English (I had very poor writing skills), Statistics (hate it, but it's almost over, and it is relevant). Some of the courses that may not be really relevant were super-easy and I CLEP'd out of them for credit.

I just started the first few nursing core courses. I expected them to be total horse hockey, but have surprisingly enjoyed them so far. I've never had (or don't remember) nursing theory so it's good to learn it at this pace. I will say that I don't think any of this stuff would have been useful to me as an entry level nurse, it's really material you absorb well after some years of practice. I don't feel constantly lost like I did in nursing school the first time. Also, there is much more respect towards the students than I experienced the first go-around.

nursenotamaid · May 31, 2012

I'm going through the motions to get my BSN now just to open up more doors for MSN/DNP programs so I don't have to try to find bridge programs.

It has been a massive waste of money and time and is really just an expensive formality.