Will BSN get jobs over ASN in this recession?

CoffeeGeekRN · May 14, 2009

Even when I started thinking about applying to nursing school I have always had it in my mind to go back after a year or 2 to get my BSN and possibly MSN. Infact, I plan to put in my application for a RN to MSN program in February.

wizeone7 · May 14, 2009

Good for you! Go right for the MSN. That is where it is all headed.

Castymiss · May 14, 2009

Yes, the handwriting IS on the wall. 20 years ago they kept talking about this, how you would need a BSN. NOW the time is here. Hence why I returned in 2003 after working with an AA degree and obtained my BSN. My job pays a little more for that BSN. So I am glad I got it. I just might return for the MSN...

OregonBSN · May 14, 2009

I guess I am still vague on what a "magnet" hospital is and what this has to do with only hiring BSN nurses. Please enlighten me.

Officially it is called the Magnet Recognition Program

In a nutshell, the hospital (or long term care facility) is focusing on nursing and nursing care. One of the main requirements is that the site have a high proportion of BSN prepared nurses and that there is a high retention rate. The CNO must also be a RN with a minimum of a BSN or MSN - though many have PhDs...

These links have more complete information:

- http://www.nursingadvocacy.org/faq/magnet.html#suggestions.html

- http://www.nursecredentialing.org/Magnet/ProgramOverview/HistoryoftheMagnetProgram.aspx

Anyway some interesting stuff... I feel the goal of BSN requirement is not to discredit associate degree RNs, but rather it is an effort to lift the WHOLE profession to a new level. I am sure a similar debate happened when diploma programs were phased out - they just didn't have the internet to post opinions on.

swirlything · May 21, 2009

I was told by the vice president over nursing at a local hospital that when it comes to hiring new grads, the answer is yes, they will give preference to BSNs. However, I know ADNs who are getting job offers at that hospital.

gcupid · May 28, 2009

Recently about 2 months ago, I snuck on a floor to speak to the manager about getting a job there and She cut me off during the middle of my 2nd sentence and asked "R you BsN?" I told her yes, and her facial expression seemed surprised b/c I look young.

I can't really describe the scenario in writing but if you had been there, the manager's reaction & tone suggested that she would consider me for a position only if I am a BSN grad . She didn't say it but her attitude gave the impression that she wants the nurses on her floor to have a four year degree.

shodobe · May 29, 2009

I was told by the vice president over nursing at a local hospital that when it comes to hiring new grads, the answer is yes, they will give preference to BSNs. However, I know ADNs who are getting job offers at that hospital.

Still experience trumps a BSN anytime. A manager would be really stupid to use this as turning point in decision making. However, I would never tell someone it was a waste of time pursuing the higher degree. I know this refers to new grads but everything should be taken into account and having a BSN shouldn't be the deciding factor.

cjcsoon2bnp, MSN, RN, NP · May 31, 2009

As someone who is persuing their BSN but was an ADN student at one point (but transferred because of the program's wait list.) I will say that generally speaking Associate's degree and Diploma nursing students are better prepared clinically then Bachelor's degree nursing students and Bachelor's degree nursing students are better prepared in nursing theory then Associate's degree or Diploma nursing students. With the Nursing field in the state of recession its in right now, we need nurses from all areas of education but I will say that if you look at some of the larger hospitals in cities like New York and Boston for example you will see that most nursing positions require a minimum of a Bachelor's degree. So while I'm not in the business of saying one degree is better then the other I will say that in my opinion the more education a nurse can get the better (whether this is the form of higher degrees or continuing education credits.)

!Chris :specs:

onlyNamerica · Jun 1, 2009

Greygooseuria - Dude! I applaud you for being so honest and even acknowledging that guys in nursing get favored just because they are males in a traditional female profession. It make me mad but hey us old 'libbers' are still fighting the battle.

libbyjeanne · Jun 1, 2009

Where I am from (NV) it seems as though the school's reputation is what is getting GN hired out here. CSN grads are having a little bit of trouble, but not NEAR as much trouble as Apollo. Both are ADN. CSN has a lower 90% something NCLEX pass rate and they are known for pumping out fairly good new grads. Apollo has a 70 something percent pass rate and are under investigation by the state boards for low passing rates. I think that if you are applying within the city that you graduated from, your school's reputation may have a big factor.

happyS09 · Aug 5, 2009

I don't think so. I hope it is based on experience. I guess it depends on what they are looking for and who is doing the interview.

UVA Grad Nursing · Aug 9, 2009

It will vary as to the hospital, and what the employer's aspirations are. I know of three Magnet hospitals in Virginia that are hiring mostly BSNs in new grad positions This was their hiring pattern of May 2009 grads:

Hospital A (900 beds): hired 4 AD/diploma grads and 24 BSN/direct entry MSN

Hospital B (600 beds): hired 5 AD/diploma grads and 55 BSN/direct entry MSN

Hospital C (900 beds): hired 0 AD/diploma and 5 BSN/direct entry MSN grads

AD grads are finding better chances for jobs at the community hospitals in the state, but not the bigger medical centers this year. Last year, all three of the above examples hired 50% AD/diploma and 50% BSN/MSN into new grad positions.