Will it matter that I have a non-nursing B.S.?

llg, PhD, RN · Jun 5, 2009

It will probably make little if any difference if you are only interested in entry-level staff nurse jobs. However, if you ever want to go into any sort of leadership role, it will make a difference. By not having a BSN, you will not be exposed to that part of the nursing curriculum that focuses on nursing leadership, community health, nursing research, nursing theory, etc. and many employers will require you to get that before selecting you for roles beyond the entry level.

Also ... if you are ever interested in any sort of management position ... The Magnet Recognition Program will require that all nurse mangers have at least a BSN after 2013.

So, the writing is on the wall. You may have only a few limitations at the earliest stages of your career, but you will probably need to go back to school for that BSN (or higher) if you want any sort of career advancement opportunities. There is nothing wrong with starting your nursing career with an ADN ... as long as you understand that.

rntobe7733 · Jun 5, 2009

The other thing that it may affect is financial aid. I've found out the hard way that many schools do not offer any loans for someone with a previous bachelor's unless they are going for a master's. The second BSN or return for ADN is sometimes a tough go. I've found that it just depends on the school, so ask around if you are dependent on those Stafford loans....Lord knows that I am:) Best of luck, and congrats on your decision!!

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Jun 5, 2009

a bsn is required for supervision and management nursing positions. i started out with an aa in nursing. when i went back for my bsn my bsn program focused on communication and leadership. both subjects were thrown at us in every single nursing class we took. when we completed our bsn program we were prepared to manage. i was told this a number of times by the administrators where i worked. they saw the changes in the way i approached problems and dealt with things and i got promoted from my staff nurse position almost immediately. in subsequent jobs those leadership lessons are just always a part of you and although i tried to go back to staff nursing because i get aggravated with the bureaucracy i got tapped for management frequently.

yes, there is a difference.

haunani, BSN, RN · Jun 6, 2009

In some cases, having a previous BS might actually help you. I know mine did.

I got my BSE (BS in Engineering) in '01 in Biomedical Engineering. After a number of years working in the engineering field (NOT Biomedical, unfortunately), I decided it REALLY wasn't for me. My degree alone is what got me on the waiting list for my local nursing school (which was an accomplishment in and of itself... 60 spaces, 300+ applicants). It showed that I could handle rigorous coursework and other college-level courses.

Then, my grades from taking my pre-reqs this spring is what bumped me up from waiting list to student. :coollook:

And I had no problem with loans.

caliotter3 · Jun 6, 2009

As stated before the BSN is required for certain jobs, but not all. An ASN is good to get started for staff nurse positions. Employers are interested in your RN license, not necessarily your education. You can always finish up a BSN later if you desire.

awhitt001 · Jun 6, 2009

Maggie --

I saw that you mentioned that your Anatomy grade will be 5 years old once you graduate, but have you looked into a school that has a "nursing as a second career" program? For instance, the University of Michigan has an accelerated program for people that have a non-nursing Bachelor's degree to earn a BSN in 12-months.

http://www.nursing.umich.edu/academics/second_career/index.html

Maybe there's a school in your area that has a similar program. Even if you would need to take Anatomy again, you'd end up with a BSN as opposed to an ADN and you'd do it in less time.

Good luck :redbeathe

maggie24 · Jun 7, 2009

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I guess I am a little confused as to the difference b/w a nurse with a A.S. and a nurse with a B.S.

I know this topic has been debated for some time now, as there is not a generalized entry-level standard that everyone needs i.e. you can have a A.S. or B.S.N to enter the profession

Some of you stated that the B.S.N degree teaches management and communication, but if my degree is in Healthcare Administration, would this be anything similar?

My classes are tailored to healthcare and being a manager/administrator of any group of people in healthcare. I have taken classes on legal issues, management, epidemiology, long-term care, health policy, quality assurance, etc.

What are some examples of classes that are different than A.D.N program?

Also, what type of financial aid did you receive for 2nd degree?

rntobe7733 · Jun 8, 2009

In terms of the financial aid, I didn't have the nice little perks or "free money" Pell, grants, etc. that I did the first time around. Though I didn't realize this until more recently, even though the government allows for your standard subsidized and unsubsized Stafford loans, the schools essentially are administrators of those loans, and some choose not to allow for those loans. When I looked into our accelerated program, essentially it was 20K, and they did not allow for these loans at all. Also, when I took my pre-reqs at a local community college, since I already had another Bachelor's, and I hadn't been accepted into a nursing curriculum (since you have to apply with most of your pre-reqs completed), they said that since I was in a degree seeking program, and since I was not going for a higher degree that they couldn't help me. However, the school that I am attending now (a 2 year BSN program) allows for both the subdidized and unsubsidized Stafford. We own a home and have the credit to take out a general loan, but the interest rates are much higher and some banks will not allow you to use particular loans for educational expenses because it is now "what they were designed for". It kind of confuses me because in my mind, who cares what the loan is for, as long as you are making your payments on time. In short, I guess what I've learned is that the best thing to do is talk to the financial aid departments at any of the schools that you are considering and explain your situation before you make a decision on a school, and always make sure to fill out your FAFSA on time. While I wish that money didn't have to be such a deciding factor in these decisions, I suppose its just part of life:)

In terms of the ADN vs. BSN, it of course is an ongoing discussion. Essentially when it comes to floor nursing, I think that the two degrees would be equally qualified. However, I agree with many of the other posters that management, administration, and other roles that involve strong leadership skills typically require a BSN, and I do agree that with a BSN there is additional time to get in those types of courses. My first degree was in secondary education, so I'm hoping that I'll be able to utilize some of those skills and do a great deal of secondary education. While I don't intend to go for any more Bachelor's degrees:), I truly believe that any prior education can be weaved into nursing and make you a great candidate for any position. Nurses really have to know a little about everything, and you may find yourself referring back to any number of classes that you took throughout your education. As I'm reading your post again, I think that maybe your question is that if you do the ADN program, could you really be considered a "BSN" nurse because of your previous degree. I am 99% sure that the answer is no, simply because there are different management types of courses that are included in a BSN program that are specialized to nursing. I had the same question when I went back, and that is one of the main reasons I decided on the BSN over the ADN. The other part to it is that many times both programs take the same amount of time because you can't progress through the program out of sequence, even though you only end up taking 11 or 12 hrs/semester because you've already got many of the pre-reqs completed. I wish you lots of luck in your decision making process. Just wanted to share my thought process as I contemplated the same thing! Have a great summer!

llg, PhD, RN · Jun 8, 2009

Some of you stated that the B.S.N degree teaches management and communication, but if my degree is in Healthcare Administration, would this be anything similar?
My classes are tailored to healthcare and being a manager/administrator of any group of people in healthcare. I have taken classes on legal issues, management, epidemiology, long-term care, health policy, quality assurance, etc.
What are some examples of classes that are different than A.D.N program?
QUOTE]
Your other BS did not include content on nursing management, nursing theory, nursing research, etc. It was all from the perspective of another discipline, not from a nursing perspective and not based on nursing science. Some of the content will overlap, such as basic communication or conflict resolution theory. However, your previous program did not link that content to the science and philosphy of nursing or specifically to nursing roles.
Also, your previous program did not acquaint you with the scientific basis for nursing -- the theories and research-based literature. You did not become familiar with the major nursing journals. You did not focus on the types of research methodologies common within the nursing discipline. You didn't get a sense of the the history of the development of the nursing profession -- not just the cute, funny stuff about what people wore, etc. -- but the important stuff of nursing's struggles to establish a nursing knowledge base and be seen by the health care world as professionals and not just hand-maidens.
Your previous program will also not have focused on public health nursing, psych nursing, being a Charge Nurse, etc. While your ADN program will probably touch on these things, BSN programs usually go into more depth on such things.
These are just a few thoughts off the top of my head in response to your question. As I always say ... "The fact that I took a couple of chemistry classes in college does NOT make me qualified to be a chemisty professor. My chemistry knowledge is at a beginner level -- not an expert level. My PhD in nursing does not qualify to teach chemistry -- only nursing. If I want to be considered an expert in another field, I need to get an education in that other field." Similarly, someone with a degree in another field is not "well-educated in nursing" until they get an education in nursing.

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · Jun 8, 2009

:yeahthat: A most excellent post, llg :)

pnoble198 · Jun 8, 2009

Any bachelor's degree is an asset. When you do become a RN and decide to pursue your MSN, you will need to take bridge courses (usually 3 courses) to bridge your way in to the MSN program. Once you have taken those 3 classes and started your MSN degree, you will be the same as the BSN graduate in the MSN program.

As a RN, your bachelor's degree will only help - not hurt.

Good luck!