[jilynn]

I will graduate in May with my associates. I would like some advice on rather going after a bachlors is that important. Should I take time between getting my RN and going back for my BSN? The area I am from they only pay $0.50 more an hour for it, so I am questioning rather it is worth it.

[cassioo]

Originally Posted by jilynn

I will graduate in May with my associates. I would like some advice on rather going after a bachlors is that important. Should I take time between getting my RN and going back for my BSN? The area I am from they only pay $0.50 more an hour for it, so I am questioning rather it is worth it.

There are lots of posts here about ADN, diploma, BSN, MSN and benefits or lack of for each. Basically with more education your chances for advancement are usually better. Sometimes it's easier to go back right away so you stay in the swing of going to school

[medi]

I'd recommend getting your BSN degree because it will give you more and better work options in the long run than you will have if you stick to being an associate degree nurse alone. The pay you get per hour may not be greatly different at the moment, but, and here's the really important thing, some hospitals and health care employers are starting to require the BSN degree before they will employ you as an RN- period.

The Dept of Veteran's Affairs already does (VA Hospitals and clinics nationwide), all branches of the armed forces require the BSN as an entry point to a commission, public health departments require the BSN, the state of California is transitioning to that requirement now (someone here will be able to tell you the drop date date when that goes into effect I'm sure), and I believe its in the works In New York state as well as some others also.

The bottom line is that you're just starting what we hope will be a long and fulfilling career as a professional nurse. Don't allow your career to become short circuited by a lack of adequate education because you will see the time come when you are going to need that BSN.

I strongly recommend you ask potential employers about the education benefits they offer employees. Most hospitals, and the VA, have generous education allowances, grants, or tuition reimbursement programs. Go to work for the employer that best suits you, get through orientation and get comfortable in the new job, and as soon as you can do so I suggest you look into online RN to BSN degree programs or the flex plan offered by University of Phoenix Campus programs and let your employer's education benefits pay for you to advance your degree while you work so you can enjoy a steady paycheck as well as improve your career!

Free (no obligation) information and course catalogs from NLN accredited online & campus based nursing schools is available at http://medi-smart.com/schools.htm

Best wishes!

[maggiedanurse]

at least you get .50 cents. this is a decision based on alot of factors. what do i want to do with this degree? how much will it cost me vs what i make? do i want to stay local or travel? advancement opportunities with this degree? if you get into management you will not always have the luxury of leaving your job at 1930 or working only three 12 hour shifts a week, and you will be salaried versus paid hourly and you might find that the position just isn't worth it. but those online college classes make it really easy to get a degree.

[faviola]

Not many hospitals give much of an increase beacuse of a bachelors..the only reason to get your bachelors degree is to go into administration in nursing

[usnrjim]

I currently work for the VA Hospital System. I do have an ADN but now am persuing my BSN. I am doing an online program thru Jacksonville University. The program is about a year long if done fulltime. The VA does not specifically require a BSN but would rather see a BSN. I have met many older nurses working at the VA that think it is a waste of time pursuing their BSN's. I decided to get my BSN because I know this will open the door for further oppurtunities. I am still young and plan to make nursing my career. I do understand that most ADN nurses are better clinically than BSN's, but when it comes to advancement they may lose out on managerial opportunities. Do yourself a favor and stay in school.

[stillearning]

Dear jilynn --
Nursing gives you what you give to it.

I began as a new grad in 1976 making $6/hr -- yes, you read that right!
After 30 + years, I make 6 X that, work a 4-day week, and love my job.

What do you want your nursing career to do for you? Keep you employed? Pay your bills? Challenge your intellect? Help you grow as a person? Enlarge your circle of friends (nationally, internationally)?

You have to decide. If all you think about is $0.50 per hour, you're missing the big picture.

More nursing education (BSN, MSN) will allow you to seek a broader range of jobs, maybe even teach other nurses. Do you want to make a contribution to nursing -- or are you only worried about your paycheck?

Think about it. Nursing can be VERY rewarding, but you have to decide which rewards matter to you.

--p

[medi]

Your post was excellent stilllearning. The points you raised about expanding the career possibilities available within nursing with increased education are extremely valid and becoming more so all of the time. Nursing is moving out of the hospital only environment and becoming more community wellness based and in order to prepare yourselves for the future trends within the profession a BSN or higher degree is going to soon become a necessity rather than a luxury. For more information on that very subject read this & tell me if you disagree - To BSN or Not to BSN