[hfergrn]

I was a crew chief on KC-10 when I was in. Got out, went to school for nursing and havn't regreted it one day. I have my ASN and havn't run into any issues by not having my BSN. It's up to you, but go for it!!!!

[Neversettle71]

Roe,
All along this forum you have received excellent advice. I find myself agreeing with all of the different points of view. To let you know my perspective: I am also former military. 10 years Army (SSG/E6)in the combat arms field. I went the ADN route and then concentrated on CCRN rather than my BSN. While I have never felt hindered by my lack of a BSN, I know there are a lot of oppotunities not open to me because I lack it ie The Military Officer Corps. I too am in Southern Illinois and wish you well in your future career.

[GregRN2004]

Another thing to consider- At the three hospitals I've worked, the "clinical ladder", programs that encourage experienced nurses to continue working the floors, generally require a BSN at least to advance to the upper levels of the ladder... So if you plan on working as a floor nurse, the bump in pay for achieving the different levels of the clinical ladder would probably make it worthwhile to pursue your BSN right away....

[MagRedC5]

Originally Posted by Neversettle71

Roe,
All along this forum you have received excellent advice. I find myself agreeing with all of the different points of view. To let you know my perspective: I am also former military. 10 years Army (SSG/E6)in the combat arms field. I went the ADN route and then concentrated on CCRN rather than my BSN. While I have never felt hindered by my lack of a BSN, I know there are a lot of oppotunities not open to me because I lack it ie The Military Officer Corps. I too am in Southern Illinois and wish you well in your future career.

Aaron, have you thought about the Reserve Army Nurse Corps? All you need is an ADN. However, you would need BSN to be eligible for Major. Nevertheless, with your 10 years prior military service you might want to consider it.

[ROE_Wedge]

thank you for the replies and words of advice and encouragement. I knew i was taking the harder path but now i am very determined to get started. I will know by the middle of march if i was accepted to the programs i applied to (which i told i was pretty much a shoe in but im taking that as face value). I really feel like i have a direction now and things are falling in place.

About the BSN, i know they have RN-BSN programs which require a ton of work and time.. its nothing im not used to. I will get the BSN in due time ASAP but for right now i have some tasks at hand to complete and concentrate on for this RN. I dont want to have too much foresight and lose concentration on where im at now. Once again thanks all for the advice and encouragement! it really does help... cause it sometimes feels weird to leave a big university and go back to a real small school. I think i will adjust fine though .

[cassioo]

When I was getting my ADN I already had those prereqs done so along with the nursing classes I took a few BSN classes at another school where I planned to get my BSN. When I finished my ADN I then had only to take the nursing classes part of the BSN while I was working and I let my employeer pay for the BSN nursing classes..... for clinical ladder a BSN gets you a big 1 more point at my hospital you can get more points (up to 5) for charity work which includes any walk (cancer, march of dimes, heart) which are good things but take a few hours versus a year or 2

[swirvnnurse]

I am in the same situation, sort of. I have a BS and MS in non nursing fields. I am currently in an RN program at a comm college. I was recently told by someone I really need to be in a BSN program to better suit my education. I read your post, Greg, about the "ladder" and that is what I am most concerned about. I do not want to get out in the field and feel as if I have to go back to school... again.
What has everyone else's experience been when it comes to RN versus BSN in the hospitals?? Thanks!!

[ROE_Wedge]

From what i have been gathering it just depends where you are. There is not a big difference in pay but in positions or in other things.. as with life.. a degree will count more than anything.

[Gennaver]

Originally Posted by swirvnnurse

I am in the same situation, sort of. I have a BS and MS in non nursing fields. I am currently in an RN program at a comm college. I was recently told by someone I really need to be in a BSN program to better suit my education. I read your post, Greg, about the "ladder" and that is what I am most concerned about. I do not want to get out in the field and feel as if I have to go back to school... again.
What has everyone else's experience been when it comes to RN versus BSN in the hospitals?? Thanks!!

Hi Swrivnnurse,

When it came time for me I was enrolled in a junior college for the ADN but was accepted to a direct entry masters of science in nursing program.

We all take the same NCLEX-RN, diploma, ADN, BSN MS entry all of us. However your BS and MS will not go to waste because when you go the ADN to MSN route you might have completed courses that will indeed matriculate to your MSN. You have a BS and an MS, you will not need to complete ALL the courses necessary for another MS. It will help you.

As well, once you have the ADN and your license your timeline to the BSN or MSN, (whichever you choose, I'd go straight to the MS as ADNs can do that) will be much quicker than a straight ADN.

Gen