Nursing - which way to go

[npmommie]

What's your BA in?

I would think that if you already have a Bachelors degree, then the way to go would be to get the education you need to take the RN boards, get licensed and then go for a Master's degree in Nursing if you think you want to continue your education. Why get a 2nd Bachelors degree?????

To the best of my knowledge, and I could be wrong, I don't think your undergraduate degree HAS TO be in Nursing in order to go for a Masters in Nursing. I think that if you have a Bachelors degree and are an RN, you can then go for a Masters in Nursing. Another DISer may know better or may know for sure.

The MSN program I went thru for NP required a BSN

 

[Disney Doll]

The MSN program I went thru for NP required a BSN

Seems to be the case, wich kind of surprises me. That's why I think I'd gp the RN to MSN route if I was the OP.

 

[castleview]

Thanks so much for the information everyone! And keep it up Renee and Scottish Duffy. I started looking at some refresher stuff last night. I even took a practice algebra test and realized I need a lot more refreshing. DH came in and I told him I don't know how I graduated high school or college!

 

[scottishduffy]

Seems to be the case, wich kind of surprises me. That's why I think I'd gp the RN to MSN route if I was the OP.

Most RN to MSN programs still require the BSN, or they make the BSN part of their program and add on an extra year. Either way, you're still going to need that BSN. May as well get it done at the start.

Honestly, if you have the choice, why not take the higher degree from the start? That way you have more opportunities down the line and can advance to management without having to worry about ever having to go back to school if you don't want to. It just makes life easier in the long run.

 

[Cool-Beans]

Getting the BSN first would be ideal, but if you don't have the time and/or money, you can get the AD, take the NCLEX and then go do an RN to BSN program.

Like Disney Doll said, you could also get an AD and then do one of those bridge programs to a Master's, if a place near you has one of those. I know at least one place around here does it because I know a girl who is doing it.

I did the AD to BSN thing. I wish I'd been able to do the BSN all at once, but didn't have the money. No big whup.

 

[Disney Doll]

I thought the whole RN to MSN thing was to allow you to skip the BSN years and just go right to the MSN.

 

[Tinkerbelle'sMOM]

I say go for the BSN, many MSN programs require you to have this. Also, many hospitals, esp many hospitals that are Magnet status thru ANCC are not hiring people with less than a BSN.

 

[kalliyan1]

Save your money now and go back later if you feel you need to. The biggest difference in ADN vs BSN in my experience is whether or not you want to work management. I have a ADN and currently am making more $/hr than the BSN's on my floor(base rate). The other thing to consider, at least where I went to school, is the type of learner you are.....The ADN programs seem to have a bunch more clinicals and hands on and the BSN programs are alot of book work along with clinicals(from what I've seen though, they don't have near as much hospital time as ADN programs do)

 

[npmommie]

Save your money now and go back later if you feel you need to. The biggest difference in ADN vs BSN in my experience is whether or not you want to work management. I have a ADN and currently am making more $/hr than the BSN's on my floor(base rate). The other thing to consider, at least where I went to school, is the type of learner you are.....The ADN programs seem to have a bunch more clinicals and hands on and the BSN programs are alot of book work along with clinicals(from what I've seen though, they don't have near as much hospital time as ADN programs do)

I find this difficult to believe unless of course you have more years at that facility or years experience. then of course you could be making more or less than anyone bsn or adn.

 

[wdw.dreamer]

Just wanted to chime in.

Unless you are wanting a job in management why not just start with your ADN. In my hospital, and those around in the area, Unless you work in management the base pay is the same for everyone no matter what type of RN degree you have.

In my experience, the nurses that I have worked with who were ADN were much better nurses from the start than those that were BSN. This all has to do with how much more hands on experience the ADN programs have over BSN.
example - I had a student last year who was following me for two weeks. She was in a BSN program and was graduating in 4 weeks. This student had never actually done any true charting or started an IV on anything but a dummy
Now in my ADN program, we were charting on our Pts from the getgo in school ect.

Needles to say, having started out with my ADN first, I am partial to the ADN program just for experience sake.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Save your money now and go back later if you feel you need to. The biggest difference in ADN vs BSN in my experience is whether or not you want to work management. I have a ADN and currently am making more $/hr than the BSN's on my floor(base rate). The other thing to consider, at least where I went to school, is the type of learner you are.....The ADN programs seem to have a bunch more clinicals and hands on and the BSN programs are alot of book work along with clinicals(from what I've seen though, they don't have near as much hospital time as ADN programs do)

In my experience, the nurses that I have worked with who were ADN were much better nurses from the start than those that were BSN. This all has to do with how much more hands on experience the ADN programs have over BSN.
example - I had a student last year who was following me for two weeks. She was in a BSN program and was graduating in 4 weeks. This student had never actually done any true charting or started an IV on anything but a dummy
Now in my ADN program, we were charting on our Pts from the getgo in school ect.

You know what I love? I love when someone can make their point without attempting to put down someone else. I'm always impressed when people can do that. It makes their points seem much more believable.

There are some amazing generalizations and mis-characterizations in both of these posts. These are not my experiences at all.

I also do not believe that a BSN is only for management positions - far from it. Today's bedside nurse needs to have the best understanding of a wide variety of issues and that is exactly what the BSN prepared nurse does best.

I would strongly suggest to anyone considering a career in nursing to do your research using reputable nursing resources. See what each school/program offers and think about where you would like to work - and with whom.

 

[Cindy F]

I almost forgot another good option if money is tight! You could do the 1 year LPN program then a fast track LPN to RN (ADN)program. I know several people who did this. The LPN program started in January and they graduated in December.

You don't make as much, only around $14 an hour to start (depending on area, field, etc) BUT, you at least get to start earning something in one year instead of two. The people I know started the RN program in May after they graduated from the LPN program the prior Dec.

So, they waited and worked for 5 months before starting the RN program, started the RN program in May and finished the following May. Their employers paid for their RN education and they were allowed to work variable shifts to allow for school/study time.

As you can see, tensions within the nursing community run very high when discussing different levels of education and practice-it's sad.

I value the LPNs, CNAs, ADNs, BSNs, MSNs, DNScs I work with because of their commitment to the patient and the individual knowledge set they bring to the team more than the letters they have after their names.

 

[Ohiodislover]

I find this difficult to believe unless of course you have more years at that facility or years experience. then of course you could be making more or less than anyone bsn or adn.

Why do you find this difficult to believe? I'm have an ADN, and I know for a fact that I make more than most in my management position, some of which have A BSN. I've worked at my current job for just a little over a year. In fact I only make about $1500 less/year than the CRNPs at my facility.

I rarely get involved in the these debates. I get really sick of the "I'm a better nurse because I have a higher degree than you"

I've seen ADN, BSN, and MSN nurses that I wouldn't let care for my pet hamster. I've also learned tons of skills, and information from LPNS--Oh the horror

 

[Pin Wizard]

Actually our own practice organizations did it. The Nurse practicioners I believe will change to doctorate level by 2015 (all the old ones will grandfathered in) and the CRNA's must be doctorate by 2020 (once again, old ones grandfathered in). The explanation is that it will increase our knowledge, and credibility in our professions to have a doctorate level of practice. It is also intended for us to achieve full autonomy from the MD's so the advanced roles can be more independent. Few colleges offered the doctorate before the regulation change but now schools are developing the programs.

My school is offering the doctorate starting in a year or two. I will have the option to do it by adding on an extra year when i graduate. Don't know if i will, I need some time off! I may pursue it later on though...

And those of us working in Credentialing will LOVE it when this happens! It has always been a huge pain to process the AHPs. They are more work than the physicians! Will be looking forward to it.

 

[Pin Wizard]

Also, if money is an issue, check around and see what's available. I work for a health system that also has a few different nursing programs. When we lived in FL, DS ended up in Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital for a couple nights. While talking with his Endocrinologist, she asked me, out of the blue, if I wanted to become a nurse. I thought she was joking. She said that if I wanted to become a pediatric nurse and work there, the hospital would pay 100% of the training! For that, I would sign an employment contract for any amount of time they wanted! I think she said it was three years. So there are some great ways to go about it!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I get really sick of the "I'm a better nurse because I have a higher degree than you"

Actually, this "debate" has seemed to go just the opposite.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2096476&referrerid=70088

 

[npmommie]

Why do you find this difficult to believe? I'm have an ADN, and I know for a fact that I make more than most in my management position, some of which have A BSN. I've worked at my current job for just a little over a year. In fact I only make about $1500 less/year than the CRNPs at my facility.

I rarely get involved in the these debates. I get really sick of the "I'm a better nurse because I have a higher degree than you"

I've seen ADN, BSN, and MSN nurses that I wouldn't let care for my pet hamster. I've also learned tons of skills, and information from LPNS--Oh the horror

First off you are not the poster I quoted when I said that, she said she has an ADN and makes more than BSN's on HER FLOOR
which yes I find hard to believe UNLESS she has more experience.
all things being equal, such as years of experience, floor nurses will be making the same adn or bsn, unless the hospital gives an extra amount for having a bsn, some do.

as for the second bolded statement, no where on this thread did any BSN or MSN nurse say they were better, in fact it has been quite the opposite as pea pointed out, its the adn nurses saying they are better

 

[wdw.dreamer]

You know what I love? I love when someone can make their point without attempting to put down someone else. I'm always impressed when people can do that. It makes their points seem much more believable.

There are some amazing generalizations and mis-characterizations in both of these posts. These are not my experiences at all.

I also do not believe that a BSN is only for management positions - far from it. Today's bedside nurse needs to have the best understanding of a wide variety of issues and that is exactly what the BSN prepared nurse does best.

I would strongly suggest to anyone considering a career in nursing to do your research using reputable nursing resources. See what each school/program offers and think about where you would like to work - and with whom.

Touchy are we?

I think that my point came acrossed very clearly. It has been MY experience.

For those new/green nurses with their degrees in hand, the ones who are ADN SEEM to have an advantage over the BSN at the STARTING point just because of the fact that they were doing more hands on work.
I am speaking form MY experience.

 

[Disney Doll]

I went to Nursing school a long time ago.

At the time, it was a Nursing school and I received an RN diploma. I do not believe that any Nursing schools that give out RN diplomas still exist...my understanding is that they have all transitioned over to ADN programs. I work at the hospital which is attached to my Nursing school, which now also offers an ADN degree as opposed to a diploma. From what I see with regard to their curriculum, it is fairly similar to what got me a diploma all those years ago. LOTS of hands on clinical experience with exposure to many different types of nursing practice, plus core college-level courses.

All those years ago when I graduated with my diploma, I was about halfway to the # of college credits I needed to get a BSN. I got a job working at the hospital, they paid for a good portion of my continued schooling and so I continued on for, and got, my BSN. 26 years ago, that was pretty impressive...having a BSN.

For me, having a program where I got a lot of clinical experience...hands on exposure...was essential because I learn better by doing. Don't tell me how to put in a catheter, give me a catheter, stand there and talk me through putting it in. And let me do it several times...since I was on the floor clinically like 3 days per week in Nursing school, I had the opportunity to perform clinical skills several times. Other folks learn differently and can put an abstract concept into practice more easily...they can learn in college how to put a catheter in and then go to the bedside and do it once and know how to do it. That is why a diploma program (now morphed to an ADN program) worked well for me for my basic Nursing education.

So, as far as education levels, I think the issue is that the Nursing profession has to decide what the basic level of education is going to be for a practing RN. If it's ADN, that's fine. If it's BSN, that's fine. But someone has to decide because if not, we tend to have these kinds of discussions (both on the DIS & IRL) where everyone gets all out of joint because they think someone is "dissing" their level of education. And in my hospital, having a BSN doesn't get you any more $$ per hour as a staff nurse.

For you, OP, if it's easier to go to an ADN program and get started in a career and then have your job pay for you to continue your education, then by all means, do so. That plan worked fine for me. At the very least, you need a BSN in this day and age...and I'd still recommend that you look into an RN to MSN program once you get your RN, if you can find one that will let you go RN to MSN without having the BSN, which I thought was the point of an RN to MSN program...skipping the middle step (BSN) to get more RNs a Graduate education. My opinion may not be the popular one, but BSNs aren't all that impressive anymore as a final educational "step" in one's Nursing career.

I'd also urge you to think of your future. I started at 21, have been a staff nurse for 26 years, am now 47. Staff nursing is a lot harder at 47 than it was at 21!!!!!!!!!!!! Hence my advice to ultimately have an MSN...it will open more doors for you later on, when the physical side of Nursing may get difficult.

The issue I am currently facing is this:

I am 47. I have a BSN. I have 26 years of pretty varied experience...staff nursing, UR/QA for an insurance company, home health care, nursing informatics (I work with the IT Department as a sort of liaison nurse...the theory being that a recognizable staff nurse face will be effective when rolling out new IT programs. I also help design the programs so the IT people know what a staff nurse needs and how a computer should function for us), even some writing. I function at a Masters degree level, but there are many jobs which, while I know could do them and probably do them well, are not open to me because I don't have the Masters degree. Nursing, for some reason, is very focused on education only as opposed to the "whole package", even if some of the folks with the education may not be the best overall candidate for the job offered.

So, there's my advice. Bets of luck with whatever you decide. We can't have too many good nurses.

 

[scottishduffy]

Touchy are we?

I think that my point came acrossed very clearly. It has been MY experience.

For those new/green nurses with their degrees in hand, the ones who are ADN SEEM to have an advantage over the BSN at the STARTING point just because of the fact that they were doing more hands on work.
I am speaking form MY experience.

At least in my neck of the woods i agree about more clinical time for the ADN's. When the students first graduate I noticed the ADN's had more hands on skill sets. While the BSN's had a better knowledge of phyiology and WHY of everything we do, but could barely start IV's. Now, at first we notice these differences. However, after a while on the job these differences go away. The ADN's get curious and pick up much more of the physiology, and the deeper understanding that is hammered in the BSN's. While the BSN's eventually pick up all those technical skills that the ADN's ahave been drilled on day in and day out. They both become great nurses, and no one can tell the difference by looking at them.

I merely advocate the BSN because that extra piece of paper gives you more credibility. Not to imply anyone is better then the other, but because I am thinking about what appears on a resume and what a manager will cut first when making hiring choices. My mom does hiring for hospitals. When she has a position with multiple applicants with similar experiences.... the first cut she makes is who has the degree and who doesn't. It is the easiest cut to make. They are both may be just as good, but one has a piece of paper to back it up. For that reason, is why I advocate for the BSN. Many more doors are opened.