NursingLink

The argument behind RN's obtaining their BSN (as entry level into practice) is that it will allow nursing to be regarded as a profession like many other professions that require at MINIMUM a Bachelors degree to practice. I agree. I was an LPN, then an RN,ASN and then graduted with my BSN. While it is true that the letters don't make the nurse, the letters will give society even more reason to respect our profession and compensate us accordingly.

I am 33 years old (not young but not old:) and graduating on May 16th with my BSN. It was the best decision I have ever made. I feel like I am a step ahead. Not to mention, most hospitals north of NYC are only hiring new grads if they have a BSN. Education in nursing is vital to furthur expand us as a profession. My goals include FNP and then a doctorate in either nursing education or DNP. Ultimately I want to teach and inspire other new nurses the way I was during my 4 years of school.

I graduated from a 3 yr. hospital program in 1975, and a RN to BSN program in 2006, and earned my PHN certification in 2007. However, it is only now, Dec. 8, 2008, to be exact that I will finally be hired as a PHN, RN and use my credentials. Warning to the Baby Boomer Nurses: Getting an advanced degree is costly and many places won't hire you because of your age. It is cheaper to hire a "young" BSN,RN then one with experiece. Education is not cheap and working a shorter number of years after your degree (if you can get hired) is not enough time to break even financially, much less get ahead. Therefore, if you are a Baby Boomer, please make a game plan and look at the cost and returns before re-entering the scholastic forum and save yourself the money, frustration, and disappointment that comes with the advanced degree.

I agree with Poliwog. I am 45, graduated as an RN June 2007 and now I want to go for my BSN. I am not sure that I want to "MOVE OFF THE FLOOR". I enjoy and WANT to stay bedside. The only thing holding me back is having more student loans. I can only benefit myself and my patients by furthering my education.

The hospital I work for only gives a BSN 50 cents an hour more than an ADN. So I don't think the cost of the extra education is worth it right now.

I am a 51 yr old with a ADN and I'm considering going on for my BSN! I won't be making a whole lot more money with a BSN, however, I'm thinking that I'll be working probably well into my late 60's-70's and I don't know if my health will be good for doing bedside nsg!! I'm thinking I could get into management or possibly school nursing when and if my health declines in my "old age" !! I have to wait at least a year before I'll pursue this, because I'm presently paying for my 20 yr old son attending an LPN program!!

I agree that a BSN does not make you a more competent nurse. Competence is somehting the individual must personally attain. I am about to graduate in Dec with my BSN, but before I attained my ADN I ws a Paramedic, so I had lots of experience. The ADN made me feel more complete, and my knowledge, skill and experience showed. I returned for my BSN because I want to be a FNP. But with my background, I am the Bioterrorism Coordinator for the Fire Department in my City.

I'm planning on getting my associate's degree so as to be an RN, I already have a bachelor's degree in another area of study. I've done the research and as I already have a B.S. I will be able to go on to pursuing my master's degree - I live in Florida by the way so for each state you would probably have to do your own research.