A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is considered more skilled than an RN. All RNs must be licensed by the state where they live, but technically only an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) should be required. I've seen several other postings on NursingLink suggesting that the CNA route is the best way to determine whether nursing is your thing.

Check out this posting on Career Strategies. This site should also be helpful.

Jillcoastie, it is definitely possible to apply your previous college credits to getting BSN. You should check out an ADN (Associates Degree in Nursing - same thing as an ASN) program and compare it to a BSN program. Sometimes the two programs can be completed in the same amount of time if you have previous college credits.

The main advantage that a BSN has over an ADN is that it is often required for management level positions. But the starting salary is generally the same for a BSN and an ADN nurse.

And Jon- I have to correct you - there should be no difference in skill level between an ADN educated nurse and a BSN educated nurse. The only difference is that with a BSN degree, there are more academic requirements.

Jillcoastie writes: "In researching different nursing degrees I keep seeing RN-BSN. Is this degree for RN’s with just an Associate’s in Nursing who are wanting to upgrade to a Bachelor’s?"

Answer: It is simply a degree for those who already have an RN who want to "upgrade" to a Bachelors. How you got your RN is of no consequence. Some gained their RN through 2 year colleges, and others via Diploma Programs.

"And here’s another question…I have an Associate’s, but not in Nursing. Plus I have several other upper level courses completed – none of which are Nursing related. Is it possible to go for a BSN and get credit for most of my previous college work and not have to do 4 years?"

In short yes, but keep in mind that those that already have a 4-yr. Degree will generally qualify for fast track programs to earn their BSN. These programs are sometimes only 18 months. Remember that various colleges and universities have their own criteria on what credits they will and won't accept. For instance, some colleges will accept Introductory Chemistry, others absolutely will not for the BSN. I strongly recommend contacting and sending your xnscripts to the colleges/universities that you might be interested in attending.

If you're interested in attending only a 2-yr. program to get your RN, a non nursing associates degree will help you in some of the basic courses required for the AA degree in nursing (because the core courses are usually identical to most other majors), but not much for the 2 yr. Associates of Science Nursing Degree because other than Psychology, Sociology and a few Humanity courses.. the AS degree focuses on actual nursing and basic bio courses (Anat/Phys, Microbiology, etc.) This again depends on the particular institution.

"I’m signed up to take a CNA course next month to help determine if this is truly the route I want to go. I don’t want to do 4 years of college (I’m 40 years old). Would you recommend just doing another Assoc. degree to become an RN? What would you do in this case?"

I absolutely would not do the CNA course unless it was a requirement for some very particular programs (University of North Dakota for instance requires prior experience which CNA in short, is a qualifier). My question to you is why waste months on a CNA program, when you could be investing that time into getting your actual RN? Even if you wind up not liking the RN program, its a difference between $20+ dollars an hour and getting paid only a few dollars above MINIMUM WAGE in many areas. Put a price on your time and education. Do not waste it figuring out what you want to do. I tell many students this... which is smarter, to major in Engineering and have a job earning $58,000 per year while you "figure out what you want to do", or play musical majors part time, while working a retail job for $10 per hour? :)

I think it is important to note why the BSN curriculum varies from the typical 2-year ASSOCIATES OF SCIENCE nursing programs. The difference between these programs conjur up much confusion with those wishing to pursue a degree in nursing, but are not quite familiar with some of the basic differences between getting a Associates or Bachelors of ARTS vs. an Associates or Bachelors of SCIENCE".

1. An ADSN (Associates Degree of Science Nursing) allows one to get the take the NCLEX upon graduation, become an RN and start work. To obtain this degree, you will have to do all the nursing clinicals, etc., take classes in Pharmacy, etc.. You will not usually have to take classes like General Chemistry or College Algebra or higher math, etc..

2. An AA degree in Nursing is purely designed for those who want to pursue a BSN. You will typically not take any nursing courses, might have to take General Chemistry, College Algebra as a minimum, Statistics and other purely academic courses. Again, this is a major that purely PREPARES a student to pursue a higher degree.
You will not be eligible to take the NCLEX upon graduation.

3. The BSN is hugely important if one wants to go futher in nursing. It is *typically* the most basic requirement to even get into the advance schools (Nurse Practitioner, Anesthetist, Mid Wife, etc.)... these are also GENERALLY considered the "good jobs in nursing" ;) Off the top of my head, I'd estimate that these advance degrees would typically boost a nurses pay $15k per annum at a minimum (10th percentile)... and easily $40k per annum more (10th percentile) for Nurse Anesthetist.

RNdude, correct me if I'm wrong, but are you saying that nurses don't have a chance to apply their knowledge and use critical thinking? Because I use critical thinking every single day in my clinical practice (in the MICU). Taking care of a critically ill patient is a constant series of negotiations (with the docs, pharmacists, transport team, diagnostic services, family members, time constraints, etc.) Without critical thinking and knowledge, I'd be lost.

Jillcoastie, this article may be helpful.

In that portion of my post I was responding to the obtuse statement "Education virtually ALWAYS trumps experience" which, when applied to clinical nursing practice is just absurd. We all use critical thinking whether it's floor nursing, ICU or ER. My point was that critical thinking does not come from nursing school. Nor does the ability to fully utilize what you learned in school. Being able to fully apply what you have learned, both from school and the job itself, takes time. To further explain my point regarding this quote, let's say a BSN grad passes boards, begins work in the ER, becomes certified in Basic Dysrhythmia, ACLS, Hemodynamics, Tncc, Enpc and Pals. This is as "educated" as this nurse is going to get at this point in their career. Another nurse working beside the new grad is an ADN nurse, has the same certifications and 10 years experience in the ER. Now, tell me that education trumps experience. This is my exact point. Beth, I can certainly maintain an amount of decorum, but you will have to excuse me when I get a bit riled by someone who is speaking about something they truly have not experienced.

I think the problem is when words like "always" are used, as in "education ALWAYS trumps experience." It's easy to find good and bad examples of both the experienced nurse with an ADN and the inexperienced nurse with a BSN. It really depends on the person.

It is true that a BSN will aid you in career advancement, while an ADN typically will not. On the other hand, an ADN prepared nurse who chooses to work nights, weekends, and the occasional OT shift can typically earn a lot more than his Nurse Manager, who may have a Master's degree. As far as clinical hours taught in an ADN vs. BSN - I believe they are equal, but I'm sure it varies from program to program. I am currently researching this and I will share the results.

One interesting thing is that in my state, (Maryland) ADN programs have a higher pass rate for the NCLEX than BSN programs do.

Here's an article on the differences between a BSN and an ADN and the advantages/disadvantages of both.

In response to dmorse6...what you're telling us is that you feel it would be more prudent to take the time and money to achieve an ADN, which takes more than 2 years, typically, and THEN decide that nursing isn't for you?? Even when you can obtain a CNA in as little as 10 days, begin working in a nursing environment immediately, and find out sooner and cheaper that nursing isn't for you? I'm sorry I just don't see that making any sense. Especially when I just had one of our pct's turn in his notice and pull out of nursing school because he found out it wasn't for him. I'm pretty certain he's happy he found out now before going through the entire nursing program. Now he can spend the time he was going to be in nursing school deciding what he really wants to do.

A few points to make here. I started my nursing career as a CNA and then while working I went to school to become a nurse. I do think that becoming a CNA first makes you see what nursing is like. I have worked with a few good nurses and a few horrible nurses. I can tell you from experience the ones that have been a CNA first are not afraid to get their hands dirty. They also are not the type to go in to a room and see that a urinal needs empty and walk out to tell the Aide. I currently only have my Associates degree but by the end of the year I will have my BSN. I don't see any difference in the nursing skills between these two degrees. I learned critical thinking in my ADN program and have only built on it while working. Going through my BSN has only taught me more about community nursing and research. Yes you need a BSN to move up to management, and to move up the education ladder but other than that it doesn't make you a better nurse.