[alliemare]

Can anyone help me clarify what exactly are the differences between an RN and a BSN?

I finally decided I want to go back to school for nursing, but Im having the hardest time finding appropriate part-time programs. (For at least the first three years, I need to be part time. After finally paying off my undergrad, I just dont want to rack up more loans!)

Everyone I've asked recommends doing a 4 year BSN program -- but they are pretty difficult to get into, and fairly expensive. A second-degree accelerated programs are out of the question-- to expensive, and I cant go back full time.

As far as the RN programs, they are much easier to get into, much more flexible with time, and wayyyy cheaper. Granted, I can make it through the three or four year program and not pass the RN test, which would suck.

So my plan is to do a 3 year RN program, pass the RN, then get into an RN-BSN bridge program. On average, they look to be about 1-2 years, and much easier to get into rather than a full BSN track.

But as far as looking for jobs, and being taken seriously in the profession, is it really worth is to have a BSN vs an RN? What really is the difference between a BSN and RN? I know jobs for new nursing grads are few and far between, so is having my BSN really going to help me?

[RedMare01]

From working at a hospital, I will tell you what will get you hired is...working at a hospital. While you're going to school, if you can work as an aide or unit secretary or do something to get hands-on experience, that is your best bet. My hospital hires plenty of RNs (and will pay for you to finish your BSN), but most of them already work at the hospital in some capacity to begin with.

[Punkie]

You already have a bachelors degree? You should look into BS to BSN or BA to BSN programs. If you aren't planning on going on in your nursing coursework (NP or MSN, for example), you'd be wise to explore programs that allow you to get your BSN in about the same amount of time as your RN.

Now, at least in my area (Ocala), RNs are widely used and it is not as necessary to have your BSN as it is in say, Boston. And already having a BS or BA and going back to school for an RN is essentially doing the same amount of work, you just can't say you have a BSN.

[paddington]

At the hospital where I work, management is highly encouraging a BSN. I suspect they will be requiring it of new hires soon (if they don't already). I second the idea of a BS to BSN program. They are usually only 5 semesters.

[alliemare]

Im working in a hospital now. Primarily on the administrative side, but thats part of the reason I can only go back part time. I want to keep my contact so when I am a RN or BSN, it will hopefully help me get something sooner. And they will help pay for tuition.

I looked into the BS to BSN programs...I cant get into them. Im missing 2 req classes and if I go back to take 2 classes, I will be paying per-credit, which is super expensive. Plus, that will add another year onto my schooling (Im missing physiology I and II which are only offered in sequential order)

I think its ridiculous that I have a BS in biology, but cant get into a BSN program. But, oh well. What can you do...

So that is the main reason why Im looking at RN programs, then bridge to BSN. The RN programs offer anatomy I,II and Physiology I,II as part of the course work. So I wouldnt have to take the classes outside of the program.

[horsechica58]

Alliemare- are you sure that you don't need the Physio I&II prior to applying to the RN program? I just got accepted into a ADN/RN program at Sacramento City College and all of the other colleges that I applied to in California required you to have taken Anatomy & Physiology prior to applying.

Good luck getting into a program though! It's an exciting career opportunity, and like others have said, you are already ahead of the game working for the hospital now

[Irishrose261]

An RN is a Registered Nurse. A registered nurse can qualify to become an RN by completing a bachelor's degree (BSN), an associate's degree (ADN), or a 'certificate program' (no degree earned, but you can sit for the NCLEX.)

A BSN opens more doors, particularly if you want to work in public/community health. In my hospital, you need a BSN to qualify for some positions and to move up the clinical ladder and be promoted.

[alliemare]

horsechic-- the one local program I am interested in has anatomy I&II and phys I&II as part of the first year curriculum. It is a certificate program, so no degree awarded, but I would qualify to sit in on the RN test. And as far as hours go, it fits perfectly with my job right now. Which, in itself, is difficult to find.

From there, the RN to BSN bridge programs I have looked at just require a 2.5 GPA in nursing classes and an RN. So theoretically speaking, I could get my RN through a community college, then get into a really good bridge program (I work at Upenn now, and they have a fantastic bridge program), and therefore have my BSN from a big-time school. That would then set me up for a CRNP in the future.

Question that I just thought of -- can nurses transfer schools? So, say I start off in the community college, get through the first year (taking anatomy and phys), could I transfer into an accredited BSN program?

[Guin]

I don't know where you are, but you should look at Simmons. We offer RN/BSN programs that are unique and sound just like what you're looking for. We have just received a $2 million gift for additional nursing program support.

http://www.simmons.edu/snhs/

[alliemare]

Guin -- that direct entry program looks like it would be a prefect option! Unfortunately Im in SE PA, and relocation is out of the question for now.

[DistanceHorse]

Many hospitals that are looking to get Magnet recognition or ones that already have Magnet status are not hiring nurses without BSNs. Apparently the Magnet status has certain requirements about the RN to BSN ratio.

I started my career in nursing with an Associates in Applied Science in Nursing-went back to school on-line and got my BSN in 2006-now back in a different on-line program to get my Masters.

[laskiblue]

Can you take the two classes you need to get into the BS to BSN program at a community college? That would help reduce the cost substantially. You might want to check with an academic advisor to see if that's viable option. Good luck.

[CallMeGrace]

If your community college program isn't accredited, you will not be able to transfer credits to an accredited program.

[alliemare]

Can you take the two classes you need to get into the BS to BSN program at a community college? That would help reduce the cost substantially. You might want to check with an academic advisor to see if that's viable option. Good luck.

It would actually be more expensive to take the credits on my own. The RN program is at a community college and is 3 years and the bridge program is 2 years. So 5 years total, 3 of which are fairly "cheap" as far as classes go. The bridge programs run around 5-8,000.

The BSN programs are anywhere from 15-30,000, depending on the school, then add another $1,500-$2,000 for the extra two classes...and then pray that I even get into a BSN program. It is difficult to get into BSN programs, even when I already have a degree.

ETA -- I am going to an information session next week for the RN program, and I will definitely ask about these other options

[alliemare]

Another question I've been pondering...

If I take this RN program (which, as far as I know, is a certificate program, not a ASN) will that hurt me in the job hunt? I mean, I figure if I can sit in on the RN exam, and pass, having my RN is what they are really looking for?

Eventually I want to go on to get my BSN/MSN and those programs just require an RN for acceptance, so an ASN is not "technically" required?

Uggghhhh I really just need to talk to a nursing counselor and/or mentor...

[mswillie]

Another question I've been pondering...

If I take this RN program (which, as far as I know, is a certificate program, not a ASN) will that hurt me in the job hunt? I mean, I figure if I can sit in on the RN exam, and pass, having my RN is what they are really looking for?

Eventually I want to go on to get my BSN/MSN and those programs just require an RN for acceptance, so an ASN is not "technically" required?

Uggghhhh I really just need to talk to a nursing counselor and/or mentor...

In SE PA I would say having anything but the BSN (bachelors degree in nursing, registered nurse) will make it harder. Christiana is moving away from the associate degree RN, don't know if they even consider certificate RN's anymore.

And no, just taking and passing NCLEX is not all there is to it. Nor is just the RN designation. The reason that many hospitals are going to the BSN RN only is that they want the nurse who has a more all around education.

And to clarify since I'm seeing a little confusion here a person with a BSN who has passed the RN NCLEX is an RN, as is a person who has an associate degree and has passed the RN NCLEX, or a person how has finished a certificate program (if they even exist anymore) and has passed the RN NCLEX. They are all registered nurses.

Don't get confused with a licensed practical nurse (LPN), that's different.

In this area there really are a lot of nurses coming out of UD, DelTech, and Cecil County. If you want to be competitive in the area the bachelors degree is probably the way to get an edge. YMMV

Me, I wouldn't recommend nursing to anyone. I only made it for 18 months before I got out of it. Hope to never have to do it again. Most miserable 18 months of my life.

[alliemare]

So...let me try and clarify for myself,


If you are enrolled in a certificate, ASN, or BSN program, and qualify to sit in on and pass the RN exam...they are all 'technically' RNs.

...the difference is the level of education...with BSN being the highest and most qualified for a position.

correct?

[Irishrose261]

So...let me try and clarify for myself,


If you are enrolled in a certificate, ASN, or BSN program, and qualify to sit in on and pass the RN exam...they are all 'technically' RNs.

...the difference is the level of education...with BSN being the highest and most qualified for a position.

correct?

Yes. An RN is an RN is an RN. I do the same work as my coworkers with ADN or certificate degrees. However, promotions above my current employment level as a clinical nurse II REQUIRE a BSN. (Although I don't know if "most qualified" is the phrase I would use...) The bachelor's degree, i think, has coursework that covers research (methodology, utilization, etc) as well as public/community health. (I never considered anything but a BSN, so I don't know the details of how ADN or certificate programs work.) It's a broader education that opens up more job opportunities.

[mswillie]

So...let me try and clarify for myself,


If you are enrolled in a certificate, ASN, or BSN program, and qualify to sit in on and pass the RN exam...they are all 'technically' RNs.

...the difference is the level of education...with BSN being the highest and most qualified for a position.

correct?

Ignoring advance practice degrees, yes.

If you don't mind my asking, where is the certificate program being offered? I only knew 2 certificate RN's and both were well over 40 yrs. old. The only certificate programs I knew of were offered at hospitals and you pretty much paid them to work full time while you earned your certificate. I wouldn't recommend that route unless it were offered at the hospital where you plan to work. It's not what today's employers are looking for in graduate nurses.

[alliemare]

Yes. An RN is an RN is an RN. I do the same work as my coworkers with ADN or certificate degrees. However, promotions above my current employment level as a clinical nurse II REQUIRE a BSN. (Although I don't know if "most qualified" is the phrase I would use...) The bachelor's degree, i think, has coursework that covers research (methodology, utilization, etc) as well as public/community health. (I never considered anything but a BSN, so I don't know the details of how ADN or certificate programs work.) It's a broader education that opens up more job opportunities.

OK. good. Thats what I originally thought, but then I managed to get myself all confused. lol

I think for me, right now, will do the 3 year certificate program, then go right into the bridge to BSN. They are both part time programs, so hopefully when I have my RN, being enrolled in a BSN program while job hunting should help a little bit...

I really wish I qualified for an accelerated program, so I could just get all this 'nonsense' over with, but alas, that is life.