ADN or BSN

Nurses New Nurse

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Hi,

Im going into the 11th grade. For an elective they offer nursing classes. You can get college credit or anything but it teaches you a lot. This year I can become a CNA and work at a nursing home. But my thoughts were that is the difference between BSN and ADN besides the 2 and 4 years of college. Do you get paid a lot more if you have a bachelors?

Destany

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Hi,

Im going into the 11th grade. For an elective they offer nursing classes. You can get college credit or anything but it teaches you a lot. This year I can become a CNA and work at a nursing home. But my thoughts were that is the difference between BSN and ADN besides the 2 and 4 years of college. Do you get paid a lot more if you have a bachelors?

Destany

Hi Destany. I give you lots of credit for planning your future education all ready! :)

A CNA is a Certified Nurses ASsistant. There is classroom learning and a practical test. You will learn things like how to position and move people, how to provide basic care like bed baths, changing incontinet patients, taking vital signs in some cases, feeding clients, helping clients ambulate, give showers, and probably many other things. I applaud you for becoming a CNA! The CNA is really a great help to the nurses.

A BSN has a 4 year degree in nursing, with the first two years usually being classroom courses in various nursing-related topics plus a few liberal arts. Then the second two years are generally the core nursing classes. Clinical experiences and actually learning the art and science of nursing. There are science classes such as microbiology, anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. At the end of the program, the graduate is able to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.

An ADN is usually a 2 year program, although many people take 3 years or so to take it because there are often waiting lists and classes that must be taken. The ADN program is generally an intense 4 semester program that includes the science classes I mentioned above as well as the core nursing classes. At the end of the program the graduate is able to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam as well.

Both degrees lead to being a registered nurse. BSN seems to include more research and maybe some more in-depth subjects than ADN, but much of that depends on the school. It is considerably cheaper to get an ADN from a community college than a BSN from a private school, but again, everywhere is different.

I have heard of some differences in pay between BSN and ADN but mostly they are small differences. In the hospital I work, it is less than .25 cents difference.

THere has been much debate on this board about BSN vs ADN. The truth is, both degrees lead to an RN. BSN has a better chance of moving up the administrative ladder than ADN, but I know lots of people who go ttheir ADN and then get the BSN later (like I am going to do).

I hope this helps! :)

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

You will fare quite well with an ADN if your intent is to remain at the bedside. If your ultimate goal is to do management, research, or education, you will most likely need a BSN.

There's usually no huge pay difference between bedside ADNs and BSNs who are employed at the same facility.

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Ok thanks.........yea I dont want to go into management or education. I just want to be a nurse who works with people. But would a BSN be helpful even if I dont want to go into management or education?

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.
Ok thanks.........yea I dont want to go into management or education. I just want to be a nurse who works with people. But would a BSN be helpful even if I dont want to go into management or education?

Yes, if you decide to move to a mid-level position like a Nurse-Midwife or a Family Nurse Practitioner.

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