[NYDreamer]

BSN and ADN students take the same test after graduation, so NO you will not be "stepping down" should you go to an associates program. Try applying to more than one program, I applied to three programs, and am starting in the BSN program next week {}...If nursing is what you want to go into, then nursing is what you should pursue...also at the end of the day, all the money in the world will not matter if you hate your job...I left a $13/hr office job (I was miserable!) and became a home health aide making $7.50/hr and ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. Unfortunately, I had to make the decision to leave that position for now because of summer school, but I hope you understand my point...If time is of the essence, look at ADN programs or LPN programs. LPN programs are usually a year long and you can work while studying become an RN. Good luck!

Originally Posted by tigger340

I have the same question. I am really in need of some advice. My mom and I have discussed this issue over and over but I don't think either of us are educated enough in the area to make the best decision. I am currently waiting to see if I will make it into the bachelor's nursing program but what do I do if I don't get in???? Do I go for the associates degree then the BSN? I feel like if I did that I would be stepping down instead of up. Do I keep trying to get into the BSN program, all the while time is slipping away? Do I apply to different colleges?? It seems like all of them have different pre-reqs, apply at different times, and are more apt to accept people who are going there. Do I change my major in the health care field? I've thought about radiology but chemistry isn't my high point and again i'll be back to square one, waiting to see if I get in. My mom has suggested physicians assistant but I'm not so sure I want to do that either. My mom also has said that she feels like I wouldn't become out with a very good paying job if I stuck with nursing. I feel like this is a critical time in my life and I just want to be sure that the decision I do make is the right one. Please help, it would be greatly appreciated!

[mshep12]

Someone may have mentioned this already, but the biggest difference between ADN and BSN is what you're looking to do with your career. The ADN is great for training hospital-ready RNs. The BSN is for those nurses who someday want to oversee a nursing unit or get more into the management side, although of course if BSNs often decide to stay on the floor and get a pay raise.

There's more about the BSN in this article: http://www.nursingprograms.com/bsn-b...nce-in-nursing. I think that will really help anyone with a similar concern.

[lacesse]

Why BSN schools ask us higher higher GPA and more more money if there is nothing different? Why most students who have not accepted in BSN School are going to ADN program? Just don't want to wait?

BSN degree is enough different just as a degree.

[Aedana]

Originally Posted by mickjordmoll

Can anyone tell me the major differences between an associates degree and a bachelors degree? I realize the bachelors requires more schooling and more job opportunities.
Jobwise is what I mean. Can you still aquire a job at a hospital with an associates? Is it better to continue education and earn your bachelors?

In my state (Texas), the big difference between BSN and ADN programs is 3 courses in nursing school. BSNs take Management, Research, and Community Health courses, other than that, the curriculum is the same. If your interest lies in one of those 3 areas of nursing, definitely go for your BSN. Otherwise, you just need to weigh the other factors other posters have already discussed as to the best choice for you.

I am a new grad from an ADN program that has a reputation for turning out fine nurses. Our school has new grads in the ER, OR, ICU/CCU, NICU, L&D, and PICUs, so we held our own quite nicely competing this fall against the grads in the multiple BSN programs in the area.

[Wsmith16]

Originally Posted by lacesse

Why BSN schools ask us higher higher GPA and more more money if there is nothing different? Why most students who have not accepted in BSN School are going to ADN program? Just don't want to wait?

BSN degree is enough different just as a degree.

The BSN schools do not ask for higher gpa's. In my area it's tougher to get into an ADN program then it is a BSN program because the ADN Is cheaper. They both require high gpa's.

You asked: " Why most students who have not accepted in BSN School are going to ADN program? Just don't want to wait? "

Most students who don't get into the BSN program run straight to the ADN program in hopes of getting in and those that can't get into ADN programs do the same since nursing schools are so competitive due to the LIMITED number of seats. After you've completed your prereqs you just want to get into an accredited school & just start your nursing career. Why should you wait, especially if you are being given an oppt'y to become a nurse, an oppt'y that comes once in a lifetime.

The reality is ADN nurses have to work their tails off to complete their degrees as well as diploma & BSN nurses & Accelerated BSN nurses. They all have to pass the NCLEX. We all know that nursing school is not easy it takes a lot of hard work. Anyone that has successfully completed their nursing degree & passed the NCLEX ia a nurse in my eyes. It takes alot of hard work & dedication in order to be a nurse. Let's not forget that especailly when we are discussing ADN/BSN programs one degree is not easier to obtain than another.

I'm learning that the hard way.

[txmomof2]

Hi...I just want to hug you and tell you everything will be okay. I have a masters degree in teaching...and have taught for 17 years. After two kids and two bouts of life threatening cancer, I've decided to return to school for my nursing degree. I guess what I'm trying to say is that no matter what steps you take, the thing to remember and be positive about, is that you're taking steps towards your future. Don't worry...it will all fall into place. I'm 38 years old and have had a wonderful career as a teacher but, at this stage in my life I have a desire to help others through nursing. My surviving cancer was hugely influenced by my attitude which I attribute greatly to the love of my family and the fabulous nurses and doctors who cared for me...I would cherish the ability to return that favor. Look to fill your future with a career that brings you great joy. Worrying over what might be will only get in the way of achieving happiness. Best of luck to you!

[Tweety]

Originally Posted by Aedana

In my state (Texas), the big difference between BSN and ADN programs is 3 courses in nursing school. BSNs take Management, Research, and Community Health courses, other than that, the curriculum is the same. If your interest lies in one of those 3 areas of nursing, definitely go for your BSN. Otherwise, you just need to weigh the other factors other posters have already discussed as to the best choice for you.

That's amazing to me that there is only three courses difference between a BSN and an ADN in Texas. I would feel ripped off if I were an ADN nurse and bite the bullet and take those three classes even if I wasn't interested in those areas of nursing.

When I took the ADN to BSN route it was a 15 course difference.

[Sabby_NC]

Originally Posted by Tweety

The associates degree can definately get you lots of entry level positions in the hospital. In fact that's what it's for to prepare bedside RNs in hospitals. The job opportunities are many and the income is a nice middle income.

The bachelor's degree is helpful depending on your goals. What do you envision your nursing career to hold for you? Do you simply want to be a bedside nurse forever? Or do you envision something else like management, teaching, getting a Masters Degree, working in public health? A BSN will give you more opportunities outside of the hospital away from the bedside.

Good luck. Feel free to ask any questions you'd like to.

Tweety always says it so well

[Aedana]

Originally Posted by Tweety

That's amazing to me that there is only three courses difference between a BSN and an ADN in Texas. I would feel ripped off if I were an ADN nurse and bite the bullet and take those three classes even if I wasn't interested in those areas of nursing.

When I took the ADN to BSN route it was a 15 course difference.

I didn't really feel ripped off when I took the ADN program. The reason why is that 1 semester of nursing school in my ADN program was 250 dollars (including fees) per semester for full time study (if even that much), while the cheapest BSN program I could find was easily 4 times that much (the local public university cost about 2500 dollars/semester + fees). Some of the private school BSN programs were even more expensive (12k-16k per semester!!!).

I had NO assistance whatsoever with college tuition (I didn't qualify for federal aid during any of my time in school for various reasons) so I really had to scrimp financially just to gather together the 250 bucks. However, I graduated with no debt under my belt (unlike many of the BSN grads I know). Now that I am employed full time, I can get the hospital to pay for my ADN-BSN bridge year with no out of pocket costs, so I can still remain debt-free.

So, like I mentioned, there are a lot of factors that can weigh in on whether you choose the ADN/BSN route. I am very glad for my ADN program because without it, there would have been no way for me to be a nurse.


Aedana

[soon2be]

Is it true that ADN's cannot hang IV medication? Someone told me this was the only difference with BSN vs. ADN trained nurses...

Please clarify... thanks!