[HeartsOpenWide]

Are BAN programs harder than ASN programs? I saw some one post that it is better to to an ASN program if you have kids, that a BSN would be too much. Is this because it is harder or because it is a longer commitment?

[EricEnfermero]

I'm going to hold off on starting the inevitable flame war here, but I'm just surprised that the person on that other thread would make such sweeping statements about students who have kids. My thoughts: To each his own. What works for one may not work for another, kids or no kids.

[llg]

Like Eric, I think it is wise to avoid a flame war here. The answer to your question really depends on lots of factors.

Each school is different and each person is different. A school that suits your needs, talents, and preferences is always "easier" than one that does not. Some people might find one program that emphasizes certain types of work or certain types of classes that don't suit them well -- while another would find that same program to be exactly what they were looking for. One program might be more competive than another. One might have a more supportive, nurturuing environment than another. etc. etc. etc.

Explore the specific characteristics of the programs available to you and choose the one that suits YOU the best. That might be ADN: t might be BSN -- it depends on the particulars of the schools and your particular needs.

llg

[LeesieBug]

I agree...It is essential to judge programs individually. Each school is different, with different levels of intensity, quality of education, expectations, and time commitment, all of which have nothing to do with the degree/certificate you get when walking out the door.

Take a look at different programs in your area...talk with students, teachers, graduates, administration, and get the scoop on them individually to get a realistic idea of which will suit your needs.

[Tweety]

Here the BSN students take separate classes for Patho., pharm, assessment, community health, leardership, etc. in addition to their nursing courses. The ADN courses incorporate them into the systems approach to teaching nursing, but don't go into as much details especially in the subject of community health, research, and management. So the BSN course of study is a tad bit more time consuming than the ADN program. Only a tad. One is not harder than the other in my opinion. Both are equally challenging, difficult.

My opinion comes from not attending these schools but being a preceptor to students who are in both of the programs.

BSN programs are four years of full-time study. ASN programs can be done in 2 to 3 years of full time study (many schools now have so many "pre-reqs" that two years is no longer an option in most cases). Some studetns even before they take pre-reqs have to take biology, general math and algerbra, so that can even add more time. So taking the ASN while having kids is no walk in the park.

[labcat01]

I agree with tweety. I don't know that BSN programs are *harder* but they definitely take a longer period of time to complete.

Either way, there are plenty of people on this board who are in both programs and manage their children. Either way, it isn't easy but people do what they have to do- know what I mean?
Good luck!

[CeCiRN]

IMHO I think the ADN and the BSN programs are both good programs. I'm an ADN myself and have worked with great nurses from both programs. Nursing school is very hard regardless of which program you choose but it's worth it. I think it's basically up to the individual and what they want to do with their nursing career. I loved bedside nursing but my hip and my knee said ENOUGH so now I case manage kids in foster care and I love it.

[wintergurl060]

So the BSN course of study is a tad bit more time consuming than the ADN program. Only a tad. One is not harder than the other in my opinion. Both are equally challenging, difficult.

I agree to this....I find myself writing more research papers than ever for the BSN program..very indept logical papers...I feel as though I'll go insane soon...lol

[marilynmom]

I think what the OP is really asking is if you can do a BSN with kids and the answer would be yes. I have 2 kids and will be starting a BSN program in the fall. I know people already in the program who have kids as well, some had babies while in the BSN program as well. I also know plenty in a local ADN with kids as well.

I don't believe either program is harder, the BSN does requires more classes for the program and more pre reqs just like all bachelors degrees, and takes longer to complete, so it depends on how you view that I suppose.

You should research all the schools in your area, talk to as many people as you can, think about what your goals are (NP, admin, bedside nurse, whatever) and go from there.

[nurz2be]

Originally Posted by HeartsOpenWide

Are BAN programs harder than ASN programs? I saw some one post that it is better to to an ASN program if you have kids, that a BSN would be too much. Is this because it is harder or because it is a longer commitment?

I am going to answer this like a mom and not an ASN student, if I can. First let me say that I am 34 and have been married for 17 years. I have 2 teenage girls, 16 and 14. So my children are physically self sufficient. When we make this type of leap into schooling, like nursing that is so time consuming whether in class or studying, whether ADN, ASN, or BSN, it takes a commitment from your WHOLE family. Each person has to make some type of sacrifice for you to do what you want. That being said ANYONE with pure determination and family support can do any of these outstanding programs. I think it also makes a difference in the age of your children or child. The younger they are the more one on one they need and demand. Let me also say there is an amazing lady in my class that has 6 kids, 2 sets of which are fraternal twins one set is 6 the other 4 and she has 2 younger teens. She works her fanny off and she gets great grades. I personally think that if your family is as committed as you are to letting you study and need quiet, to not give you too hard of a time if you are absent from some events, you can do whatever you put your heart and mind into. I hope that this helps you realize that moms are superheros, we can do and constantly do everything, LOL.

Good luck.