[Hopefull2009]

One of my sisters is considering nursing school and she has a Bachelor degree in Sociology.

She and I both have seen hospitals posting jobs requiring a BSN.

If you have a Bachelor degree in a Human Services field, and you have an ADN-RN...is this considered a BSN equivilent?

[Freedom42]

I'm not a nurse manager. Perhaps my bumping this up will attract the attention of one.

The answer to your question, though, is no: A bachelor of science in nursing is just that; it is separate and distinct. I am seeking a BSN as my second bachelor's degree. A BSN includes more nursing education in addition to what's already been studied at the ADN/ASN level; in my program, that includes pathophysiology, pharmacology, health-related research, community health and assorted clinical experiences. Many nurses who've earned ADNs go on to "bridge" programs that allow them to complete their BSNs while working.

My situation was akin to your sister's. Because of my prior degree and the availability of an accelerated program in my home state, I can actually earn a BSN faster than I can earn an ASN (or ADN). Much of my previous coursework applies to the BSN.

[caliotter3]

Agree with points in Freedom42's post. Your sister should consider an accelerated BSN program first. Generally, these programs do not have the "waiting list" problem that the 2 yr programs have. Good luck in her decisions.

[annet3176]

My original BS is in Business Administration. I working while getting my prerequisits. I was able to do an Accelerated BS_RN program in 13 months. It would've taken much longer to do an ADN.

Accelerated programs are the best and the worst of getting a nursing degree. The long clinical days, the long class days and the lack of time to do anything but study will take a terrible toll on you. However, you are practically living with your classmates so my group developed a wonderful sense of "team". Not all groups do, but the ONLY way to get through any accelerated program is through support of your classmates. The work is so hard and so much that very few people can do it alone.

[Tweety]

No it is not equivalent to a BSN.

But that doesn't mean it won't get you a BSN-preferred position, just that it's not equivalent. Most it depends on experience and demand. Sometimes the ADN with another degree is the best candidate for the job and they will get hired without a BSN. I have a friend who is the director of a major ER and other departments with an ADN/Business Administration Degree.

The advice to first look for and try an accellerated program that gets the BSN would be better.

[MOOSEMAN]

As a prior mgr.

It's not equivalent, if the position requires BSN I would not have entertained interviewing anything but a BSN. My personal feeling is an RN is an RN. Some of the best nurses have been from the old diploma programs which were heavy on clinicals. Most ADN nurses get more actual hours in clinical than do BSN programs. Now remember you will actually learn/refine your skills as a nurse once you start nursing.

[Tweety]

Originally Posted by MOOSEMAN

Most ADN nurses get more actual hours in clinical than do BSN programs. .

That is not a true statement here. I know for sure the ADN students and BSN students get the same number of clnical hours. I've also read recently that over time BSN programs have corrected this and now have the same number of clinical hours as most ADN programs, particlarly if they are NLN accredited. It still might be true where you are and I'm not disputing what you're saying. But sometimes it's an old thought that is still held my us "older" folks, but isn't necessarily true anymore.

[carolinapooh]

While we're discussing hours, and since all of you managers/educators/veterans are here, what IS an average number of hours? I know (or at least I'm sure) that it may vary by state, but what do ya'll know as 'average'?

Always wondered about this.

[Aggie2000]

Here in Texas, you are required to attend at miniumum 144 clinical hours per semester. Which equates to 12 hour clinicals over 12 weeks. My school does 160 hours so you have some time to miss in case of an emergency.

Hope this helps!