[Oncnurse86]

You're an RN regardless of whether you pursue the ADN or the BSN first (as long as you pass the nclex). In most places you start at the same base pay too. The BSN will prepare you for management or future graduate studies. But RN's are RN's, doesnt matter what program they came from!

[blady]

Originally Posted by labman

Hi

From personal experence a diploma vs. a BSN prepared nurse. I know the BSN has to take more pathopyhsilolgy, pharmacology and medical surgical nursing. I took like 6 credits of each when my ADN prepared friend had to only take two. BSN are also required to take research and community health while an ADN does not have to. I think with pay who cares about the difference because the BSN is geared more for if a person wants to go for masters or management. That is when the BSN will glorify on the money (with the exception of teaching they make squat no offense teachers).

Just my 2 cents

And what is wrong with that? career vs Job?????????????

[asoldierswife05]

Originally Posted by mmarqua4

I am wondering what the differences in RN and BSN are. I am in the process of deciding to get my RN or go all out and get my BSN. Is there a big difference in pay for BSN, or do (small towns) just want nurses, not depending on length of school?!

Thanks so much!

What everyone else said, pretty much sums it up.

Both programs adequately prepare you for entry level bedside nursing, however, expanding your degree will open the door to more opportunities further along in your career if you chose to leave bedside nursing.

I chose the ADN route for various reasons; length of program, proximity to where I live, cost of tuition, etc. It was the best choice for me. I now work as an RN, and I am starting an RN-BSN program online this fall so that I can continue on to get my Master's degree.

As another poster said, there are differences in an ADN program and a BSN program. Just the same there are differences in 2 different BSN programs, or two different ADN programs. Whether the BSN better prepares you for entry level bedside nursing is a question that always brings a hot debate...so if you are interested I'm sure you can search for a million threads that involve that discussion! LOL.

I can tell you a little about my program, which I feel more than adequately prepared me to be a safe and competent bedside nurse...of course, as I said previously, programs vary greatly. The best solution is to check into specific programs in your area and their requirements.

My program was a four semester program. First semester...fundamentals (7 credit hours) and pharmacology (2), second sem...Med-Surg I (9),third sem... OB (4)/Peds (4), fourth sem...Psych (4)/Adv Med Surg (4) and Nursing Trends (2). Other core courses specific to the program included A&P I and II, Microbiology, Human Growth and Development, Psychology I, and College Algebra. Other core courses specific for college graduation included English I & II, Fine Arts, and several Humanities and Social Science electives. I also completed all my BSN pre-req's during the program, with the exception of Chemistry. In addition, I joined the student nurses association which also added to my nursing education. Each nursing course was very thorough in Pathophys/Diagnostic Findings/Nursing Assessment and Intervention. We were in clinicals usually about 12 hours a week for 10-12 weeks each semester, and we had various research papers, essays, community projects, computer assignments, group projects, and the dreaded "careplans" to complete. I successfully completed all requirements for my program plus most of my BSN pre-req's in two years without having to repeat anything. It was very intense, however, I feel that I chose a great program that prepared me for the NCLEX and bedside nursing.

I can not stress how important it is to look into each specific program! Look at NCLEX pass rates, accreditation (sp?), transferrability of credits, demand on your time, failure rate, and cost of program. Good luck!

[katie1285]

One idea that wasn't mentioned, if you get your ADN and then start working, you can go to working part time and get some tuition reimbursement while you get your BSN. It seems like a lot of hospitals (at least in Maryland where I live) encourage you to do this. I guess you have to think about whether you know you want a role other than bedside nursing, I am told BSN focuses more sometimes on leadership.