[aliciajeakin]

I'm graduating from a two-year RN program...although it takes longer to do the pre-reqs... and I was wondering what differences there are between a RN and a BSN? I know you have more classes to take, but do you think that it really makes you a better nurse to have the BSN behind your name? Thanks for your input!

[Tweety]

Good luck to you.

A BSN is an RN.

Personally, from what I've seen precepting both ADNs and BSNs students, the degree itself doesn't make you a better nurse. Both are prepared for entry level bedside nursing pretty equally and both take the same NCLEX to become RNs.

However, just like there are many job positions in business and other areas having a 4-year degree is a requirement for many non-bedside positions in teaching, management, research, safety, community health, etc. So it's not a total waste of time.

I completed my BSN because as I age in nursing I need to get away from the bedside because unless I win the lottery or marry rich, I'm going to have to work until I'm in my mid-to-late 60's.

It took me 15 or so courses to complete my BSN from an ADN, which included general courses, pharmacology, pathophys, assessment, research, community health, and leadership, just to name a few.

Am I a better nurse now than when I started my BSN. Not really, but in some respects I'm more educated and aware and have no regrets.

Good luck.

[wtbcrna]

Originally Posted by aliciajeakin

I'm graduating from a two-year RN program...although it takes longer to do the pre-reqs... and I was wondering what differences there are between a RN and a BSN? I know you have more classes to take, but do you think that it really makes you a better nurse to have the BSN behind your name? Thanks for your input!

Ohh....this topic has been beat to death on here, but my personal opinion is that the only difference a BSN gives you is more opportunities. You can go straight to graduate school, go into management etc.
The area of Texas I got my degree from it was practically just as quick to get your BSN as your ADN. Most of the community colleges made you finish all your prereqs before applying so it was usually at least 2 years to start a 2 year program (4yrs for your adn vs. 4-5 yrs for your BSN).

[Dottie78]

I agree with wtbcnra. The only difference between the ADN/diploma and BSN degree is that the BSN will give you more opportunity to move up to a management position, and in education, but as far as salary is concerned, I've heard there isn't any difference between the ADN/diploma nurse and BSN nurse salaries, unless the BSN nurse is a manager. The difference in programs is that BSN takes longer, because there are more pre-requisites involved. I think it's great that in nursing, we are given the choice to go for ADN, diploma, or BSN, because even though the BSN program is probably the best option, not everyone can do that right off the bat, due to life/work circumstances. If I didn't have small children at home, or if I didn't have to work, I would have gone the BSN route, so right now the diploma program is the best option for me. Once my children are older I plan to go back for my BSN.

[aliciajeakin]

Thank you for your input! It's good to hear other people's perspective on that matter. I know that I'd like to someday get my BSN, but I think I need a break from school for just a little while!