[Annabelle57]

My $.02, for what it's worth (probably only two pennies, but still...):

I am going for an accelerated BSN program ONLY because I have a bachelor's degree already, and with the waitlists for all of the 2-year programs around here (which all have an excellent reputation), I can get in and out with my RN license much quicker by doing the BSN route versus the ADN route. However, if that were not the case, if this was my 1st degree or if there were not waitlists so long, I would apply for anything I was qualified for (ADN, BSN, whatever) and base my decision on who actually accepted me, what I could afford, and what would end up being best for me and my family. I don't see anything inferior about being an ADN-trained nurse, and I would never treat any of my coworkers any differently if they had a different degree. RNs are RNs!

[ZASHAGALKA]

Originally Posted by Annabelle57

My $.02, for what it's worth (probably only two pennies, but still...):

I am going for an accelerated BSN program ONLY because I have a bachelor's degree already, and with the waitlists for all of the 2-year programs around here (which all have an excellent reputation), I can get in and out with my RN license much quicker by doing the BSN route versus the ADN route. However, if that were not the case, if this was my 1st degree or if there were not waitlists so long, I would apply for anything I was qualified for (ADN, BSN, whatever) and base my decision on who actually accepted me, what I could afford, and what would end up being best for me and my family. I don't see anything inferior about being an ADN-trained nurse, and I would never treat any of my coworkers any differently if they had a different degree. RNs are RNs!

In the real world this isn't a very pervasive debate.

It is relevant here because we discuss all aspects of nursing. And the ANA certainly won't let this dead horse die in peace.

I usually don't know which of my RN peers hold which degrees unless they tell me. And I certainly wouldn't base my evaluation of which peers I trust in an emergency on which degree they held: I DO base it on which are more experienced and knowledgeable. A BSN might, might give a slight advantage to a new nurse in that regard. But by a couple of years into nursing, it is how well a nurse adapts and correlates their body of experience that determines which nurses are better prepared going forward. . .

~faith,
Timothy.

It is here because this site is an outlet to discuss the total

[walktheline]

Guys, I am currently on a 4 yr waiting list before I can even expect to start clinicals unless I can get on the merit list. Now, I am just as devoted to my dream as anyone else...but 4 yrs for a 2 yr ADN program? I don't even think Florence Nightingale would wait that long!!LOL

I think that if I were 17 instead of 37 it probably wouldn't phase me as much, but c'mon. I only have maybe five classes that I can take within the nursing major without being in clinicals (A&P, Nursing Across the Life Span, etc.), so if I play my cards right, I'm looking at a year to a year and a half. Then what? I figure in the 4 yrs I have to wait, I could get a degree in something else. And the money thing is also an issue for me also. I have a student loan aleady in the 6 digits, and no degree to show for it. I just wanted to say that you guys are not alone "in the struggle."

[LMTtoRN?]

I know the feeling. I'm applying for my seat in the class of 2009 this year. By the time next spring arrives, I'll have ALL of my pre-requisites and co-requisites done. I'm 48. By the time I graduate I'll be 51, then on it will be for that BSN. I wonder how long THAT will take me? LOL

[marilynmom]

http://www.ok.gov/nursing/nclexpass1.pdf
Most of the "main" ADN and BSN here in Oklahoma have on avg, similar pass rates for last year; I'm just listing the more popular NS everyone wants to get into:
OCCC 83% (ADN)
OSU-OKC 89% (ADN)
Rose 92% (ADN)
OU 92% (BSN)
UCO 91% (BSN)

I think they are all great schools, putting out great nurses and would have been happy to have gone to any of the others if I didn't get accepted where I am now! I completely agree with the OP. I basically went to where I could get accepted, which happens to be a BSN program. I would have just been happy to get into ANY program (ADN or BSN)! LOL Also know that all the big hospitals (Integris and Mercy, etc), if your short on money, will pay for your schooling...I know quite a few classmates who are doing that and there are advantages for sure besides the money part of it (more job choice when you graduate, extern choice, skills, help with goals, etc). I'm thinking about signing up next year myself because there are a lot of benefits to doing so.

Anyways, I completly agree with you. It is so hard to get into nursing school and most of us are going to where we can get accepted, and what we can afford. It's that plain and simple. I think most of us are just thrilled to have the opportunity to get in....I know plently of people who applied to 4 schools and didn't get in to any of them. That sucks.
------------------------------------

OK, the other subject (not directed towards the OP at all)

I'm a nursing student here in Oklahoma as well (BSN). I work in clinicals with students from OCCC, OSU-OKC, OCU, etc. and we all the do EXACT same stuff for about the same hours each week--sometimes we even have had the same patient...lol. I get so sick of the "ADNs get more clinicals hours than BSN", that is simply untrue plain and simple and is based on a lot of rumors ("I heard", "I keep hearing" "someone told me", etc). I've also had to correct quite a few misconceptions about ADN nurses in my BSN program as well (I have to remind them that we all pass the same NCLEX, that most of the nurses out there are ADN, duh). No matter if your an ADN or a BSN you still have A LOT to learn once you graduate.

I also think that every persons experience in school is very different. I have been giving injections (subQ and IM) since my first clinical day, but I know another classmate of mine who hasn't gotten that experience yet. What does that have to do with the program she is in? Nothing. It has to do with the nurse and the patient she was working with...so far they have all been PO meds or IV meds which we are not allowed to give yet (IV that is). I happen to get to work with a lot of diabetic patients so los of subq shots for me.

Some of us are able to get extra experience while in school which can make a big difference in skills and confidence when we graduate....like externships, aid positions, student flex team, etc and some people don't do that (maybe they simply don't have time). And that makes a big difference in your skills as a new nurse.

[maryshome8]

I started at a 4-year last month and left because the professors were so incredibly poor and we were 100% teaching ourselves all of the classes...I'm not paying for that for the next 3 years.

I'm going to the CC where I was at previously where they REALLY teach you and don't have a new BSN program that still has a ton of kinks in it.

[lisabeth]

I think either of them is awsome. If I get into the LVN program next summer, I will more than likely stop with the RN, mostly because of my age. I just want to get my nursing career started. If I dont get in, why waste time. I will start taking the pre-requisites for the BSN and maybe when I do get finished with RN, I will be motivated to go farther. Even if I didnt go farther, I am sure those pre-requisites would help me in nursing school. The more I learn the better.
I would honestly be happy being an RN.

[walktheline]

I have a quick question:

When I finish with my nursing pre-reqs and am ready to do clinicals, can I apply to other nursing schools to do my clinicals? My start date is 2010, but I will be finished w/pre-reqs by fall of next year, spring of 2008 at the latest.

[JaxiaKiley]

That's exactly why I'm going to start with my ADN, and then get my BSN later

[MBA2BRN]

Originally Posted by walktheline

I have a quick question:

When I finish with my nursing pre-reqs and am ready to do clinicals, can I apply to other nursing schools to do my clinicals? My start date is 2010, but I will be finished w/pre-reqs by fall of next year, spring of 2008 at the latest.

Of course you can apply to other schools, if you meet their requirements. Not all schools require the EXACT same classes as your school. Secondly, if the other schools require the classes you have taken, be sure that your classes actually transfer (some courses have expirations at some schools).

So, your best bet is to sit down with a counselor at other schools and go from there. You may be able to apply and be accepted to more then one school before 2010. Good luck!!!