[student4ever]

Originally Posted by Tommybabe

I think you made some very valid points. Many people seem to believe that everyone in this country has access to a four-year degree, and that those of us who don't have that degree are not motivated in some way. There are no BSN programs around here, and the closest one requires a RN license before acceptance, so the local community college program is the ONLY choice for those of us who live around here, and who can't just move to a new city or state to get a BSN. Parents who want to go to nursing school can't just apply at colleges hundreds of miles away from home, move their families to that area, and take out student loans if they're already in debt. It is significantly less expensive to get an associate's degree than a BSN, and according to what I've seen on this site, the pay rate is not that different between the degrees. I also don't see any ads that say they won't hire a nurse with an associate's degree, so if you want a BSN, then that's great, but many nurses I know have well-paid jobs, and they "only" have an associate's degree.

I too am sick of the ADN/BSN debate. As said on an episode of ER, "what do you call the med student who graduated last in his class? You call him DOCTOR." Basically, whatever route you go, you are an RN. Whatever program works best for you, do it! I never would have thought I would go for the ADN - I grew up with the concept being drilled into my head that I had to "finish college, and get a bachelors." Well, that's great, and I plan to do that at some point, but it's not always possible immediately. Finances, needing to work while in school, family issues - people's lives are all different, and we all have different issues. I think anyone who has enough of a chip on their shoulder to look down on anyone because of having a "lesser degree" has exactly the degree they deserve - a BS degree! LOL, that whole degree name has always made me laugh, and for once I can actually use that play on words! I know many excellent ADN and BSN nurses - and the only difference I can tell between the degrees (other than the attitudes expressed by certain individuals) is the ability to be management/administration. LOL, why would I want to join the ranks of the nurse managers anyways? The only reason I want to get my BSN is so I can go on to be an NP. I know management is needed, and they need people who are going to be helpful to the staff nurses, but that is just not for me. ICK!!! Seriously, why do people have to have such inferiority complexes that they have to try and make people feel bad about the degree program they chose? In the end, we all have an RN after our name, and we do the same procedures to the same patients. People need to get over themselves already.

[mcorrao77]

Hi! I will be graduating from a BSN program this August and it only took me ONE year to get my BSN (but it was an accelerated program).... much, much cheaper than going to my local community college and less time. Now, I just have to pass my NCLEX, but my school has a 99% pass rate.

I do have a question though. I've been looking online at hospitals, mainly in the NY metro area, and I find that the majority want BSN prepaired students. Does anyone know why that is? Why do the major cities only want BSN students over ADN students?

[foxfire65]

Originally Posted by mcorrao77

Hi! I will be graduating from a BSN program this August and it only took me ONE year to get my BSN (but it was an accelerated program).... much, much cheaper than going to my local community college and less time. Now, I just have to pass my NCLEX, but my school has a 99% pass rate.

I do have a question though. I've been looking online at hospitals, mainly in the NY metro area, and I find that the majority want BSN prepaired students. Does anyone know why that is? Why do the major cities only want BSN students over ADN students?

The DMC, Detroit Medical Center and Oakwood Hospitals here in Detroit, Mich also say BSN preferred on their job postings. I talked with a nurse recruiter at one of the larger Hospitals here in Detroit and she said the BSN is the current trend now. I have no idea why. She also said anyone could go the shorter route and the hospital would pay up to 70 percent tuition assistance for the ADN nurse to get his/her BSN at a later time.

[Marie_LPN]

she said the BSN is the current trend now

If that's the way she really said it, i'd love to have told her "It's not a purse, it's a type of education."

[cheerfuldoer]

Originally Posted by Marie_LPN

If that's the way she really said it, i'd love to have told her "It's not a purse, it's a type of education."

[foxfire65]

Originally Posted by Marie_LPN

If that's the way she really said it, i'd love to have told her "It's not a purse, it's a type of education."

I was not offended by it and alot of the RN openings at other hospitals do say BSN preffered. I don't know what area you are in and it may not be that way in your neighborhood. I live the Detroit area, lot's of hosptials here and schools. There are more CC's than Universitys also. I understood what she said. I am almost 40, been a nurse assitant for years and when I am 60, I may not be able to or want to bedside nursing. The way it looks I will be late 60's or early 70's before my age group can retire. It just opens more doors, and I figure while I am in school to go ahead and get it over with. I may not want to go back to school after getting hired on somewhere.

[Marie_LPN]

Well, it's not offensive, but to refer to it as a trend is like saying that 'it's popular NOW, may not be next week' instead of 'hey this job now requires more education'.

[foxfire65]

Originally Posted by Marie_LPN

Well, it's not offensive, but to refer to it as a trend is like saying that 'it's popular NOW, may not be next week' instead of 'hey this job now requires more education'.

This is true

[LMTtoRN?]

According to the nurses I have questioned regarding the ADN/BSN debate, it's all about upgrading the profession. Personally, I plan to go for my BSN once I'm working as a nurse anyway. The hospitals want you to attain that level of education so that their statistics are upgraded -- and I'm sure that has to do with the funding that is available and the criteria for said funding for the hospitals -- it behooves them to support that goal with tuition reimbursement at whatever percentage is the going rate for your region.

I also spoke with a friend of mine who is a financial administrator for a hospital, and he said that as hospitals get more and more regulated, it really is to their advantage, and to the advantage of the personnel to get the highest level of education possible for each person. So with such mutually beneficial information, why not take advantage. In a few years when the market is flooded with nurses, it WILL make a difference as to whether or not you can progress. Right now, with the shortage in some regions, it makes little difference as long as you have RN after your name.

Here's to all of us... the aspiring professionals making it whatever way we can!

[ELKMNin06]

Originally Posted by LMTtoRN?

According to the nurses I have questioned regarding the ADN/BSN debate, it's all about upgrading the profession. Personally, I plan to go for my BSN once I'm working as a nurse anyway. The hospitals want you to attain that level of education so that their statistics are upgraded -- and I'm sure that has to do with the funding that is available and the criteria for said funding for the hospitals -- it behooves them to support that goal with tuition reimbursement at whatever percentage is the going rate for your region.

I also spoke with a friend of mine who is a financial administrator for a hospital, and he said that as hospitals get more and more regulated, it really is to their advantage, and to the advantage of the personnel to get the highest level of education possible for each person. So with such mutually beneficial information, why not take advantage. In a few years when the market is flooded with nurses, it WILL make a difference as to whether or not you can progress. Right now, with the shortage in some regions, it makes little difference as long as you have RN after your name.

Here's to all of us... the aspiring professionals making it whatever way we can!

My college actually goes into some of the area hospitals and teaches the bridge classes that the ADNs need to become a BSN. My patho teacher teaches there 2 days a week I believe that the ADN students do not have to pay for the courses either and they are taught right in their own hospital...so convienient!