Associate vs. Baccalaureate degrees in Nursing

Nurses General Nursing

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We are interested in discussing the differences between Registered Nurses with Associate degrees in nursing (ADN) and those with baccalaureate degrees in Nursing (BSN).

Some individuals believe that ADN prepared nurses have had more clinical experience throughout their schooling, leading to increased skills proficiency. On the other hand, many BSN programs tend to stress community health, research, leadership and management, as well as theory based practice.

What do you believe the differences are (education and workplace) between an ADN degree and a BSN degree? If you have your ADN, whould you consider returning to school to obtain your BSN? If so, why? What were the motivating factors in your choice of selecting an ADN or BSN program? We are looking forward to your input!

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We are interested in discussing the differences between Registered Nurses with Associate degrees in nursing (ADN) and those with baccalaureate degrees in Nursing (BSN).

Some individuals believe that ADN prepared nurses have had more clinical experience throughout their schooling, leading to increased skills proficiency. On the other hand, many BSN programs tend to stress community health, research, leadership and management, as well as theory based practice.

What do you believe the differences are (education and workplace) between an ADN degree and a BSN degree? If you have your ADN, whould you consider returning to school to obtain your BSN? If so, why? What were the motivating factors in your choice of selecting an ADN or BSN program? We are looking forward to your input!

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For those of you in countries other than the United States, let us know how nursing education is structured in your country of residence. Are there different educational routes to becoming a nurse? How many years are your nursing programs? Etc...

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For those of you in countries other than the United States, let us know how nursing education is structured in your country of residence. Are there different educational routes to becoming a nurse? How many years are your nursing programs? Etc...

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Hi guys,

What a surprise to see the same topic we are going to discuss in the same area we are going to use! We are a little late because we have a survey for others to answer. Anyhow, good luck, and we can discuss our answers if you want to.

Leslie SSU RN to BSN senior.

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Hi guys,

What a surprise to see the same topic we are going to discuss in the same area we are going to use! We are a little late because we have a survey for others to answer. Anyhow, good luck, and we can discuss our answers if you want to.

Leslie SSU RN to BSN senior.

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I started as a Lpn, returned for my ADN, worked in a hosptial, moved up to an SICU and over time performed in MICU and later NICU. Currently working in home health care. I have been in both Managed and non-managed situations.

I have wworked with LPN's, ADN's, Rn's,of all levels up to Phd's.

What I have learned is this , that it is not the degrees, but the Attitude of the Nurse.

I have seen Lpn's that I would trust my life with and then Phd's nurse that I would not turn my back on and fear for the patients under their cares.

I have no plans to get a BSN in nursing. I love the hands on experience that I get in my current position. My current employer values my experiences and love for my job.

I have been force to leave a nursing position because I would not work toward a BSN. I started as an Lpn because it allowed me to enter the nursing field within a limited time factor and cost factor.

Whatever your position, then is always something to learn and someone to help. Find that level of nursing that makes you happy and if it is not making you happy CHANGE.

Nursing offers copios choices. That is what is so great about nursing.

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I started as a Lpn, returned for my ADN, worked in a hosptial, moved up to an SICU and over time performed in MICU and later NICU. Currently working in home health care. I have been in both Managed and non-managed situations.

I have wworked with LPN's, ADN's, Rn's,of all levels up to Phd's.

What I have learned is this , that it is not the degrees, but the Attitude of the Nurse.

I have seen Lpn's that I would trust my life with and then Phd's nurse that I would not turn my back on and fear for the patients under their cares.

I have no plans to get a BSN in nursing. I love the hands on experience that I get in my current position. My current employer values my experiences and love for my job.

I have been force to leave a nursing position because I would not work toward a BSN. I started as an Lpn because it allowed me to enter the nursing field within a limited time factor and cost factor.

Whatever your position, then is always something to learn and someone to help. Find that level of nursing that makes you happy and if it is not making you happy CHANGE.

Nursing offers copios choices. That is what is so great about nursing.

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I am a new user of this and i hope someone can help me. I am in a debate and was assigned the pro position that two year nursing school programs should be abolished and that the minimum requirement for a RN should be a BSN. I am having a hard time finding info to support this stand. Any suggestions?

Thanks, Kim

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I am a new user of this and i hope someone can help me. I am in a debate and was assigned the pro position that two year nursing school programs should be abolished and that the minimum requirement for a RN should be a BSN. I am having a hard time finding info to support this stand. Any suggestions?

Thanks, Kim

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Hi Kim!

check out the article, who is a nurse? by luther christman on page 211 of:

Image: journal of nursing scholarship

(third quarter 1998, vol. 30., number 3)

You might find this helpful.

I believe that the profession of nursing should move toward the requirement that all nurses should be required to have a BSN. What other profession do you know of that has so many different educational degrees one could acquire to become a nurse.

No wonder we don't get the recognition we deserve.

A LPN is not the same as a RN with a BSN.

We know this, patients do not.

A BSN nurse not only has the clinical skills that a ADN nurse has but she also has leadership skills, knowledge in public health issues, advanced practice knowledge, etc..

I am a ADN nurse who is getting her BSN and I am confident this is a wise and valuable decision.

Jill

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Hi Kim!

check out the article, who is a nurse? by luther christman on page 211 of:

Image: journal of nursing scholarship

(third quarter 1998, vol. 30., number 3)

You might find this helpful.

I believe that the profession of nursing should move toward the requirement that all nurses should be required to have a BSN. What other profession do you know of that has so many different educational degrees one could acquire to become a nurse.

No wonder we don't get the recognition we deserve.

A LPN is not the same as a RN with a BSN.

We know this, patients do not.

A BSN nurse not only has the clinical skills that a ADN nurse has but she also has leadership skills, knowledge in public health issues, advanced practice knowledge, etc..

I am a ADN nurse who is getting her BSN and I am confident this is a wise and valuable decision.

Jill

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