Difference in dregrees and licensures

Franca · Mar 19, 2002

Hello,

I've read all of the posts on this thread, and I wonder if my choice to apply next year to an associate degree nursing (ADN) program to earn an RN degree is wise, or should I, instead, apply to a BSN program.

I have the pre-requisites needed for both programs; but my reasoning for tackling the ADN program first is that I can afford the ADN program, can go to school part-time for two years, graduate, get my license and work as a nurse (in a hospital, I hope); and then, I can apply for an RN to BSN program, which also will take two years; but, RN to BSN is part-time (some classes over the Internet too), so I can still work.

If I enter the BSN program next year instead of the ADN program, I'd have two years of school to attend (like for the ADN), but school would be full time, and I'd have to get loans and if possible, scholarships to be able to afford it.

The wisdom question comes up for me in wondering if I would have a more solid footing INITIALLY as a nurse with a BSN degree. (The clinical hours for the ADN program are 53 and for the BSN program, 69.)

I presently transcribe multi-specialty clinics and hospital reports, and based on what I see in the reports, I ask myself, "How will I gain all of the knowledge that is needed?" "Should I perhaps go for the BSN instead?"

I realize I will need also to learn to think critically, i.e., to be able to put the facts and the patient together to equal appropriate nursing care. I accept that as a lifetime educational process. It's the knowledge base that looks, at this point in my ignorance, to form the foundation, but perhaps not.

So, how do I gain a strong foundation? There is a lot of information to learn. This is why I ask, "Would a BSN degree give me a stronger foundation than an RN degree?"

Thanks for sharing your wisdom and experience.

:) , Franca

live4today, RN · Mar 19, 2002

Hello Franca, :)

You have to follow the beat of your own drum on this one. You've pretty much answered your own question as to which one would fit into your financial budget -- INITIALLY -- then, when you graduate and are able to earn a better living for yourself, there are many fine BSN programs that you can enter as an RN pursuing a BSN.

No route is everything to everyone, but one route is the beginning of everything that can eventually be obtained and attained by anyone who applies themselves. Best of luck to you in whatever you decide!

Franca · Mar 19, 2002

Renee,

Thanks for the reminder that there are two routes and neither one is perfect; deep down I think I was wishing that one was perfect, :).

To Renee and all...

So, accepting that I'll have to weigh pros and cons of both routes and choose the best one for me, I hope nurses will state opinions/preferences and facts about similarities of and differences in the ADN and the BSN programs; because, not having been to school, I can't know what you and the others know. I would like to consider your responses.

For example, I read in another thread that many/most hospitals don't pay the BSN more per hour; therefore, money isn't a plus factor for getting the BSN, i.e., the significantly larger expense of schooling is not earned back, over time, by a pay difference. I wouldn't have known that had someone not expressed it. It's not a reason alone not to choose the BSN route, but it does go in the "negatives" column.

So please share what you know and/or feel.

Franca

Franca · Mar 19, 2002

I found a Web site that discusses the options of various nursing degrees/routes, and it turns out there are possibly more than two.

http://www.allnursingschools.com

:kiss