ASN vs BSN

Tweety, BSN, RN · Mar 25, 2006

Most BSN programs have as much hands on experience as the ASN programs, and it's and old myth that refuses to die that ADN programs produce better hands on nurses with more clinical time than BSN nurses. It still may be true in some cases, so perhaps where you live that's true, but that's definately not the case here. They both get similar nursing skills, the BSN program goes into a bit more detail in some areas, and has extra courses.

Both start out on the floor on pretty equal footing. Both teach you the skills you will need to be a good floor nurse.

It's also a myth that the focus of BSN programs is not on hands on nursing and only management skills.

You never know what you want to do 20 years from now so if you have the opportunity to get a BSN why not go for it?

The ADN route is a very good option as well, it's quicker, cheaper and you can get your BSN through the many RN to BSN courses out there.

Good luck.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Mar 25, 2006

I just took a look at my transcript from the university where I earned my BSN. I graduated with 110 earned quarter credit hours as compared to the 64 semester units I earned to get my ADN in nursing. For my BSN I had to take the following required classes: Interpersonnal Communications, Introduction to Anthropology, Cultural Diversity, Epidemiology, Statistical Methods, Nursing Research, and Group Psychology. We all had a bunch of other university requirements to fulfill for the bachelor's degree as well that did not involve the nursing program. I was in a BSN completion program where we all already had our RNs from ADN programs. Although we also had nursing classes and had clinicals as well, the focus was more on what I like to call the "other" roles of the nurse: teacher, supervisor, facilitator, patient advocate. When I finished my BSN program I was qualified to work as a case manager. Without a doubt my program focused on communication skills and the overall management of the patient. However, remember that we were already licensed RNs that had already mastered most of the technical skills that people going through a nursing program for the first time are just learning, so there was more time for our program to focus on these other subjects. We were constantly told that we were being introduced to subjects that we would need to know if we went on to pursue Master's degrees (research, group work). Upon receiving my BSN I started receiving offers for jobs in management and supervision.

pricklypear · Mar 25, 2006

I went straight through, and got my BSN in the beginning. I knew that I wouldn't want to "go back" once I started working - and I was right. I can't imagine going back right now with teenagers, bills, stress, etc...

Believe me, we've all heard the myths, and, believe me, that's all they are. You just need to think hard about what direction you may want to take in nursing. If you're absolutely positively sure that all you ever want to do is bedside nursing, don't waste you money on the BSN. If you want some keys to open a ton of new doors down the line, get it over with now and go all the way.

When I work with new grads, I can't tell the difference in clinical skill between ADN and BSN grads. 90% of your knowledge and critical thinking is going to be learned on the job in your first few years of nursing.

It just really depends on what YOU want. You'll get the same skill set either way.