Not sure about ADN or BSN?

emily_mom · Dec 11, 2002

In WI the only difference between the two is that you can't work a state job with an associate's degree. Otherwise, we make the same as the UW grads. You also can't really get into administration w/o a BSN or Masters. It's up to you. I know lots of surgery nurses that graduated from tech, and they really know their stuff. We actually had a week of just straight surgery clinicals where we observed surgeries, followed scrub nurses and circulating nurses.

Kristy

JennyRN2B · Dec 11, 2002

Hi,

I too have been in the throws of that decision. The best advice that I can give was the advice that was given to me. Look at both programs and see what best fits your needs. If you have the time, I was told BSN is a better option because it opens the door further for opportunities later in life. I was/am not very interested currently in management either. I am not going into nursing for this purpose. However, I am only 30 who knows how I will feel at 50. I may be looking for a change. For myself, I am leaning towards the BSN. I have the time to go now and I will not have to worry about later working and trying to go to school until I start my Masters.

Anyway, that is my .02.:)

Best wishes to you,

Jenny

LauraLou · Dec 11, 2002

I also have in Bachelors in another field. In fact, I have a Bachelors and a Masters degree, but I have decided on an ADN.

I decided to go for an ADN because of the large number of non-nursing courses required to get a BSN. I don't want to spend a year taking Texas history and Texas government courses just to satisfy the general requirements.

It felt a little strange to go a community college, but I look at this are career training, as I already have a good general education. But I admit I would probably be going for a BSN if there weren't all the Texas-specific requirements.

Good luck whatever you decide!

llg, PhD, RN · Dec 12, 2002

Originally posted by JennyRN2B
However, I am only 30 who knows how I will feel at 50. I may be looking for a change.
Jenny

I think Jenny hit the nail on the head there. Consider all the relevant factors and make the best decision you can. For some people, the ADN is the best option: for others, the BSN. However, regardless of the decision you make now, please be aware of the possibility that your needs and preferences may change in the future. -- and be prepared to live with the consequences of your decision.

Some people really resent having to go back to school for a BSN after having worked as a nurse for several years. A BSN is, after all, another "beginner-level" degree. Some find it insulting to have to take classes that cover material they have learned outside the classroom. If you choose an ADN now, you may face that in the future. What will your attitude about that be?

Some people resent that ADN grads usually get the same pay as BSN grads when they work as staff nurses. They feel that their additional education/knowledge -- and all the time & money they spent -- should be rewarded. If you choose the BSN option, how will you feel about that?

I think those feelings you may confront as a result of your choice should be important (but not the only) considerations in the decision you now face.

Good luck! ... and Welcome to the complicated world of nursing!

llg

nurse0977 · Dec 12, 2002

I think the BSN is the way to go, especially if you want to go onto Nurse Practitioner, Midwife school,etc., or have the time/funds to go ahead and go the BSN route.

I looked into both programs. I have no children and my husband was willing to let me mooch off him for 2 years, so I wouldn't have to work during school. I got my bachelors in education and taught for two years before going to school, and I have found that I am so much more motivated and a better studier this time.

It depends on you. Neither of them is going to leave you high and dry without a job or without options. That's what is so great about nursing!

Good luck!!!

Dr. Kate, BSN, RN · Dec 12, 2002

When I went to nursing school I also had a BA, and almost a MA, and felt I didn't need another baccalaureate degree. Well three years after graduating I was back in school getting my BSN. Took me three years to get it that way, would have been two if I'd just gone and done it from my starting point.

What drove me to the BSN was the thought that I didn't want to be 50 and have some sweet young thing telling me I didn't know what I was talking about because I didn't have a BSN.

The school I went to had both AA and BSN programs. The AA was new. They weren't clear on how articulation was going to work. So I made a point of taking things that I knew would satisfy the BSN program, just in case I changed my mind later.

IMHO, if you have the option, time, and money, and maybe even if you don't have the money, go for the BSN. You never know what your interests will be in the future.

RedS · Dec 13, 2002

Thank you for your responses and pennies!

If only we could foresee the future eh? I really don't see myself wanting to be an administration career dynamo...just the opposite in fact. I am turning 40 in March, have not been able to have children, and want to work flexible hours without having to devote my entire life to work like I have now for the last 18 years. I hope to adopt within the next 5 years and spend time with family.

I guess I'll go ahead and apply to both programs and see where they accept me; Since all nursing programs are impacted here in california....I may not even have the choice. I'd like to get going either way. P.S. I also applied to an accelerated "bridge" M.S.N. program and am waiting to hear back from them...but I won't hold my breath since they ended up receiving over 600 applicants for next year!!!! All programs are very competitive.

Thanks again!

R-

llg, PhD, RN · Dec 13, 2002

Personally, RedS, if the accelerated "bridge" MSN program option works out for you, that's the one I would recommend. You'll get the most credentials and the most career options for the least investment of money. Those programs are usually demand more hours of studying per week, though -- so they are not for everyone.

Good luck! Let us know how it all works out.

llg