by kristak

Hi, I am currently an ADN student; I will graduate in May. I am thinking of applying to an RN to BSN program for the fall, but I intend to go part-time as I need a paycheck! Are these programs as difficult as the initial RN program?

thanks
Krista

Re: RN to BSN - is it as hard as the RN was?

I completed a post-diploma BScN years after completing the diploma program. Both programs were challenging in different ways, the diploma program was a matter of being able to absorb a lot of information and be prepared to use it for tests and clinicals. The BScN was a matter of researching literature and using it to support a point of view. The homework for the BScN took me longer than the homework for the diploma program, I found memorizing volumes of information for the diploma program less time consuming than reading tons of articles and writing papers for the degree program. Aside from the increased hours of homework, I preferred the degree program.

Re: RN to BSN - is it as hard as the RN was?

Not even close.

Re: RN to BSN - is it as hard as the RN was?

^^^ Yeah, this.

Re: RN to BSN - is it as hard as the RN was?

I'm also wondering this, as I want to continue on asap for my BSN. I'm in my second semester RN and do find it challenging (I work full-time though). All the nurses I've talked to who've done the ADN-BSN give this great expression like "OH yeah.." BSN is MUCH easier, much less time consuming. Everyone I know has done the online ADN-BSN, which pretty much seems to be the only option at universities in my area. I love online, so I'm happy!

Re: RN to BSN - is it as hard as the RN was?

It's less memorization but more research.

And with a RN-BSN program, by being an RN you should place out of a lot of the basic how-to clinical classes, and instead focus more on advanced stuff as well as management and research.

Re: RN to BSN - is it as hard as the RN was?

Glad to hear it, 'cause I don't think I could do this again. Research sounds sort of relaxing in comparison!

Re: RN to BSN - is it as hard as the RN was?

The program I'm in (Chamberlain's online RN-BSN) is a lot of research, reading, and writing (papers as well as discussion posts), but hey, I'm getting my education in my my pajamas! Yes, I'm still in my jammies at 11:20 a.m.!

Seriously, this is much more relaxed than the original RN. I've been doing one class at a time, for the most part, while also working three 12's each week, and it's not too bad. (Remind me of that next semester, when I'm taking 2 classes at a time. Haha.)

Re: RN to BSN - is it as hard as the RN was?

My ADN program was about figuring out how to answer difficult multiple choice NCLEX-style exam questions and clinical skills. (My program has a 99% NCLEX pass rate.)

My RN-BSN program is about university-level liberal arts classes, refinement, and nursing skills outside of the hospital environment. The RN-BSN is a lot of reading, paper writing, and professional dialogue (in my experience).

Re: RN to BSN - is it as hard as the RN was?

I finish my RN to BSN program in ine more semester. It has been SO much easier than the RN from the standpoint of not comsuming my life! My program is mostly online, so I have the option of working on my classwork at any time. I work full time and have a family, so this is a huge plus.

Have to agree with multicollinearity...it has not been NCLEX and clinical skill focused. I have learned alot and grown in my practice during this program.