Are you earning your associates or bachelors in Nursing? Why?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I'm debating on either getting my ASN or BSN, but can't decide. I already have a bachelors, so this is a second degree for me?

What choice are you making? Why?

What do most people choose?

Thank you.

Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

I received my ADN 15 years ago and have been at the bedside ever since. I'm now beginning a BSN program for more options as I age and perhaps tire or burnout from the bedside.

What are your goals and what do you see in the future? ADN RNs have plenty of options and make top dollar so it's an honorable and profitable degree. On the other hand there are positions in teaching, management, sales, insurance, etc. where a BSN is required or perferred.

Good luck.

I am also in the same situation (actually have a BS and a BA) and have looked at all of the options available to me -- diploma, ADN, Accel BSN and Direct Entry MSN. For me, it came down to first getting the RN, working in the field, and then making a choice to which direction I am going. All of the programs get you the RN -- and believe it or not, the ADN program had the highest NCLEX pass rate of any of the programs I am looking at -- 100%! I decided to focus on getting into the ADN program because it costs significantly less (about $4000 vs up to $40,000) and I was incredibly impressed by the faculty member who did the presentation at the orientation session. She genuinely loved nursing, had a pretty warped sense of humor, and most importantly, impressed that they want every one of their students to succeed. I didnt' get the feeling that "EATING THEIR YOUNG" was a part of the curriculum.

I know that I do want to become an advanced practice nurse, and that there are RN to MSN programs available, as well as online BSN completion programs that are geared towards working nurses. I will not have problems advancing my educational level and career.

It really came down to the school that I felt most comfortable in, and the incredible cost savings. Talk to faculty and current students and find a place that will give you what you want!

Good luck.

In a way I'm working on both. I'm in an ADN program right now, but I'm taking the extra core classes I need for the BSN. That way, once I graduate with my associate's degree, I only need one course before entering into the RN to BSN program. I'm not going directly to the BSN because of cost and the University of Wyoming is 50 miles away - doesn't sound like a big deal until you have to drive it in the winter - and the RN to BSN program is on-line.

Specializes in Infectious Disease.

I am currently in the "rethinking my path" stage. I have applied to the ASN program at my CC and am awaiting word. Last semester I was placed on the waiting list. Because of childcare problems though, if accepted, I may have to decline the slot and reapply for the Fall 2006 or Spring 2007 semester. I only have three more prereqs to do for my CC which I will be taking next semester. I am seriously considering putting off nursing school until my oldest son turns 13 years old. In that time I would take the rest of the core classes, and apply for a 4 year nursing school.

For me ASN or BSN doesn't really matter. I just don't want to sit around for a whole year without furthering my education in some manner.

Specializes in Operating Room.
I am currently in the "rethinking my path" stage. I have applied to the ASN program at my CC and am awaiting word. Last semester I was placed on the waiting list. Because of childcare problems though, if accepted, I may have to decline the slot and reapply for the Fall 2006 or Spring 2007 semester. I only have three more prereqs to do for my CC which I will be taking next semester. I am seriously considering putting off nursing school until my oldest son turns 13 years old. In that time I would take the rest of the core classes, and apply for a 4 year nursing school.

For me ASN or BSN doesn't really matter. I just don't want to sit around for a whole year without furthering my education in some manner.

Alexillytom: Besure not to extend your waiting too long as some colleges have a time limit on their science courses. I know the cc I am going to has a 5 year limit them.

I am going for my ADN, and will work while doing my RN-BSN. That way I can utilize tuition reinbursement! :rolleyes:

I've had the same struggle. I have a BA in economics. I decided to go for the ADN program here in town. It's good and cheap. Also, if I want to go on for my masters I can use the ADN plus my BA (plus 2 excelsior classes) to apply to a program about 30 minutes from here. So, if I go that route I don't need a BSN at all.

Specializes in Infectious Disease.
Alexillytom: Besure not to extend your waiting too long as some colleges have a time limit on their science courses. I know the cc I am going to has a 5 year limit them.

I am going for my ADN, and will work while doing my RN-BSN. That way I can utilize tuition reinbursement! :rolleyes:

Thanks Fun2Care. I am talking about 2 years at most. You know life has a way of sneaking up on you and disrupting your most well laid out plans. Well, I had one of those disruptions last week. My initial thought was to just wait it out. Now, I am thinking I should just turn lemons into lemonade. If I can't begin my ADN program until my son is a little older, why not use that time to work on a bachelor's degree?

Since I will be done my prereqs for my ADN in May, I would really hate to be doing nothing for 1.5 - 2 years while my son "grows up".

Specializes in OB, lactation.

I'm getting a second bachelor's because 1)it's taking me the same amount of time as it would have for the ADN, 2) I want to be a CNM which requires a Master's so I'll need the BSN, 3) I will always choose more options over less if possible. Sometimes life catches up and it's not so easy to go back later so I'm just doing it from the get-go since I'm able. I go to a public university that is not too too expensive in world of college tuition, and I get stafford loans that pay for it, childcare, gas, etc. (I have a ridiculously long commute). It's just a personal decision you have to base on your situation and circumstances but as you can probably tell I usually tell people to go straight for BSN if able.

Specializes in Rural Health.

It all boiled down the cost for me. I have one B.S. degree already.

I could've done the accelerated program but it was $250 per credit hour, full time for 18 months and I would have to move away for 1.5 years....have a family and a business, so I couldn't do that.

I could've done the BSN program at the school I got my 1st degree at but tuition increased there to almost $150 per credit hour and it would take me 1 straight year of pre-reqs to get in PLUS 2 years of nursing school and I would have to drive over 70 miles one way 5 days a week......

So I went the ADN route instead. Tuition is $80 per credit hour, the program only requires me to have 2 more "non" nursing classes which I can take while going through the program and I'll be able to graduate in 2006 rather than 2007 or later.....

I figured the ADN will get me in the door and doing what I want to do, which is patient care. If I ever want my BSN, my employer can pay for it.

Good luck in whatever you decide!!!

I have a BA, plus a number of "attempts" at various master's before I lost interest (social work, education).

I'm going for the BSN because I believe in education for myself. It is something no one can take from me.

I also want to be prepared to move along should I decide to pursue further nursing education (Masters or NP).

I also would like the option to work in a VA and I hear they will or are requiring BSN degrees.

SJ

I am applying for both an ADN and BSN program. I will go wherever I get into. If I get into both I am leaning towards the BSN program but money might change my mind.

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