BSN vs ADN

klp2006, BSN, RN · Mar 19, 2018

I am 34, previous BS degree, and chose the later. I actually did my ADN pre-reqs in 8-weeks during a mini-semester. I will be able to hit the workforce much more quickly which translates to less debt and a faster path to earning real money again. I won't be eligible for Magnet status hospitals (a few of which are my dream employer's) but I will be absolutely hirable and desired in my area in an acute clinical setting. Just not in the trauma center. There are plenty of Level 1 trauma centers who will hire an ADN around the country (I plan on looking in to) with the understanding that you will finish a BSN in a certain time frame. I have all but 2 courses finished already for my BSN pre-req's (My first degree was out of state so "Texas History" wasn't a thing for me and I need to sadly refresh my Chem for most schools.) A BSN is awesome and I will have one, but I needed quick and cheap at my age. Many hospitals also reimburse for BSN education (Cheap(er) or free!? Yes, please). I have my sights set on some prestigious BSN's... but we have agreement's with many well respected programs and the last ADN class was fully admitted into a BSN within 30 days of grad for anyone who applied.

Reha786 · Mar 20, 2018

I am 38 turning 39 here I feel like I am reaching for the stars but I am so tired of settling. I want more out of my life.

Anyway, don't you think it would save us time if we just did the 3 year BSN?

klp2006, BSN, RN · Apr 7, 2018

I am 38 turning 39 here I feel like I am reaching for the stars but I am so tired of settling. I want more out of my life.
Anyway, don't you think it would save us time if we just did the 3 year BSN?

-Never Settle. Never ring the bell.

-For me, it was a faster path on the ADN and in my local area there is no pay differential post graduation. The program was cheaper and local employers pay for the BSN. Faster/cheaper path to full time earnings won me over. I'm also older and have had a successful previous career. I don't stress about titles. In my market I made the best decision for me based on the facts of my local economy.

-Every nursing program and community is different. I made a spreadsheet of requirements for every nursing program within 90 minutes of home. I spoke with connections in hospital administration and local RN's (ADN/BSN). I then sorted programs based on rankings and time for completion. Total time for Pre-req's to anticipated graduation is 2.5 yrs. I could have done it in two but the program wasn't rated as highly.