RN vs RN/BSN? Help!

[humboldt13]

Hi. So I wanted to finish my pre-reqs before starting the nursing program fall 2015 (if I get accepted). And then work towards my bachelors. However a few nurses I know have told me to just go straight for BSN as it is really not that much schooling anyway. I can't decide what to do. So far I only have completed english 1 and psychology with B's. And I have C's in sociology and biology when I first started college right out of high school. I know, not so good. I'll have to retake bio anyway since it wasn't lab.

RN = 74 credit hr

BSN = 124 credit hr (67 pre-req, 57 professional)

RN/BSN = 99 credt hr (63 pre-req, 36 professional)

IDK. I'm just confused and not sure what to do. I also would like to take a CNA course before entering the nursing program. It's a possibility.

What do you guys think? What are your experiences? I know RNs are being phased out but I was reading reviews for the hospital I would like to apply to and they usually seem to be understaffed...

This is what the RN looks like, btw. the pre-reqs and nursing classes are scattered all over...

Pre-requisites:

A&P

General Psychology

English Composition

Math Requirement

First semester:

Foundations of Patient Centered Care

Caring of the Aging Adult

Pathophysiology

Second Semester:

Developmental Psychology

Patient Centered Care of the Developing Individual and Family

Therapeutic Nutrition

Third Semester:

Microbiology

Patient Centered Care in Mental Health and High Acuity Medical-Surgical Environments

Fourth Semester:

English Compostion II OR Public speaking/Interpersonal Communication

Leadership and Mgmt in Professional Nursing

Humanities/Fine Arts

[mommy_endeavor]

Go straight for the BSN RN. Here in Cali, all hospitals "prefer" BSN.

The hours are just a bit longer. Totally worth it though.

[AspiringNurseMW]

It depends on where you live. Here where I live in PA there isn't a preference for BSN or ADN and there isn't a huge difference in pay. So look into what they are hiring in your area. If I had stayed in NYC in would've pursued my BSN. Also the school I am applying to has very little prerequisites, so although I am only just starting this year I can get accepted into next year's program and I will know by February.

MY plan is to get my ADN IF AND ONLY IF I get accepted for next year's program. If I get rejected then I will complete more prerequisites to apply for a BSN because I'll be waiting an extra year anyway.

[AspiringNurseMW]

I wanted to add that I will be pursuing my BSN anyway because I eventually want to be a Midwife. But I have a family and if I get my ADN i can work and complete my RN to BSN online and have my job assist in paying for schooling so I can limit my student debt.

[NurseGirl525, ASN, RN]

Where did you hear the RN is being phased out? An ADN and BSN are both RNs. It really all depends where you live. Some areas want the BSN, and in some areas it doesn't matter. See what your local hospitals are hiring. There will always be a need for all kinds of nurses. Whether it is a LPN or a nurse practitioner. Do what is right for you.

[RunBabyRN]

In which state do you live? If you're in Humboldt County, CA, you will be OK with your ADN (realize that both ADN and BSN = RN). Since HSU no longer has a BSN program, most of the RNs there are educated through CR these days, thus, have an ADN. You can do your ADN, work at St. Joe's (or a SNF or something else), and do an online BSN program if you choose.

There's a difference between understaffed and actually hiring. Most hospitals have job listings, but that doesn't mean that jobs are abundant. For new grads, the market is TOUGH in most areas, some more so than others. Most positions, if you look, require acute care experience, or at least a year of experience in whatever.

[Sizzline]

In my area, hospitals are only hiring BSNs, but ADNs can get jobs at nursing homes, doctor's offices, etc. I do plan on getting my BSN, but the only school in the area that offers a 4-year program is outrageously expensive. I am getting my ADN through my local community college; I can afford to pay for the program out of pocket since it is very affordable and I got some financial aid. Once I graduate from there, I plan on taking the NCLEX and then evaluating on whether I want/need to get a job and do a part-time online RN-to-BSN program, or whether I can afford to go full-time in the same program to complete it faster. As I can do that through a state school as well, it will save me thousands of dollars in the long-run, although it may take me an extra year of time.

[mindofmidwifery, ADN]

Where I'm from (Ohio), hospitals are starting to not hire RNs with associate's. Not sure how it is where you are, but if financial aid covers it, definitely go for the BSN. BSN seems the best in the long run, plus you won't have to worry when and if you do want to continue your education to possibly be an NP or become more specialized.