Why do some choose to pursue BSN over ASN first?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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In my own mind, I cannot rationalize it. The ASN program is 18 months. Once you graduate and pass boards, you can nurse. At that point you can immediately begin taking the classes needed for BSN. But from what I understand, if you are enrolled in the BSN program from the start, you cannot nurse until you've graduated the program.

Other than not wanting to take classes while working, I can't see why anyone would choose to take the long route. I'm sure some have their reasons, though, which is why I'm inquiring.

Hmm... makes much more sense considering many future nurses have no previous education. I got my business AA directly out of high school and then decided to go for my bachelor's in healthcare management. So I never factored in that "becoming a nurse in 18 months" isn't really the case for those just starting college. I didn't need any pre-reqs for nursing, only co-reqs (sociology and micro) which I am currently taking. I start the program in May.

I am also struggling with the same thoughts, as to what route to take. I just finished VN school, and now waiting to take NCLEX. I know I want to work as LVN while going to school for RN. Just wondering the same thing though do to a LVN-RN or just go all in and do BSN. I am in San Diego and things are very impacted here!! And I'm sure jobs are just as hard to find/competitive. I just read in this thread about LTC experience or Dr. Office, making you ineligible for hospital jobs?? That kind of scares me, being that LVNS aren't really hired in hospitals anymore, so since I need to work right now......uugghhh so confusing?! Anyone here go the LVN first route?

Specializes in NICU.

In my state, ASN programs are two years in length as are BSN programs. Both require a year or two of prerequisites, and for me it made more sense to pursue a BSN. I wanted more theory than a ASN would provide, also for the same length of time recieving a bachelors would set me up for graduate school if I chose later on. Beginning this year as well (in my state) a BSN is required for new graduate nurses who wish to work in a hospital environment.

In my state, ASN programs are two years in length as are BSN programs. Both require a year or two of prerequisites, and for me it made more sense to pursue a BSN. I wanted more theory than a ASN would provide, also for the same length of time recieving a bachelors would set me up for graduate school if I chose later on. Beginning this year as well (in my state) a BSN is required for new graduate nurses who wish to work in a hospital environment.

That's a long time for pre-req work. Good luck with your quest :)

Specializes in ICU.

I guess it all depends. If I was fresh out of high school, I would be going for my BSN or MSN. But the fact that I am 38 and newly divorced complicates things. I wish we had an 18 month program here for an ADN. Mine is 4 semesters once you get accepted and no summer classes in RN plus a year- year and a half of prereqs. So essentially I will have gone for 4 years for my ADN. I have enough money from my divorce settlement to live comfortably for about 2-3 years without having to work and in my area they are hiring ADN new grad nurses. BSN is not the preferred here yet unless going to the city to a major hospital. I will get my job and start working while getting my BSN so eventually I can get the job I would really like. It all depends on your goals and aspirations in life, and the job market in your area.

I decided to go for my BSN and am in my second semester of nursing school. Honestly, there were many factors:

1. I am a traditional college student so I want to get the degree now before I venture out into getting married, having kids, etc. I have family support who agreed to just do the BSN right away. This year I have lived in a dorm to get the experience but next year I will be living off campus.

2. I am in a small, highly educated state filled magnet hospitals or hospitals trying to get magnet status. The BSN is almost an unspoken requirement for those hospitals getting magnet status.

3. Nursing was going to be 2 years for me no matter what. The local ADN program required just about 2 years of pre reqs, so the whole program would have been 4 years regardless.

Not saying everyone has to get the BSN, but it was important to do so in my case.

Hmm... makes much more sense considering many future nurses have no previous education. I got my business AA directly out of high school and then decided to go for my bachelor's in healthcare management. So I never factored in that "becoming a nurse in 18 months" isn't really the case for those just starting college. I didn't need any pre-reqs for nursing, only co-reqs (sociology and micro) which I am currently taking. I start the program in May.

Nursing is my second bachelor's. Once in, the CC here is 4 semesters of part time study. The university is 5 semesters of full time study. Given that and the fact that I would need a BSN for the job I wanted, it was a no-brainer to just get another bachelor's.

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