Associates RN vs BSN

[derekfitness]

Is there a huge difference in salary, or marketability, or ability to land a job versus the two? I already hold a BS in communications, so after my prereqs would it be a better idea to just get an associates and start working, or to go all the way through and get another bachelors? Very much looking forward to hearing different opinions and experiences with this.

Thanks!

Derek

[michele742]

@ HAzelLpn - Funny you should mention these things :) I am going into an ADN program because my tuition is free. I will go on to get my BSN, but they only have the bridge option so I am going this route first. Having said that, everything you have said coincides with what I used to hear directly from the nurses/physicians when I was an ACP in the OR/PACU. Many of the doctors stated that the ADN's were much better prepared for the technical/clinical aspect of the job than the 'book' focused BSN (ADNs more 'hands on'). The nurses agreed...it was a harder transition for the BSN once they entered the workforce. Not all, of course...but many. It was a trend they often saw.

However, that was about 8 years ago now...since then, I do know that BSN programs are adding more clinical hours because of that problem (at least here in Florida).

[soxgirl2008]

Very true..what you said,not what that nurse said. A lot of older nurses get annoyed, mad, ****** off, jealous, whatever you want to call it...when younger nurses have more education then them.

I don't think jealousy is always the case...I think most of the time it's because you have some (and by no means all...) BSN new grads that come into the workforce and act like they're a better nurse with better critical thinking skills than the nurse with 25 years of experience, just because they have a higher degree. Wouldn't you be annoyed if you were an ADN nurse with 20 years of experience and a new grad comes in acting like she's a better nurse just because she has a higher degree?

And I'm not saying all or even half of BSN grads are like this...I'm just saying some are and I know that really aggravates older nurses.

[Jen87]

I am currently in an ADN program, graduating in December and am starting a RN-BSN program in May (accepted conditionally upon passing the NCLEX). I have a B.S in Health Administration so part of me wonders if its worth going the extra year and paying the extra $8,000 to get my BSN. I know a lot of people say to get a BSN if you are looking to get into a management position but I feel that my previous bachelors degree will have already prepared me for that. The other part of me thinks, "hell im only 24, get it done while you can." I am a tech at a hospital now so im not too worried that ill have a problem finding a position as an ADN nurse but after reading the previous posts, maybe I will. Anyway, my questions are, will a hospital take the same consideration for hiring you if you are an ADN currently enrolled in a BSN completion program as a new BSN grad? AND if considering an MSN is it best to do an RN-MSN program or take some time to figure out what area you like while completing a RN-BSN program then BSN-MSN? All input would be appreciated..thanks!

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

Anyway, my questions are, will a hospital take the same consideration for hiring you if you are an ADN currently enrolled in a BSN completion program as a new BSN grad?

All input would be appreciated..thanks!

Being in a completion program will give you a leg up. Maybe not on par with the nurse with BSN in hand, but definitely a plus in many places.

[umbdude, MSN, APRN]

To Derek-

I'm in a similar situation. My bachelor and master are both in finance, and have been in that field for 12 years. But I'm definitely leaning ADN over accelerated BSN for several reasons:

a) I sampled about 30 RN jobs on indeed.com, around 90-95% of them make no mention of BSN. Only 2 of them require BSN, and the rest states that BSN (or enrollment in RN-to-BSN) preferred. If there's really a trend toward BSN as a minimum requirement, you would expect to see a lot more posting with "BSN required".

b) Costs. ADN would cost about $10k while the cheapest BSN is $40k. Since BSN isn't a "must have" requirement, I don't see why I would spend that extra money.

c) I can start an ADN program much sooner because there are fewer pre-reqs. That's a major plus given that I no longer get satisfaction out of my current job and I am not young.

d) Without work experience in health care, I'd prefer to take my time to really learn nursing rather than to cramp everything in 16 months. I really think learning while you're already in the field full time would be much more meaningful.

Don't be mistaken. I think the BSN curriculum is great and I want to either do that or MSN eventually. But I want to do it in the most cost effective way. I think getting an ADN cheaply, start working in the field sooner, and do a bridge RN-BSN or RN-MSN program (many employers help with tuition) really makes sense.