What is the real difference between ASN and BSN???

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  1. This is a discussion on What is the real difference between ASN and BSN??? in Registered Nurses: Diploma / ADN / BSN, part of General Nursing ... I know that the BSN is a four year degree. Here in New Mexico, you have to be a RN for one year...

    by Jul 23, '02
    I know that the BSN is a four year degree. Here in New Mexico, you have to be a RN for one year before the colleges will accept you into the BSN program. I am currently taking classes to get into the RN program at our Community College. When there are classes that will transfer to the BSN program, I take those. I am just wondering what the difference is in real life with a BSN degree. Any information will be appreciated. Thanks!
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    by 2amigos Jul 23, '02 9:56 am
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  2. 10 Comments so far...

  3. Jul 23, '02 by
    In real life, in bedside nursing, there isn't a discernable difference between ASN/ADN & BSN nurses. I graduated with a BSN in '94, mightily concerned about my lack of clinical expertise. Our program director assured me & the rest of our class that we'd have our skills within a year...and I did. The following year, I worked with new grads from a local ADN program & they knocked my socks off. 2 of them were great nurses...the other ADNs were about as lost as I'd been when I started.

    The difference tends to come in when one wants to leave bedside nursing. Having the BSN made it possible to have the job that I currently have. It usually (but not always) opens more doors & provides more options than having an ASN/ADN.

    Good luck in your educational endeavors!

    Joy
  4. Jul 23, '02 by
    Thanks, that's kinda what I thought. I definately would like to have that option open to me. It's just so weird when you're just at the beginning stages of learning. Allnurses.com is a godsend! Thanks for taking the time to post to my question. I really do appreciate it.
  5. Jul 23, '02 by
    No problem. Glad to be of help! Allnurses.com is the place where many brains tackle lots of interesting problems!

    Joy
  6. Jul 23, '02 by
    2amigos,

    I think you may have been misinformed about BSN requirements - you do not need to be an RN unless you are referring to an "RN to BSN" program. Otherwise, the enrollment to a generic BSN is just like a community college. You take your prerequisites (about 30 hours) and then your nursing courses. Most of the time, the prerequisite classes you take at a community college are fully transferrable to BSN programs.

    Good luck & best wishes
  7. Jul 24, '02 by
    I believe ADN programs recieve more clinical experience. I went to an ADN( graduating in 2 weeks) We take the same board. I never understood the major discrpancy between the two. I plan to work a year and do the RN to Masters program. I will skip over the BSN. I need more core classes.
  8. Asst. Admin
    Jul 24, '02 by
    One word: OPTIONS. As an ADN, you will be at the bedside. You may be a shift charge or NM, but to go any further than that, or to branch into education, research, etc., you need a BSN--MINIMUM!
  9. Jul 24, '02 by
    the difference could mean alot more money.
  10. Jul 25, '02 by
    Thanks for all the info! I really appreciate it everyone!
  11. Jul 25, '02 by
    Originally posted by lindagio
    I believe ADN programs recieve more clinical experience. I went to an ADN( graduating in 2 weeks) We take the same board. I never understood the major discrpancy between the two. I plan to work a year and do the RN to Masters program. I will skip over the BSN. I need more core classes.
    lindagio, I'm thinking of going that route too, RN to Masters someday.

    Congradulations on your upcoming Graduation !!

    Good Luck

    Marie