why BSN over ADN???

CaregiverGrace · Mar 10, 2011

looking at the statistics, ADN's have a higher NCLEX pass rate than BSN's. I was at a job fair in passadena, ca and felt totally dissed when the speaker explained how they put BSN on top of the application pile. WHY? for what? we all take the same test right? you mean to tell me that employers dont even care about the individual and their skills ect... only what looks good on paper??? i am becoming bitter towards this entire profession.

You act like employers are able to decipher "the individual and their skills" based on a piece of paper. Impossible. But they can decipher which candidates are "more educated". Of course, having a higher degree of education in nursing does NOT mean you are a better nurse. But it IS a simple piece of information that an employer can and will use to elevate certain candidates above others. The fact of the matter is that they will not interview all candidates, and since the pay as an "RN" is the same & they can get someone that has a higher level of education, why would they not want to do that?

error · Mar 10, 2011

you sounds like more of an advocate for the institution rather than fellow nurses. i am aware of the points that you have made. i am just frustrated by it.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Mar 10, 2011

At the present time, more facilities are going with BSNs. The market is terrible for everyone, but BSN educated nurses are often preferred and selected, even though you wrote the same NCLEX.

calitotx · Mar 14, 2011

I am currently deciding whether to go the BSN or ADN route and really the extra prereqs seem unnecessary. Not sure why I would need two history classes to become a nurse and why that would mean I am a better choice.

Skip219, BSN, RN · Mar 14, 2011

In 1987, my diploma class was getting close to graduating and we were listening to some speaker say" when you go on to get your BSN...." I had no intentions to do so but I felt myself stagnating professionally after 6-7 yrs. I completed my BSN in 2001 and glad I did so. There are many jobs which are unavailable to those without a BSN. She has 20 yrs of nursing experience but not qualified because she lacks a BSN. I understand the frustration: put a BSN prepared nurse next to an ADN or diploma nurse, the less educated have more practical skills and know-how.

Get the extra prereqs you might want an advanced degree some day.

Skip

calitotx · Mar 14, 2011

Yea you are prob right, I have been checking the job market and it seems like a ADN would make things really hard. I just don't want to spend the extra money but it looks like I will have a ton of student loans to pay back. :uhoh3:

pinkynbd_99 · Mar 15, 2011

I feel your frustration, I graduated with a ADN but choose to do that over a BSN due to my situation. the community college was cheaper, closer and more convienant to me having 3 kids, working PT etc. I just felt that it was an additional step I had to take. But now in May, a year after I graduated, Im starting my RN-BSN program and hopefully graduating may 2012. I was an easy transition for me b/c I was accepted on the spot vs when I was applying for traditional BSN spot. So you have to weight your options, the purpose is to become an RN, then it'll become easier to advance your degree. the disadvantage is looking for a job, with a ADN you know most likely those big teaching, magnet hospitals won't hire you b/c they'll hire BSN RNs. So make connections to the clinical sites you go to and try to network as a student and hopefully get noticed and hired that way.

CTNurse678 · Mar 15, 2011

No, you are not being bitter you are standing up for accomplishment. Don't take it so personal! I was ADN graduate yet went back to get my BSN after graduating. They prefer BSN do to the fact that they have more schooling which a degree does not decide what type of nurse you are. I am sure you are great nurse! Most of my classes for my BSN were not nursing related. Actually, I had to go only one year full time, take a summer class at another university and part time the second year to get my BSN. I felt that my ADN well prepared me for my BSN. The BSN wasn't hard at all. I actually graduated with high honors and was recognized by numerous honor societies. I actually worked the whole time I was going back to get my BSN. Statistically, it has been proven that BSN RN's have better pt outcomes. As for working for a couple of different Magnet facilities, they want there nurses to go back to get their BSN and certifications in their speciality. Would it not look good to have a nurse who shows accountability, commitment and potentially can be advanced in an institution by hiring a staff with advanced degree and/or certification? Also, it is an advancement into management and other positions which it is just a challenge to say they have the most talented and qualified candidates for the job. As currently, my UD is going back to get her MSN-DNP program and for managers they are looking at further advancement and require them to go back school. This system has been in place for several years. Don't be offended. May be the way the speaker presented was incorrectly. I wish you the best in your nursing practice.

Danni426 · Mar 15, 2011

Hi I am a new member,

I have a question related to the topic. I have a BS in Public Health and will be starting an RN program in May. Will my BS be considered at all when applying for jobs. I do plan on going on to get my Masters, but will need a decent paying job in order to do so.

Any one have any thoughts?

awb4130578 · Mar 15, 2011

I think nursing students should get their BSN over their ADN. They won't have to think about the fact that they will have to go back to school unless they want a master's degree. I think it's better to just spend the 4-5 years getting a BSN the first time around than to have to get an ADN, work a few years, and then go back to school just to finish up school for their BSN. It may cost more to get a BSN if you just go straight for that, but what's more important to you-How long it takes for you to finish school or how much money you need to make?

joanna73, BSN, RN · Mar 15, 2011

Having a degree certainly does not make you a better nurse. I had to take many useless courses in my BSN. I would have rather had more clinical time. However, like many other professions now, a degree is required. We can debate it all we want. The reality is, most facilities prefer a BSN. In my area, they scrapped the 2 year diploma RN program years ago. A BSN is the minimum requirement for all RNs, I think as of 2005.