This is why I want a BSN.

meluhn · Feb 21, 2009

I disagree, I think anyone who goes through an ADN program has had to display a higher level of competence and kowledge than anyone in an LPN program. I can say that bc I was an LPN and now I teach in an LPN program and there is just no comparison.

allnurses Guide · Feb 21, 2009

It certainly wouldn't hurt you. There have been nurses who've felt their ADN to BSN, or extra courses in the BSN program were a waste of time. But for me, I certainly appreciated them, especially since it was 15 years between my ADN and my BSN.
I learned a lot of new stuff in my patho and assessment classes, or at least it reinforced stuff I already new. Things change over time as knowledge is gained, and getting up to date helped me.
Also, taking statistics and research helped. I no longer read studies at face value. For example the article you posted in the op, I've learned to think "is it peer reviewed, can it be replicated, what was the sample like, what factors might have skewed it, etc."
I had to do a detailed assessment of the community I live in and learned so much, our public health system here, resources available for elders and poverty stricken citizens, as well as even the air and water quality.
I definitely feel I'm a better more well-rounded nurse than I was before. That's my personal experience, and everyone is different.
Finally, the sense of personal accomplishment at getting a Bachelor's degree was priceless.

This is exactly what I'm experiencing now - in my RN-BSN accelerated program. I go one night a week to class and we are in clinicals now - basically hang around with public health and community health nurses. The last few days I've been sitting with either a pediatric triage nurse or family practice triage nurse. They field phone calls and give advice and do patient care. At the peds clinic we did lots of immunizations (called "izzys" there). At the fp clinic - wound packing, etc.

I enjoyed the "windshield survey" of my community - I've lived in this small town for 25 years and I saw it with new eyes when I drove around for the survey.

I do think it makes you a more well-rounded nurse (person). I think it can increase your critical thinking - and I am especially grateful for stats and nursing research (although both were difficult classes). I too look at studies and statistics with a more practiced and critical eye.

I don't think it is a guarantee of being a better nurse - you have to have some scruples and a decent value system for that and having a BSN doesn't guarantee that.

I encourage young kids out of high school who are interested in nursing to go straight for their BSN.

steph

HM2VikingRN, RN · Feb 21, 2009

I apologize if I wasn't clear. I see clear differences in problem solving skills/approaches between an LPN and an RN. Degrees don't always equal competence was my point but the degree does increase the likelihood of being competent and safe.

I do believe that we each have something to teach each other.

loricatus · Feb 21, 2009

Loricatus, one question, a serious question. OK, so having your BSN you say this study exemplifies the BS part of the degree. What do you consider the advantages of the degree? I'd like to know. I still want my BSN in a bad way, just interested in the practical advantages of it (not raises or better chance at being charge nurse).

I found myself less clinically prepared, compared to an an ADN, when I graduated. My university focused on the 'prestige' of the degree, so I had a lot of papers to write; but, the bare minimum of clinical experience. This is what I meant by the BS.

However, I did have a few extra classes over the associate's nurse-gerontology, research, community health. I think what makes me have an advantage over an associate degree nurse relates to my biology degree (immunology, advanced physiology, toxicology, endocrinology, biochemistry), rather than those extra nursing classes.

In my opinion, I think that nurses would be better respected as a profession, (as it relates to how medical professionals view nurses), and have the ability to command higher wages as a result, if we were to have the bachelor degree as the minimum standard. This is not, in any way, related to the clinical capabilty of the nurse's degree, however.

allnurses Guide · Feb 21, 2009

I found myself less clinically prepared, compared to an an ADN, when I graduated. My university focused on the 'prestige' of the degree, so I had a lot of papers to write; but, the bare minimum of clinical experience. This is what I meant by the BS.
However, I did have a few extra classes over the associate's nurse-gerontology, research, community health. I think what makes me have an advantage over an associate degree nurse relates to my biology degree (immunology, advanced physiology, toxicology, endocrinology, biochemistry), rather than those extra nursing classes.
In my opinion, I think that nurses would be better respected as a profession, (as it relates to how medical professionals view nurses), and have the ability to command higher wages as a result, if we were to have the bachelor degree as the minimum standard. This is not, in any way, related to the clinical capabilty of the nurse's degree, however.

I agree with you.

steph

slb66 · Feb 22, 2009

I became and RN in 1999 with AAS degree. This is where I learned to be a nurse. Attended the pinning ceremony but not the graduation ceremony.

Earned my BSN in 2007 on my employer's dime and took my time. Went VERY part-time, 3 1/2 years. This is where I achieved my education goal. Attended the graduation ceremony but not the pinning (they did not teach me to be a nurse). A bachelor's degree was just my personal definition of getting a "college education".

I don't regret the way I did it at all. I believe taking my time with the BSN allowed me to focus on "concepts" (as that is the bulk of the BSN) in small increments, and had I gone for the BSN from the start, many of the papers and projects would have been a distraction to the real clinical knowledge I needed at the bedside. I only became a better clinical nurse due to the Health Assessment class which cemented those things I did not hold on to the first time around, and Nursing Research which helped me critically think about statistical information. I managed to learn something from every class I took even if it did not align with my future goals. I would always promote furthering one's education. There is great personal reward and, according to some research, better patient outcomes. If you think it will make you a better nurse, then it most likely will.

Rook · Mar 8, 2009

If you have an ADN and want an advanced degree some universities have a ADN to masters program. I think its 2.5-3years.