Would you turn down BSN for ADN??

RNDreamer · Jun 11, 2007

I most certainly would have, but only if it were easier to get into the ADN programs in my area. One reason why I did not go the ADN route was because I did not want to take the chance of taking a year or two of courses at the lower tuition comm colleges, not get into the program, then scramble to find another school to go to. Then let's say I did get in, that is a year of pre reqs, then 2 years of nursing, total of 3 years...the school I will be attending next month will give me a BSN in the same amount of time, 3 years due to my transfer credits. I will be over 100k in debt but with my potential salary, I am not stressing it. OK, I am rambling...my answer is yes, but only if the ADN programs in my area were easier to get into

jjjoy, LPN · Jun 11, 2007

Find out more about the specific programs as well. Maybe one or the other would be a better fit you for one reason or another. For example, one might have more convenient clinical locations at facilities you'd consider working at in the future. Visit the campus and classes if you can, just to get a feel for the environment and the student population.

Also, some programs have good or poor reputations in regard to the readiness of their graduates to work as nurses in certain roles. If you can find local nurses to talk to, that might help. Consider contacting a couple of hospital nurse managers and asking their opinions on local programs during an informational interview.

cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN · Jun 11, 2007

My employer paid for my ADN, and will pay for the BSN as well. Pick which program suits you and meets your needs.

arciedee · Jun 13, 2007

To add to what others have said, make sure you know what the hospitals' policies are regarding tuition reimbursement in your area. It's not a given that they will pay for your additional education. I know the ones in my area have tuition reimbursement but it is definitely not enough to cover the cost of the RN-to-BSN programs unless you only take your classes one at a time. Other hospitals, however, have much better policies. You just want to know what you'll be up against.

DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN · Jun 13, 2007

Yes. There's no difference in the pay. If you're looking to eventually get into management you'll need your BSN.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jun 14, 2007

No if I had the opportunity to get an BSN I would have gotten a BSN and not found myself 15 years wanting it. I would have gotten it out of the way. The BSN would have been only another year, since the ADN usually takes three years. There was no BSN program in my town so that wasn't a choice. I have no regrets.

Also note not all hospitals pay for a BSN. Most have a cap on their tuition reimbursement that may or may not cover 100% of tuition and books.

But as people say, the entry level positions and pay are equal. So going the RN to BSN route is a perfectly fine way to go. Especially since ADNs are cheaper and quicker.

caliotter3 · Jun 14, 2007

The ramifications of having an employer responsible for paying for any of your education can be quite daunting should an unforeseen circumstance come up that prevents you from completing your end of the bargain. The possibility of the job not being a good situation is always there. You're stuck. I had a situation like this one time and had to pay the price. I was not happy. I would advise anyone to find out as much as possible beforehand and make their decision accordingly. As far as being faced with acceptances at both BSN and ASN programs, if at all possible, I would, if I were doing it again, choose the BSN program and get it over with.

jjjoy, LPN · Jun 14, 2007

As far as being faced with acceptances at both BSN and ASN programs, if at all possible, I would, if I were doing it again, choose the BSN program and get it over with.

That's assuming all other things equal.

Some programs are very much "hands off", not giving much support to student or lectures tend to be the instructor reading from the text, so the students pretty much teach themselves. Other programs offer more support (tutorials, extra practice tests, etc) or are known for having great instructors. For some, that wouldn't make a difference, but for others that might make the difference between successful completion of the program or having to repeat coursework - and perhaps getting discouraged and giving up.

Some programs include just the minimum of clinical time, high instructor to student ratios and clinical instructors who haven't practiced in the "real world" for a long time. Other programs offer more than the minimum and have a good reputation for preparing students for the "real world." For some, that wouldn't make a difference, but for others, that might make the difference in making the difficult transition to practicing nursing as opposed to feeling hopelessly ill-prepared and giving up.

NursePru · Jun 18, 2007

I turned down my acceptance to a BSN program for an ASN program. I had several reasons. I already have a BS in another field, but the accelerated programs are not practical for me since I MUST work at least part-time (no I don't have children, but I do have bills). I plan to go back and get my BSN afterwards, but I want the hospital I'm working for to pay for at least part of it.

I picked the ASN program in my area for the following reasons:

- It's NCLEX pass rate was actually higher than the BSN program I applied to (I know this isn't always the case, but for me it was.)

- The ADN program is closer to home and all of the good BSN programs near me are in the city (paying for parking everyday AND dealing with traffic...not for me!)

- It's going to cost me one years worth of BSN tuition for my whole nursing program (including books and uniforms)!

I could go on...there is always a value in continuing your education, but for me I just want to get in there and be a nurse (and get out of the business world)...then I'll continue my education. Not to mention I'm still paying student loans from my last degree.

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Jul 4, 2007

You can't count on a hospital paying for your whole BSN program. Make sure you find out ahead of time and don't just assume. I know A LOT of ADN nurses right now having to or choosing to go back and get their BSN and most of the hospitals have a cap on their tuition reimbursement and don't pay for books, etc. Some will make you commit to working for them afterwards as well (which for some is fine, others not so).

As a nurse, your schedule most likely isn't going to be set in stone, most weeks I know my schedule is different and trying to schedule things at times can be difficult.

It is NOT easy IMO to go from ADN-BSN because working full time and going to class (even just one class at a time) is hard! Most of the ADN and LPNs in my BSN classes are worn out and tired from working long, hard shifts.

So no, since your asking, I wouldn't turn down BSN over ADN unless it was just a really horrible BSN program. I think, most of the time, it is just better to get it done with and move on.

NightOwl0624 · Jul 5, 2007

Would you turn down BSN for ADN??

Yes. I just did, and for me it was the best choice.

I made a list of the pros and cons, and the only pro for the BSN program was that I would have the BSN when I was finished (duh!).

(I am comparing the ADN program to an accelerated program)

The ADN program is very well respected, and luckily I was moved up from the 2008 starting date. It is much less expensive, very close to my home, and has more flexible scheduling. I will have less child care issues and will have next July and August off. I will only finish 4 months later than the accelerated program and will only have to deal with about 10 credits/semester rather than 17!

For me, trying to juggle family with school, and not wanting to go into debt, it was the best choice.