A Cut Above ; )

[nurse4theplanet, RN]

Hello to all the ADN/ASN Nurses who are members on this board!

I get tired of reading the same old arguments over and over...constant debates over which degree is better...ADN vs. BSN. I just thought this forum needed a breath of fresh air! I am not here to put down ANY degree.

My purpose for this posting is to celebrate ADNs for a moment...as I am a new ADN grad. We deserve a hard earned pat on the back for our achievements! Congratulations to all!

Just think about it. Sure, we went to a (groan) community college...and we earned 'just a 2 year degree'. We have had family members, friends, and strangers question why we chose a 'lesser' degree, why we didn't attend a university, why we didn't go straight for our BSN, why we settled for 'just an associate's degree'....etc. And yes, after a few times it may have become discouraging for us.

But if you think about the program curriculum of any community college nursing program and compare it to other general community college programs.....well, it's like comparing apples to oranges isn't it?

I don't know about you but I was on campus 5-6 days a week, attending classes, practicing in lab for clinicals, doing computer time, doing research in the library. I barely had a life outside of nursing. While my NNF were at football games, parties, out drinking, skipping class to go shopping, etc....I was studying for a nursing test, writing careplans, pressing and starching uniforms, gathering pt information and trying to find time to eat, sleep, and pee.

What I am trying to say is that the ADN-RN program is NOT your typical two year degree....not even close. We study on a level that prepares us to take the same licensing test as other students who graduate with a 4 year degree. I'm not comparing the two, but that is quite impressive in my eyes.

I think we deserve to celebrate that! Kudos ADN grads! May your nursing careers be long and prosperous, and may you always continue to learn and advance in your practice.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

All members of the nursing team (Ph.Ds, MSNs, BSNs, ADNs, diploma RNs, LPNs/LVNs, and CNAs) worked hard to earn their titles and, therefore, deserve some celebratory praise.

And, yes, the ADN-RNs out there should feel pride in their wondrous accomplishments, as the healthcare facilities would cease to function without their presence at the bedside. The vast majority of registered nurses in the United States are ADNs.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

ADN nurses rock!

Now, why are we working so hard to be awarded an Associates Degree that in the minds of most people is a two-year degree. We should be outraged and demand a higher degree be awarded us for all that hard work. :)

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I was an LPN, ADN, etc... My ADN education was awesome. Congrats to the new grads!

[S.N. Visit, BSN, RN]

Congrats on your ADN and becoming a new RN!! I know you worked hard...These ADN programs aren't anything like the C.C Arts & Science programs . Those who argue that they are...obviously didn't make it through an ADN nursing program .

[llg, PhD, RN]

ADN nurses rock!

Now, why are we working so hard to be awarded an Associates Degree that in the minds of most people is a two-year degree. We should be outraged and demand a higher degree be awarded us for all that hard work. :)

I agree completely. The people who should be most upset with the current state of nursing education should be the ADN grads themselves. They work extremely hard (harder than AD grads in other majors) and qualify for the same staff nurse jobs as BSN grads -- yet they are awarded the same degree as other "2-year" grads. They should be the ones leading the charge to change the current system.

... And congratulations to all the ADN grads out there on your many fine accomplishements. I appreciate the hard work you have done and your value to the nursing team.

[arciedee]

The people who should be most upset with the current state of nursing education should be the ADN grads themselves. They work extremely hard (harder than AD grads in other majors) and qualify for the same staff nurse jobs as BSN grads -- yet they are awarded the same degree as other "2-year" grads. They should be the ones leading the charge to change the current system.

llg, you posted exactly what I was thinking. Thank you for posting this.

[Brian, ASN, RN]

Congrats to new grad ADNs! I'm an ADN as well!

llg, that's a very interesting perspective. You are right, an Associate Degree in Nursing is far harder than other Associate Degrees. Much stricter standards (pass/fail), all the clinical hours etc.... good points!