So I'm researching nursing schools (I'm in Central FL) and thought I'd just go to one of the community colleges in my area after I finish the 4 prereqs that I still have outstanding after I complete an A.A. degree in August. However, I just looked up the 4 year school and the prereqs for their program only means 3 more classes. I can finish those in the same amount of time by just adding one class per semester. I'm sure it's harder to get in and what not but if I went for my BSN what are the advantages? Is it worth the stress of trying to get into the program? The cost is a tad higher and I hear the program is tough. I don't want to do it if it's not worth it. Thanks in advance for any comments!!!!
The good things about starting with the ADN is that the work load is usually less than BSN. Also a lot of schools offer a 1 yr RN to BSN option, which means you can get you BSN in three yrs. Another advantage is after you get you ADN you can began working and your employer will help pay for your BSN.
I've chose the ADN route. I graduate in May. I'm starting BSN in August. Its all online, which means I can work full time and go to school because there are no clinicals in the RN to BSN option . It worked out well for me.
I plan to do both. After becoming an RN and working for a year in med- surg, I will take advantage of the RN to BSN program at the University of Central Florida.
The plan is to have my employer pay for the BSN instead of me. Much of the program can be done online.
In my hours of nursing school research (wish I was kidding lol) I found out that there is an ADN-BSN Concurrent program at a community college in the area. I can finish my BSN and still get my ADN at the community college at the same time. It takes a whole semester longer than just getting my ADN and I get to pay the Community College price... I'm in touch with the department there to see what I have to do to get in.
I researched the HELL out of your very same question.
ADN, MSN, BSN.. all have RN licenses.
So whether you go through the ADN or BSN, both degrees sit for the very, exact, and identical NCLEX exam.
So why BSN?
For a fews reasons..
-Most management positions require it
-If you want to pursue a Master's in Nursing [MSN]: Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal NP, Family NP, CRNA, etc., or a doctorate - Doctorate of Nursing Practitioner or PhD.
-It's the program most available to you
-Hospitals around you pay more for BSN
It just depends.
You did however forget to inquire about the diploma RN... sits for the NCLEX but less formal education than an ADN.
Does one or make a nurse better than another.. not necessarily. THAT depends on you the nurse and your ability to be a good nurse, and desire.
I'm aiming for the BSN because I'm very drawn to neonatal NP. I'm applying to both the ADN and BSN because I can always bridge over.
Here in New Orleans, the LSU BSN is about two or three semesters roughly longer than the ADN, to bridge.
Another thing to consider.. in most places, ADN's and BSN's get paid the same if not MAYBE .50 to 1 more per hour. Most hospitals print up RN on everything with little regard to the B or A classification.
I know many ADN's and BSN's and they both are excellent and happy nurses. My BSN friends chose that route because they liked the program and felt they better matched the school.
I guess you can compare it to choosing a university, you want to be where you feel most comfortable and with the most chances to succeed.
Before you decide, take a look at what employers in your area are looking for in new grads. Here in Boston, most of the major hospitals will only hire new grads with BSN. New ADN grads are having difficulty finding work. That situation may be unique to Boston, however.
The good things about starting with the ADN is that the work load is usually less than BSN. Also a lot of schools offer a 1 yr RN to BSN option, which means you can get you BSN in three yrs. Another advantage is after you get you ADN you can began working and your employer will help pay for your BSN.quote]
Do employers actually help pay for the ADN to BSN? I keep hearing and reading this, but I wonder how true it is.
It is very true... Tx Childrens I know for a fact pays for school. Theres a few out there that my GF has told me about. She already has a BSN is working in the Dallas medical center. She went to UT-Tyler and shes about 25k in the hole... if she could go back, she would do the ADN and would bridge over to BSN. The only reason she suggested this to me is to save me from loans. I started to research it and it is very true. Don't get me wrong, she doesnt regret bc shes getting her MSN later on but its nice to have $0 of loans. Shes works in NICU (i believe is what she said) and she said she works with alot of ADN's and she makes about .50 more than they do!!
It is very true... Tx Childrens I know for a fact pays for school. Theres a few out there that my GF has told me about. She already has a BSN is working in the Dallas medical center. She went to UT-Tyler and shes about 25k in the hole... if she could go back, she would do the ADN and would bridge over to BSN. The only reason she suggested this to me is to save me from loans. I started to research it and it is very true. Don't get me wrong, she doesnt regret bc shes getting her MSN later on but its nice to have $0 of loans. Shes works in NICU (i believe is what she said) and she said she works with alot of ADN's and she makes about .50 more than they do!!
Thats good to hear about TX- Im in San Antonio and 3 classes away from applying to Baptist for the RN program there- and will then bridge over to BSN.. I thought about going straight for the BSN- But I really want out of my current job.. the downfall with that is I make really good money.. So if you do ADN or Nurse Diplomacy or BSN.. I understand your still eligable to take the NCLEX. And get your RN liscense? Thats what I hear from Baptist Health System , and they will pay for you to go back to school.:nuke:
Specializes in ED, Cardiac Medicine, Retail Health.
The good things about starting with the ADN is that the work load is usually less than BSN. Also a lot of schools offer a 1 yr RN to BSN option, which means you can get you BSN in three yrs. Another advantage is after you get you ADN you can began working and your employer will help pay for your BSN.quote]
Do employers actually help pay for the ADN to BSN? I keep hearing and reading this, but I wonder how true it is.
Yes employers do actually help pay for school. I was just granted a $4200 scholarship by my employer to continue my education. Also I received $2500 for tuition reimbursement this semester, and $1700 last semester. Since September I have received over $8000.00 for school. Three of my five semesters will be payed for by my employer. My RN to BSN education thus far has cost me very little money out of pocket.
For the OP, If you can go for your BSN do it. I was not in that position because I still had to work full time to support my family. Having the BSN will allow you more opportunities, and should you want to further your education save you time. After graduating from my ADN program I figured I was all set with my education. Since working as a RN I now see the need for higher education. Good luck!!!
Same here, I started off going for my ADN but I knew I wanted my BSN so while I waited on the list I started taking classes for my BSN and now I'm all set to go, and the ADN pgm notified me that I was accepted and classes start like in 2 weeks. My mom is a MSN and she says that when it comes to pay... theres not much of a difference STARTING OFF BUT when it comes to staff positions, or even switching hospitals, once they know you're a BSN she says she felt that she was treated more respectfully...
I guess down the line it does affect pay because she's been offered many jobs to manage health care facilities or head up research projects, and the employers are willing to pay top dollar in addition to sign on bonuses...they're literally calling her on the phones nothing shy of knocking on her doors. I definitely want my BSN just so that my options are more open I don't see myself as a floor nurse forever or even for like 5 years-- there must be growth, change. Like CRNA... my dreeeeeaaam.
vanurse08
42 Posts
The good things about starting with the ADN is that the work load is usually less than BSN. Also a lot of schools offer a 1 yr RN to BSN option, which means you can get you BSN in three yrs. Another advantage is after you get you ADN you can began working and your employer will help pay for your BSN.
I've chose the ADN route. I graduate in May. I'm starting BSN in August. Its all online, which means I can work full time and go to school because there are no clinicals in the RN to BSN option . It worked out well for me.