ADN to BSN or Accel BSN program?

[Nolander]

I just got accepted into an ADN two-year program at my local CC to begin in Spring 2012. Let me make it clear that my ultimate goal is to get a BSN, I am just confused as to which path to take in order to get it. Aside from the ADN program which I just got accepted to, I know of an accelerated BSN program that is done through our local hospital that allows for a BSN in 3 years, with almost 2 years of pre-reqs. I am debating on whether or not to withdraw from this 2 year program and center my focus on this BSN program but I am not sure which path to take. I could begin this ADN program in the Spring and by graduation have both an associates in nursing AND an associates in science (because of pre-reqs I did), then continue on to get my BSN directly after, or, take the other route and focus straight on my BSN. I just turned 20 years old and I dont want to fee like I am trying to rush my education, but I don't want to look back on whatever path I do take and regret not taking the other path.

[chevyv, BSN, RN]

If your goal is to get your BSN, then I'm not sure why you want to consider the ADN route? I would say to follow your heart. Good luck!

[Mentalageis16]

do whatever makes you more comfortable, if you can handle fast paced program and have a lot time devote into studying, then accelerated is probably your choice. But if you think you need more time to absorb the materials and more clinical experiences, then do ADN-BSN.

Don't put too much stress on yourself :)

It's not so hard to make a choice, and you know you can do it!

Wish you good luck and be a decisive nurse once you graduate

[PacoUSA, BSN, RN]

Depends where in the USA you are located. Some places will not look at an ADN and overwhelmingly prefer BSN grads. Check to see what the hiring trends are in your area before committing to a program.

[Mentalageis16]

it's your clinical experiences that get your hired, and you need to ACTUALLY KNOW HOW TO DO THINGS. I know a lot ppl who don't even have ADN, but they are working as visiting nurse, still NURSE! what makes them qualify is the experience, not BSN degree. Plus, how many BSN out there are without a job? I see NO point to emphasize on that accelerated BSN MUST BE BETTER THAN ADN-BSN. The outcome is really the same, or else you tell me what exactly the difference is? In hospital, BSN just got a couple thousand more per year than ADN once hired, many places don't even differentiate the two.

Plus, ADN is able to advance into BSN, it's just matter of time, I see no difference between the two, unless you claim to have a master degree or beyond~

for BSN, you just finish your pre-requisites in 2-3 yrs and then apply to program, while ADN can finish pre-requisites in maybe less than 1 yr, once they complete ADN, BSN is just another year of time to study. so what's the difference really??? just because it's called accelerate, its' NOT really, at least not ACCELERATING your skills to be honest!

and for someone like the owner of this post, she have to start from beginning anyway, meaning taking all those time to learn pre-requisites and then apply to programs.

seriously, there's no better degree, only better nurse!

[iPink, BSN, RN]

Go for the BSN. I don't see where in the OP's post where they stated Accelerated BSN is better than RN to BSN route. Anyways, if the BSN is your goal, then work on that goal. I know there are additional hospitals in my area that will be applying for Magnet status next year and have already told their ADN RNs to start working on obtaining their BSN. This is in the NE area and may not be the same in yours.

Also, I'm one semester from graduating from my Accelerated BSN, and it is tough but manageable. You receive plenty of clinical experience.

[Mentalageis16]

accelerated BSN is just great for you, but may not be good for her.

before I give my comment, I actually put myself in her shoe first and thought about which one I would choose. maybe I'm wrong, but what good does it do if One fails out of a harder program? and what do you suggest then?

safest route, ADN-BSN.

[iPink, BSN, RN]

You don't know what is great for her. We are entailed to give our opinions and the decision will always be the OP's. Really don't care about how you feel about ABSNs.

[Mentalageis16]

your comments speaks how much you care about anyone...really.

and I don't even know what you mean by "we", maybe I said things without considering that I have offended a whole bunch of accerlerated BSN students here, but you know what, I have no intention to do that , and that's just it. I'm simply saying it's the safest route ADN-BSN, and I keep my ground, so funny you attack me personally, I just laugh at you.

[Mentalageis16]

be cool and be happy, wish you good luck.

[PacoUSA, BSN, RN]

I'm simply saying it's the safest route ADN-BSN

Wondering who died and made you the authority on nursing safety. You need to back up that statement with concrete data.

I am in an accelerated BSN, and that will not make me any less safe a nurse as someone who went to a diploma school, completed an ADN or a 2-year BSN. Everyone has different learning styles and different needs. At the end of the day, it's what fits one's situation best.

New graduate nurses that pass NCLEX on the same day start off on the same playing field, regardless of how they got there. Experience will thereafter define the quality of nurses. If I am ever sick, I won't care to ask how you got to your RN license ... all that will matter is that you give me safe and priority care!

[tarheelsu]

If the end result is the same, then I don't think there is a definite better route.

I'd look at how fast you would have your BSN with both routes and what the financial cost would be. When you look at financial cost, make sure you include whether or not you will be working while you take pre-reqs for either program and whether you will be working while you are in either program. Another consideration is whether you want to start working as a RN after getting the ADN and before or while you would be working on the RN-BSN. I don't think you can say that a particular type of program is better than the other, there are great ADN programs and really bad BSN programs and vice versa. It's clear that the BSN degree offers more job security and opportunity for advancement but there isn't a clear better route to get there.