ADN or BSN

rjones522 · Mar 20, 2008

Where I am at, I have heard that starting pay for ADN and BSN is little difference. I chose to do the ADN because I need to get my RN asap. I figure that once I am working, I can do an accelerated BSN if I want to to get the extra pay.

I have also been told that you have to have a BSN in order to have any sort of management position. But I don't necessarily want to be in mgt. any time soon, so that is okay with me. :wink2:

I would love to know if anyone else has any insight into this too.

Miami NightNurse · Mar 20, 2008

Ok honestly I hated Statistics so much I decided I would rather skip it and get an ADN instead of a BSN-dumb move but it was 20 years ago. Get your BSN, you can do more with it.

Amburgerz12 · Mar 20, 2008

Where I come from, I find that it is almost easier not to choose and to apply to as many colleges as you can and wait to see where you get accepted. I was just accepted in to an ADN program and I am excited for it! The program is cheaper and I hope that with a smaller class I will learn more. Also, I plan on returning to school once I get a job and having my employer pay for me to get my BSN.

Honestly, I think it is just a matter of preference for what you want. As far as I know there isn't a difference in pay where I live, all new grads start off at the same amt. But I could be wrong.

Goodluck!

Miami NightNurse · Mar 20, 2008

As far as I know they do start off with the same pay. But only a BSN nurse can go into management where pay is alot higher

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 20, 2008

But only a BSN nurse can go into management where pay is alot higher

This is not necessarily true in all areas.

Where I live, many of the nurse managers are either LPNs/LVNs or ADN-educated RNs. They serve as DONs (director of nursing), ADONs (assistant director of nursing), staffing directors, research managers, nurse supervisors, charge nurses, and so forth.

But I agree that the BSN degree opens so many more doors.

Miami NightNurse · Mar 20, 2008

Wow Thanks Commuter I didn't know that. Not that I would want to go into management. But it's nice to know

pnut0911, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 20, 2008

My sister-in-law has her BSN and she told me that RN's make the same amount. Just like everyone stated you can't management until you get your BSN, but like a few others I am getting my RN and then after a year or two experience under my belt I will go to a RN to BSN program!

Michele

Satori77, ADN · Mar 21, 2008

I plan on going for my BSN. I hope to get it out of the way, instead of just getting my RN first, then finding time to go back to school. I am doing this for several reasons. I want more opportunities. Possibly go into management or teaching years down the road. I also know I want to eventually get my MSN. So it makes more sense for me to get the BSN.

jelorde37 · Mar 21, 2008

im in the same boat as you. i dont know whether i should go lvn-ADN or lvn-bsn. the bsn will take me two more years and the adn is only 1 more year. i dont believe there is a pay difference between new RNs but the bsn opens up more opportunities for you. think about what you want to do. do you want to stay in bedside forever or do you want more advanced practice/ managerial roles in nursing?

oh yeah. you can always get your bsn later on if you want.

jon lvn

Flames9_RN, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Mar 21, 2008

And keep in mind some employers will pay for some of your education. I wish all programs had more clinical time. I'm going the ADN route, mainly because I'm 35 and want to get back into the work force and I hate school,lol Will most likely continue onto my BSN though. Some of the best nurses i have been around are the ones that are Diploma, as most of those schools have more hands on training. Would be nice if all started that way and worked your way up, sort of on the job training. Or one had to do well at one level, before you could move on. Just because one has a fancy education, doesn't mean they are a great nurse. Best of luck in the route you choose

Me-O-My, BSN · Mar 21, 2008

i was in the same position trying to decide between the adn or bsn. where i live the adn took 3 yrs total and the bsn is 4 yrs so i decided i might as well just do the extra year and get the bsn because i will probably go for my masters later on. and even if i decide not to go back no big deal. but the advice posted earlier was a good idea apply eveywhere and see which ones u get in to then go from there.