ADN or BSN

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Hello All,

I am new to this website; I have been browsing for approx. 2 weeks, and I had to join!! This site is so informative and I've learned so much over the last couple of weeks. My question is regarding which program I should enroll in.

A brief history on me: I have been in undergrad. since fall of 2005; I took a semester off last spring. I just didn't know what I wanted to do...I switched my major SEVERAL times. I've majored in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Mass Media, and Community Education. Yes, I know that is too much!! The turning point for me was when I took a semester off (for personal reasons) and took a CNA training course over the summer. I have to say I LOVED it!! I loved working with the older adults (practicum was at LTC); they loved me and appreciated me for taking care of them (very well I might add)....that, made my heart melt....

So, I decided for once and for all that I'm going to enroll in Nursing school. Now, I know that this is a very TOUGH field to get into (clinical and theory wise), but I WANT this so bad!! I was wondering if anyone could give me some encouraging words or advice on Nursing in general. I am now in school for MA, but I plan to enroll in NS as soon as I graduate, which is Spring 2011. I figure, I could gain some experience by working as a MA while going to Nursing school. Let me also say this, I'm not the best at math...I could definitely brush up on my skills, but I'm willing to put in the work to master that skill along with the science classes...any advice would be great! Thanks in advance!!

Tainya~

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In my opinion, if you have the time, you might as well go for BSN. However, if you are like me and just want to get out there and start helping people, why not do ASN? There are tons of places you can do online RN to BSN later on, but it's really all up to you and doing what will be best for you in the long run!

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In my opinion, if you have the time, you might as well go for BSN. However, if you are like me and just want to get out there and start helping people, why not do ASN? There are tons of places you can do online RN to BSN later on, but it's really all up to you and doing what will be best for you in the long run!

Thanks for the reply! The university where I am for MA has a BSN program. I briefly spoke with the Admissions Counselor regarding some of my credits being transferred in, and she stated that it STILL would take me 4 years to complete the BSN program; no matter how many electives I have!! :mad: That made me lean more towards the ADN program...I'm sorry to say this, but I just want to be DONE with undergrad...for now...This is my 6th year!:uhoh3:

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Investigate your local job market. Where I live, ADNs have a *very* tough time finding jobs right now, more so that BSN grads (and it's still hard for BSN grads too).

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I'd say BSN. A lot of hospitals prefer BSN's over ADN's and many times there are sign on bonuses for those with a BSN. Also, if two people apply (one with a BSN and one with an ADN) with the same amount of experience .. the one with the BSN will most likely get the job. Why not go all the way?

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Specializes in None.

I went with an ADN an opted to drive 72 miles one way rather than going with the BSN available in my own town. BSN/ADN pay rates are the same here so that had no effect on my decision. The ADN program I'm attending has put out some AMAZING nurses. Very very talented nurses. I have an issue with the BSN attitude a lot of the BSN grads have where we live. I've noticed a significant "I'm too good to do that" attitude recently with some of the BSN grads where we live.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

Welcome and glad you finally decided to join.

It took me 5 1/2 years to graduate from college. Once my feet landed in college, I changed my major from my original plan of being a PA to Business, then computer engineer, then computer science, then systems engineer, until I finally settled on Information Technology and Informatics.

4 years later, here I am back in school to go back to my original plan. Not necessarily to be a PA, but to end up eventually as a Nurse Practitioner.

Since you want to graduate as quickly as possible, then go for the ADN then. If you are interested in climbing the clinical ladder later in life, then go for the RN-BSN when your ready.

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Like somebody else said, look at the job market where you are at. I know in some places ADN nurses have a really hard time finding jobs, and in other areas it doesn't matter as much if at all. Theres nothing wrong with doing the ADN route, especially since you want to be done as soon as possible, and you can always go for the BSN later.

However, look into the ADN schools in your area to see how long their program takes. A lot of ADN programs I know of the clinical portion is only two years, but with pre-reqs and waitlists it ends up taking just as long if not longer than getting a BSN. The ADN program in my town for example has a 1-2 year waitlist, plus a year of pre reqs before you get to the actual clinical part, but programs in your area could be different.

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