ADN or BSN?

Nurses General Nursing

Updated:   Published

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Hi everyone, I got into a really good BSN program however it is only 15 months (ends in August 2022) with hardly any time for breaks and starts in May. Worst part is the Summer term is only 12 weeks and has 16 credit hours. I am leaning towards an ADN program since I believe it will be a BIT less stressful. I plan on doing the RN-BSN right after I take the NCLEX. I am applying to 2 or 3 ADN programs-deadline to apply is tomorrow. The ADN programs are also continuous but has less credit hours, the last day is towards the end of March in 2023. I get super anxious and have really bad test anxiety. I dint think I can handle the pressure of a BSN program so soon. The ADN program deadline is tomorrow and I will turn in my application but decisions won't go out for a month or so. So I would find out if I get in well after the BSN start date. My family is really pressuring me to go through with the BSN but I really don't want to disappoint them in the long run if things get to be too much for me. What do you guys think I should do?

1 Votes
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

ADN programs are not easier or less stressful. I would just get the BSN and get it over with if I were you.  You'll be glad later.

18 Votes
Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.

Pros of getting your BSN fast:

Start your (new) career much faster.

Get it over with (since you plan on it anyway).

Have more job opportunities available when you pass your NCLEX (many jobs want a BSN).

Do not have to keep going to school when you start a new (overwhelming for the first year) job.

Be done school sooner (or move on towards Master's degree, etc).

 

Pros of getting a slower ADN?

No clue. Honestly, I don't even find slower a benefit at all.

 

*I graduated from an accelerated 2nd degree BSN program. Very glad I went that route. I hate school (says the just enrolled in graduate school nurse).

9 Votes

I had an ASN because I bridged from paramedic and that was what was offered. I started on my BSN immediately after graduation. Life happened and it took me another 10 years to find the time to complete the BSN.  

 

tl/Dr version: get your BSN.

9 Votes

If someone else is paying for your BSN, it is a legit accredited school, and you don't have any other major obligations on your time (job, children), go for the BSN. 

It helps to know the local job market. I live in an area with many universities, nursing schools and magnet hospitals. If you manage to get hired with an ADN, you are expected to get a BSN within a number of years in some places.

8 Votes
Specializes in Psychiatry.

How much does the BSN cost? Are you paying for it yourself? How much loans are you willing to take on? How long will it take to graduate with the ADN; same amount of time or close?

The ADN is definitely not less stressful I can tell you that. I'm more concerned with how much it will cost you. Of course the goal is to get your BSN in the end. 

If you can avoid a huge loan payment, great. Go for it. 

5 hours ago, RNperdiem said:

If someone else is paying for your BSN, it is a legit accredited school, and you don't have any other major obligations on your time (job, children), go for the BSN. 

This is great advice too from RNperdiem.

8 Votes

"I get super anxious and have really bad test anxiety." You will be tested at least every four weeks.. in either program. Bite the bullet and get your BSN.

 Best wishes.. whatever you decide.

7 Votes
4 minutes ago, Been there,done that said:

"I get super anxious and have really bad test anxiety." You will be tested at least every four weeks.. in either program. Bite the bullet and get your BSN.

 Best wishes.. whatever you decide.

Exams are every 2 weeks :( I think ADN has a lighter course load will have exams every 4 weeks or so and it MAY be more manageable. What do you think?

 

1 Votes
42 minutes ago, Neo Soldier said:

How much does the BSN cost? Are you paying for it yourself? How much loans are you willing to take on? How long will it take to graduate with the ADN; same amount of time or close?

The ADN is definitely not less stressful I can tell you that. I'm more concerned with how much it will cost you. Of course the goal is to get your BSN in the end. 

If you can avoid a huge loan payment, great. Go for it. 

This is great advice too from RNperdiem.

Wasn't it a lighter load though with the ADN? Each class is one credit hour expect for Foundations for Nursing Practice which is a 4 credit class.

1 Votes
Specializes in Psychiatry.
8 minutes ago, Unsuregirl101 said:

Wasn't it a lighter load though with the ADN? Each class is one credit hour expect for Foundations for Nursing Practice which is a 4 credit class.

I went the ADN route and it was anything but light. Nursing school is generally difficult. My online RN-BSN on the other hand, was much lighter compared to my prior nursing school experience. 

7 Votes
15 minutes ago, Unsuregirl101 said:

Exams are every 2 weeks ? I think ADN has a lighter course load will have exams every 4 weeks or so and it MAY be more manageable. What do you think?

 

I graduated from an ADN program... but it was many moons ago. I had more than one exam in 4 weeks.. but there was a general exam.. if I did not pass with  78 % , I was out of the program. There is no comparing programs .. then or now. 

" So I would find out if I get in well after the BSN start date." ADN programs are NOT easy to get into. You could wash out on all of them. Then you would blow your chance on the BSN acceptance.

6 Votes
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
4 hours ago, Unsuregirl101 said:

Exams are every 2 weeks ? I think ADN has a lighter course load will have exams every 4 weeks or so and it MAY be more manageable. What do you think?

 

we had 100 question exams every 2 weeks throughout my AD program. Test anxiety is a real thing, but can be overcome. Study hard and you'll do OK.

ADN programs are not "lighter" but the time (you say longer) may be a factor that makes it easier for you. I would still do a BSN and get it done in your place. Going back to school is never easy and life happens to get in the way.  If I had the chance (the nearest BSN program was 100mi away), I would have done the BSN first and not had to go back to school like I did. I would have had it done sooner and been happier in the long run. BSN online is the way to go if you have to do it this way.

Good luck whatever you decide.

6 Votes
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