ADN or BSN?

doctordavism · Apr 22, 2021

I concur with the above-- I believe you will find an AD program to be at least as stressful, if not more. You will find that you are not employable in many institutions without a BSN. Most importantly, and if you are entering the profession with the goal of helping people, we have ample evidence which suggests that there is far less patient morbidity and mortality when nurses are BSN prepared. That's why the emphasis.

AdobeRN · Apr 22, 2021

I am not sure how the programs are in your area but where I live all the programs are so competitive - doesn't matter if its ADN or BSN. I'd apply to all and go with whoever admits you and if you end up with a choice pick the BSN program. In the long run having your BSN I think is more beneficial, may open more doors to different job opportunities.

SmilingBluEyes · Apr 22, 2021

On 4/17/2021 at 1:21 PM, Unsuregirl101 said:

I'm just having really bad anxiety about it all. I have decided I will go with the BSN option and redirect my energy to more positive and encouraging thoughts. Thank you so much for your input!

Sounds like you have made your decision. Good luck and best wishes through school.

Hannahbanana, BSN, MSN · Apr 24, 2021

Little-known fact: the reason NCLEX questions are what they are is because NCLEX is designed to weed out people who would lack the knowledge and judgment to be safe beginners. How do they know that? By looking at errors made by new grads in their first year out of school.

What does this have to do c this thread? It may be anecdotally true that some ADN new grads are more ready to hit the floors than some BSN new grads in terms of time management if (and only if) they have routinely had more patients in their clinical days. However, the research shows that by the end of the first year of practice the BSN grads pull ahead of the ADN grads in multiple measures, one being that they have fewer errors.

Expressed a different way, all minimally competent newly licensed new grads start out at the same level. They all acquire better time management and prioritizing ability in that first year but the BSN grads’ demonstrably stronger preparation in those other areas (including public health and leadership) translates into fewer errors of judgment and performance as time passes. This persists after the first-year playing field of time management and clinical exposure levels out.

Codeine · Apr 25, 2021

On 4/15/2021 at 4:30 PM, Unsuregirl101 said:

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?

I recommend doing the ADN program then do the RN to BSN after

Tommy5677 · Apr 26, 2021

When I did my ADN the Summer term was 8 semester hours in 8 weeks and it was 2 semesters of psych nursing. One admonishment of sorts to leave you with. Please get over the notion that ADN programs are less stressful. They are not. They are just as intense as the BSN. Nursing school is a gruel no matter what program you choose and if you go into the ADN knowing that you will be less disappointed. Prepare for 2, 3, or 4 years of hell. Also know that programs are designed fo weeding and only about 50% starting will ever finish.

42pines · Apr 28, 2021

A wise decision!

Normally I'd have said "go for the ADN," and let your employer pay for the next two years to get the BSN.

However, you wrote: "I get super anxious and have really bad test anxiety." Others have posted that the ADN is unlikely to be less stressful and I too am inclined to think it'll be more stressful. Many ADN programs will toss you out in the blink of an eye, whereas most BSN programs will simply let you re-take classes.

Be easy on yourself, it'll pay when NCLEX time arises.

Wang · May 27, 2021

Hello, I'm just curious if there's any BScN graduate (RN) in the states who has made a move to Ontario Canada and managed to work after the transition. How did they go about NCLEX in Ontario, Canada or is it the same as the one in the U.S. and how long did they wait for the nursing board to allow them to work after submitting all the required paperwork? Thanks.

JBMmom, MSN, NP · May 28, 2021

On 5/26/2021 at 8:00 PM, Wang said:

Hello, I'm just curious if there's any BScN graduate (RN) in the states who has made a move to Ontario Canada and managed to work after the transition.

Your post is at the end of a thread that was posted last month, unlikely you will get many responses. Recommend you start a new post with your question. Good luck.

mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN · May 28, 2021

I did an ADN program as I needed to be done FAST! I had lost my job as a teacher (I was too expensive w/a masters degree). Because I had a previous BS, I only had to do the nursing courses, so I was done in 18 months. I got LOTS of clinical hours (>600). Got a job right away, worked 2 years and then did my RN-BSN online in a calendar year. I find that it worked really well for me.

If you can get a BSN in 15 months, go for it! As far as the ADN, the hospitals are hiring anyone right now. Most healthcare places are bleeding nurses d/t Covid burn out ?

ADN programs are very stressful!!

Wang · May 28, 2021

Thank you. If I find BScN that will take me the 15months I will definitely go with that because I would prefer to sacrifice the time and be done with it once and for all for sure. I appreciate the info.