ADN or BSN. Which is better??

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Nov 22, 2005

Do what works for you. If it's convenient for you to go there, i'd say do it.

And if you decide later that you want a BSN, with the ADN, you'll already be halfway there.

pricklypear · Nov 22, 2005

:yeahthat: Also, you can search the forum for more information and opinions. There are several threads on the subject, with lots of ideas. Either way you will graduate with the same basic nursing skills.

I decided to get my BSN to start with. Mostly because there were rumors flying at the time about eventually making BSN the entry level (this was in the 90s) and I didn't want to get stuck. But also because I know myself well enough to know that once I started working full time, I probably would NOT want to go back to school later. I didn't want that hanging over my head - "I should have..." It cost me a little more than CC would have, but the actual core nursing program only took me 1 semester more than my friend in the ADN program.

Ask yourself -

What can you afford?

How much time to you have? (some BSN programs have shorter wait lists)

Which school is convienient?

What are your aspirations in nursing? (most management positions require BSN)

Fun2, BSN, RN · Nov 23, 2005

I agree with the above posters.

An ADN degree is what I'm going to get at first, but I am working on my future RN-BSN bridge core classes at the same time.

Do what is best for you in terms of time and money.

Good luck! :)

Tweety, BSN, RN · Nov 23, 2005

Both degrees with get you an RN, taking the same NCLEX, making the same amount of money. So one is not "better" than the other.

I usually advise getting the BSN because it affords more job opportunities later on down the line with some nursing experience. Jobs in education, research, pharmacology, public health, managment are sometimes not available to the ADN degreed person. and you never know what you're going to be wanting to due 20 years from now. Plus the BSN can get you into grad school.

But for me, the ADN was quicker and the only option and I've done very well. I'm not in an RN to BSN program, so you can do that and get a BSN later if you choose to.

Good luck in whatever you do!

20RN06 · Dec 23, 2006

I decided to get my ADN first, mostly because I couldn't wait to be an RN. Less than 3 yrs later, I am working among the RNs who have either an ASN or BSN degree and the difference doesn't seem to matter much, exept the pay. At the end, I achieved the title as an RN and I am satisfied.

WinksRN · Jan 20, 2007

The difference in our profession versus other professions, is that your duties actually do change once you get a B.degree. and nursing duties dont, so NO we have a profession that requires total care and knowldge no matter what degree you obtain because hate to tell ya..OUR EXPERIENCE COMES THROUGH PRACTICE. a paralegal is not a lawyer although they do some of their work, but they are not and cannot be named the same. A Rn ASN cannot be named another title other than a nurse and neither can a RN BSN, they both are required to perform the same expected standard of care.WE work with PEOPLE's LIves not with machines or criminals. some BSN Nurses are seriously EGO trippers get over it or become a doctor if you want to be in a category all your own.

jov · Jan 21, 2007

I am looking to going into an ADN at a community college by next fall(2006). I am getting a little worried about my choice because it is coming up fast. So, is an ADN a good way to go to be an RN??

Getting a BSN does not take that much longer than an ADN once you add in pre-reqs.

If you are looking towards being an RN and stopping your career there for the next 30 years, by all means go for the ADN. If you want to think more long term, consider going directly for the BSN. Most RN to BSNs have told me they wish they had just done the whole thing the first time. BSNs have more advancement opportunities and furthermore, with a bachelor's degree in something you have more job opportunities period.

It is my opinion (and only my opinion) that ADNs will be phased out. There is simply too much pressure from society for higher education. Twenty years ago, when you and I were 16, going to college was an option. Now it is not. The ADN is becoming the equivalent of the high school diploma in terms of the job market. The BSN is becoming the entry level degree.

With 30 more years to work, I would get a BSN and then start working on a master's. Again, just my opinion.

lauralassie · Feb 4, 2007

First of all let me say thank you for your service to America. God bless you. Also , I feel it is what ever is best for you at this time. I wouldn't worry too much about what degree to get at this time. You could always get your ADN and let the hospital pay for your BSN. But then if you have military benifits for education, it may be best to go ahead and just get your BSN. Good luck in your decision.:welcome:

RNDave · Feb 4, 2007

Neither is 'better' except that a BSN may give you more upward mobility. I'm going for a 2nd degree BSN only because it was easier to get into than a CC ADN program. I guess because CC is less expensive there is more competition. I would say choose based on your ultimate goals. Most of the RN's I work with as a nurse tech have ADN's. Their ability and knowledge humbles me. Good luck!!

Dave

selena25 · Jun 29, 2007

Neither is better and neither knows more. It is the experience that is the difference. I am an ADN prepared nurse and have been an RN for three years. I am now in my last semester, actually my last month of an RN-BSN program. I have yet to find what the difference is other than some extra busy work. The only reason I have pursued my BSN is because I have to have it to get my masters to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. Do what works for you. If ADN's were to get knocked out of the system of entry level nursing, they would have done it a long time ago, I think. Besides it is never too late to go back later.

Perseus Mandate · Aug 7, 2007

I'm planning to get my ADN, then work as an RN while going for my BSN. Seems like a good plan, because I get to start gaining experience as an RN, making some nice money to support myself, and with only having to work three days a week, I can have two other days packed with classes to get my BSN done in a normal time frame, going to school full-time, and still have weekends off.