Adn Or Bsn?

nightingale, RN · Aug 26, 2002

If you are looking at the program @ UNM; feel free to PM me. That is the program I completed.

It is good to see this thread going so positively. There are lots of wonderful thoughts and questions being discussed.

B.

Mkue · Aug 26, 2002

hi all, i'll probably have to stay in ohio and finish further education or do something online. i have two kids in jr. high and one in college that is only 1/2 hour away so it's pretty nice. there is a medical college of ohio that is not far from me, i don't know how tough it is to be into their rn to msn program. i don't want my sciences to expire so i have to do something within 5-6 years!

:nurse:

Swiftee · Aug 26, 2002

Well, I've actually decided to go ahead and go for my BSN since it would only take me one more year of school. I think it will be harder to go back to school in the long run. Kind of a "seize the day" type thing.

KarenAR · Aug 27, 2002

Originally posted by luvmydog
DOes anyone here have any experience with the "direct-entry" type programs for people with Bachelor's degrees in other disciplines?

Yes, I do!

I am in a "second bachelor's degree program" right now. I had a bachelor's in English and just started a BSN program at UNC-Chapel Hill. At UNC, if you already have a bachelor's you can get your BSN in either 24 months or 14 months, your choice. (You're technically a transfer student; they pull in credits from your first degree so you can go right into the nursing curriculum.) However, the 14-month class is a lot smaller in terms of the number of students so it's a little tougher to get into.

I'm in the 14-month and it is SO INTENSE. I am crazy to be on this bulletin board right now instead of studying... :uhoh3:

In my case I could have gotten an ADN at the local community college, but interestingly enough, they wanted more prerequisite work from me, so it was going to take longer just to GET IN, and then the program was going to be at least two years. So going for the BSN at UNC meant I could be finished and working as a nurse sooner.

Also, at Miami-Dade Community College (Miami, FL :cool: ), if you already have another degree, you can do a 1-year accelerated program for your ADN. (We were thinking of moving there for a while, which is why I know about that one!)

I'm sorry - I didn't notice where you are from and now can't see that information on the screen, but if you're interested in UNC's programs, check out http://nursing.unc.edu. If you're closer to Florida, I think that link is http://www.mdcc.edu.

newgrad2005 · Feb 12, 2004

In your opinion, how much more valuable is a BSN over an ADN (if at all)? I have the opportunity to complete my BSN in the same amount of time as my ADN, but it will cost substantially more. Will it pay off for me in the end? I am planning on working in Oregon or California in Labor and Delivery. By the way, I already have a bachelor's and master's degree in business.

Thank you in advance!!

Erin RN · Feb 12, 2004

Hi

Since it takes the same amt of time you could go for the BSN but if the money is truly a problem I would think if you have the Bachelors and Masters in Business and there comes a time when you apply for a management job, the business degrees would be even more desirable than a BSN. Most places I have worked "prefer" a BSN for the management positions but in real life many places hire who is best suited to "lead the team" , with your business degrees you would probably have a "leg up" whether you have the BSN or the ADN...:) Erin

newgrad2005 · Feb 12, 2004

Thank you, Erin! Keep the advice coming!!!

Tweety, BSN, RN · Feb 12, 2004

There's a lot on this board about this subject. Depends on what your goals in your career are going to be. If you're unsure what you want to be doing 25 years from now, getting the BSN probably is a good idea.

Just be prepared for the reality that when you graduate, as a BSN or an ADN at first you're going to be making nearly the same. This is a disappointment to many BSN trained nurses, that in the beginning at the bedside there isn't any difference in pay. But as new grad nurses, they both take the same NCLEX and have the same job description at the bedside.

I say go for the BSN if the opportunity presents itself. Good luck!

mitchsmom · Feb 13, 2004

I'm not even a nurse yet, but I say go for the BSN if possible. You never know, maybe later you'll decide you want an advanced (nursing) degree and then you would need it. Don't shut a door if you can leave it open.

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · Feb 13, 2004

NewGrad -- I'm seeing this differently than my fellow posters. (And BTW, we're in similar situations: I have a bachelor's in engineering and a master's in management.)

You already have a broad education (the main goal of the BSN).

I've chosen to go the ADN-RN route.

If down the road you desire to get into a technical area, then I suggest you consider an accelerated MSN. (In the unlikely event a position you desire requires a BSN, then choose what's best for you between the BSN or MSN options.)

Just can't see how another BS will make you (us) any more appealing.

Best of luck!

Alnamvet · Feb 13, 2004

NewGrad -- I'm seeing this differently than my fellow posters. (And BTW, we're in similar situations: I have a bachelor's in engineering and a master's in management.)
You already have a broad education (the main goal of the BSN).
I've chosen to go the ADN-RN route.
If down the road you desire to get into a technical area, then I suggest you consider an accelerated MSN. (In the unlikely event a position you desire requires a BSN, then choose what's best for you between the BSN or MSN options.)
Just can't see how another BS will make you (us) any more appealing.
Best of luck!

Well now...that makes a whopping three of us who see that any baccalaureate/masters is no less, and at the very least, an equivalent to the bsn...wow...I am so impressed. :rotfl:

AlixCoastRN · Feb 13, 2004

I, also, went the ADN route in my 40's because I already had a BA (in outdoor recreation no less!). It took me 5 years to do it because I also had to work pretty much full time. I would not change the way I did it.