Adn Or Bsn?

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I was just wondering, what is the difference between an ADN (RN)and a BSN (RN), besides the fact one is a 4 year and one is a 2 year program?

Specializes in AGNP.
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!

Wow I am glad to finally hear someone with this opinion. I am currently finishing up my BS in Human Biology and would like to get into a nursing program. Pretty much everyone tells me that I need to get a BSN but I guess I just don't see how having a BS plus ADN would make me any less qualified. I know that the Accelerated/Second Degree BSN programs are only 12-18 months in length but I wouldn't be able to get into one of those until May of 2005 and could start an ADN program this fall, so I wouldn't have to take any time off school if I just went into the ADN program.

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Wow I am glad to finally hear someone with this opinion. I am currently finishing up my BS in Human Biology and would like to get into a nursing program. Pretty much everyone tells me that I need to get a BSN but I guess I just don't see how having a BS plus ADN would make me any less qualified. I know that the Accelerated/Second Degree BSN programs are only 12-18 months in length but I wouldn't be able to get into one of those until May of 2005 and could start an ADN program this fall, so I wouldn't have to take any time off school if I just went into the ADN program.

Add me to the list. I had a BA and MA before going into nursing. There weren't any accelerated BSN programs when I started in the 1980s; I went for a diploma. I don't feel my education is inferior--actually I think my combination of liberal arts, business, and nursing is far better than that of a BSN--but the nursing hierarchy still doesn't accept me as a college graduate. I taught in an LPN program, but cannot teach in an RN program. The most recent example was this fall when I went for certification through ANCC, and I was not allowed to sit for any of the baccalaureate exams. Almost every so-called "bridge" MSN program I've found requires a minimum of four or five (often more) undergraduate classes before going on to the master's level courses. At five or six hundred dollars per credit, that's too rich for my blood.

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*bump*

I am coming down to crunch time when I have to decide and I am really torn. I know there's really no right answer, but I am totally stessed about making the "wrong" choice for me, my future, my finanical situation, and my family. Please help!!!

By the way, I have been doing some research about obtaining a L&D job as a new grad, and whether they prefer a BSN, but I can't find anything....

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My facility pays BSN grads $1/hr more, which is >$2,000 year for base pay. Only BSN's or higher are considered for management and, who knows, that may appeal to you some day. I say BSN. No point in closing doors.

BTW, I did the ADN-BSN route and I know I learned a lot in the BSN program. Just my $0.02.

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Are the BSN and ADN programs you're looking at comparable in cost and length?

If so, I'd say go for the BSN - why not? If you do the ADN first and then decide you need a BSN for whatever other reason(s), it'd probably end up taking you longer than it would have it you'd done it that way the first time. :)

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

crunch time?

fast answer:

go for the BSN if you have the time. It's worth it.

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

oh I am an L and D nurse with an ADN.....working on BSN.

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This is my first post:

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.

FYI, the AccBSN will cost me about $50,000, and I have a 100% scholarship to the ADN program I am currently in. I would graduate 2 months later in the AccBSN program.

I really appreciate your insights.

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Specializes in Women's health & post-partum.

"The School of Nursing offers students the opportunity to complete required coursework through an accelerated program of study, completing degree requirements in 6 terms of full-time study (or 15 months), rather than 8 terms of study. Students who have been admitted to the regular bachelors' degree program and are eligibile for the accelerated progression plan will be invited to apply prior to their first quarter of study. Eligibility criteria are: (1) admission to the regular BS program; (2) a record of exceptional academic performance; (3) a previous bachelors' degree in a field other than nursing; (4) statement of ability to fully engage in a rigorous and demanding program of study."

This is from the OHSU School of Nursing (Oregon) web site. There are probably other schools that have similar offerings. Tuition is about $2700 per quarter at OHSU SoN, I think.

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I have a B.S. in Psychology and am going for my ADN with the logic that if I want to pursue a BSN in the future, most any facility that I work at will reimburse me for the tuition. I don't want to fork out a lot of money for a second B.S. degree and then realize that the job isn't for me once I'm actually doing it. Plus, it will be much easier to hold down a full- to semi-full time job while going to school for the ADN rather than the BSN since most of the pre-reqs will already be satisfied and will lead to a light class load.

This is coming from someone who is not a nurse, so I'm not able to provide an opinion from that point of view, which is what you asked, so maybe you don't want my opinion, anyway! :p

Good luck with whatever you choose!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

If you want to put a price tag on the BSN, you're not going to notice the difference right away. You are going to come out of school, go into l&d and find they are making the same amount of money.

What are your goals. Are your goals to be a L&D nurse and nothing else? Then go for the ADN.

If you think later on down the line you're going to want to do something else, like teach, be a clinical nurse specialist in L&D, be a manager, work in public health, etc.

The financial value of the BSN isn't seen immediately and is hard to calculate.

Think about what your goals are. If you are unsure of your goals and are concerned about the cost of the BSN, remember there are plenty of ADN to BSN programs you can get into later. Will take more time, but might be cheaper for you if you have the ADN 100% paid for.

Good luck!

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50,000 for a BSN? I can't believe that, why so high? The price would stop me more than anything.

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