ADN.

whattodo4 · Aug 18, 2013

I would not feel ashamed, don't let the haters/negativity get to you. Whether it is BSN or ADN, getting into either program is quite a challenge. The days of ADN being guaranteed for admission because it is a community college are over.

The only concern would be the hiring trends as to whether X would still hire ADNs or if you do have a ADN would you be forced to go back for a BSN. In any case there are numerous colleges that have RN-BSN so its not really a big issue.

christina731 · Aug 18, 2013

I'm in the middle of an ADN program and I'm proud of it. Don't let the haters bring you down, especially not on this board. They don't know your area or what school you go to. I'm sure you did your research and found this program to be the best for YOU. Be proud of yourself. Getting into a nursing program is a huge accomplishment so CONGRATS!!

lifelearningrn, BSN, RN · Aug 18, 2013

You should be proud- ADN/BSN are both R.N. There are two reasons I chose to go the BSN route. Like you, I earned my AA degree, which was basically the first two years of the BSN program complete. So at that point, it was spend two years at an ADN program, or two years at a BSN program- since it wasn't going to extend my time in school, why not? Also, my goal since going back to school in '06 (part time, it's taken me a long time to get here) was to get a B.S. degree (I changed majors a couple of times too) it only made sense for me to go with the BSN. I did have a CC ADN picked as a back up. I'm now 41, and I feel like it's important for me, living in a large metro area with a huge medical center where almost all the hospitals require a BSN-- it really was the best option.

ScientistSalarian · Aug 18, 2013

I was accepted to both ADN and BSN programs and chose to attend the ADN because of the cost, class size, and NCLEX pass rate. I plan to go for an RN-BSN program immediately since in my state (CA) it's apparently pretty difficult to find quality employment with an ADN alone - that's one of the main reasons you'll see a lot of pro-BSN banter here on AN. My path is going to take some extra time but I chose what was right for me and feel no need to defend my decision to anyone else.

You shouldn't let strangers on an anonymous internet message board make you feel bad about your life choices; if you see negativity either speak up or click on, there's plenty of encouragement (maybe too much encouragement sometimes, heh) to be found elsewhere on the student boards. Carry on and keep your head up! :)

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · Aug 18, 2013

In my area, the ADN from our community college is very well respected. In fact, our nursing school has a better reputation than some of the bigger schools out there. I think it all depends on what area of the country you live and how your school's graduates are perceived in the work force.

Congratulations on going back to school and pursuing your dream! I think it's awesome. I'm 43 and I'm about to start nursing school this week. I'm thrilled to be starting our ADN program and I'm looking forward to what's to come. Best of luck to you

Nurse2b7337 · Aug 18, 2013

In my area, the ADN from our community college is very well respected. In fact, our nursing school has a better reputation than some of the bigger schools out there. I think it all depends on what area of the country you live and how your school's graduates are perceived in the work force.
Congratulations on going back to school and pursuing your dream! I think it's awesome. I'm 43 and I'm about to start nursing school this week. I'm thrilled to be starting our ADN program and I'm looking forward to what's to come. Best of luck to you

SopranoKris how was yr orientation??

Sent from my iPad using allnurses.com

cholleytcl · Aug 19, 2013

In my area, the ADN program is actually a better choice than the BSN. The ADN program here seems to have a much better pass rate on the NCLEX that the BSN program. I will have no choice but to get my BSN after completion of my ADN. You are doing what you need to do to become a nurse. Don't let anybody tell you anything different. Good luck!

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Aug 19, 2013

In my case, I have to go ADN because at the time that I was applying to nursing school, the BSN route was not available to me. At the time, the local university was not open to 2nd bachelor students. So I went the way that I had to. I also checked with that University and discovered that if I went as a postbaccalaureate student, after attaining my ADN, I could take a couple of courses and that would qualify me to get into a Masters Degree program. My thought process, at the time, is that I could then take a couple of other courses and get the BSN along the way.

Subsequently, I discovered that 2nd Bachelors students were allowed in the BSN program. That did not change anything for me because at the time that I accepted entry into the ADN program, I was not yet qualified for the BSN program. That University has a RN – BSN program for students coming from my junior college that will result in a BSN degree. The fact that I have a bachelors already would shorten the timeline a little bit, but really not that much.

One other interesting little tidbit about the RN – BSN program is that the prerequisites are slightly different from the traditional program. Once I graduate from my ADN program and pass the NCLEX, I will be qualified to enter the RN – BSN program at the University. The RN – BSN program only adds about one year to the total length of schooling. I fully intend to go that route because I do want to have that BSN for the additional employment options that the BSN would offer.

If you're in the goal is BSN, and it would not change your timeline that much, if I was in your shoes, I might consider doing ADN – BSN if you are able to go directly to a BSN program from the ADN program. Otherwise, go directly to the BSN program.

The one thing that I would be very concerned about would be if your ADN program is losing its accreditation with the State Board of Nursing. It sounds like your school is having issues with what is essentially a voluntary accreditation. To me, it does not sound like your ADN program is anywhere near losing its State Nursing Board accreditation.

My ADN program is not accredited by any national body. It is fully accredited by the state BRN. The college itself is accredited with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and the coursework taken at the college are transferable to other institutions. The University where I will probably get my BSN from does not have any problems with accepting transfer students from the college where I attended my ADN program. The University's BSN program is accredited nationally.

I would say that you should continue doing your research into your options and I hope that you come to a wise decision about which path you should take. I think a good guide as to whether or not you should go ADN – BSN or straight BSN will be whether or not the University will accept the coursework from both your ADN program and your college generally to satisfy their educational requirements for entry into their BSN program without having to repeat any lower division coursework.

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · Aug 19, 2013

SopranoKris how was yr orientation??
Sent from my iPad using allnurses.com

It's on Thursday :) Going to get my Nursing ID badge & lab kit today!

Nurse2b7337 · Aug 19, 2013

It's on Thursday :) Going to get my Nursing ID badge & lab kit today!

Yay oh what joy!! I can't believe the time is finally here. I remember talking about classes in the Pre-Nursing forums. Now, look at you orientation in Thursday. Mine is on Aug.29th. I'm getting all the sleep I can!! Lol!! Keep us posted!!

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com