ADN vs BDN

Tweety, BSN, RN · Nov 15, 2005

The job opportunities for ADN RN's is wide open and has plenty of opportunities, so don't let that hold you back. Most places start BSNs and ADN RNs at nearly the same salary, so that won't be an issue for you with an ADN. Both ADN and BSN RNs take the same NCLEX and have the same entry-level job opportunities.

Later on down the line with experience if you want to advance to areas such as teaching, management, research, pharmacology, etc. a BSN is going to do you some good if you decide to get away from bedside nursing.

There are also many RN to BSN programs where ADN RN's can bridge to get a BSN. I'm in such a program now and am getting some tuition reimbursement from my employer.

I always advice if possible to get the BSN out of the way. If that isn't possible, as it wasn't for me, the ADN will get you far.

Good luck!

Tweety, BSN, RN · Nov 15, 2005

double post. sorry.

Corvette Guy · Nov 16, 2005

I am in my first semester of college and just switched to nursing from athletic training. I am confident I made the right decision. The college I am at right now has a four year program but I am considering relocating to a different private school that only has an associates degree program (which makes it much more expensive). I don't know if this would be a wise choice because I am sure I would get paid less and it might be harder to get a job without a bachelor's degree. What do you think?
Another option would be to get my associates and take my boards so I could find a job somewhere. It would really be nice if the hospital would offer to help pay for some of my schooling.
Any advice would be helpful. Thanks.

If you think an MSN is down the road, then do the four year [bSN] program now. However, keep in mind ADN & BSN nurses right out of school usually start out on the same pay grade working as a floor nurse.

Rugbychick328 · Nov 16, 2005

So basically you are saying if I want to be anything more than a floor nurse I should go for the BSN instead. If that is that case than I think the BSN is for me. I want something that is going to give me many different oppurtunities and settings to work in..not just the traditional idea of nursing. But as I said before, I think the school that offers the Associates would give me better hands-on experience than the bigger school I am at right now. Plus it would nice to get into the workforce a little sooner so I can start paying back loans and the school that offers the associates is where I would eventually like to work.

Rugbychick328 · Nov 16, 2005

Sorry, I just found out that this is a common thread so I will just go search for it.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Nov 16, 2005

Sorry, I just found out that this is a common thread so I will just go search for it.

It is a common question, but don't apologize. It's a big decision. Good luck to you in all that you do. :)

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Nov 16, 2005

The job opportunities for ADN RN's is wide open and has plenty of opportunities, so don't let that hold you back. Most places start BSNs and ADN RNs at nearly the same salary, so that won't be an issue for you with an ADN. Both ADN and BSN RNs take the same NCLEX and have the same entry-level job opportunities.
Later on down the line with experience if you want to advance to areas such as teaching, management, research, pharmacology, etc. a BSN is going to do you some good if you decide to get away from bedside nursing.
There are also many RN to BSN programs where ADN RN's can bridge to get a BSN. I'm in such a program now and am getting some tuition reimbursement from my employer.
I always advice if possible to get the BSN out of the way. If that isn't possible, as it wasn't for me, the ADN will get you far.
Good luck!

Beautiful advice Tweety

Annie007RN, BSN, RN · Nov 16, 2005

I am enrolled to start a ADN program in the fall of 2006. I have a full time working husband and two teenagers. I am thinking I will get my ADN, get into the workforce ASAP because of upcoming college tuition, etc. If I do a bridge program later to get my BSN, is that somehow more work for me later? I assume that it wouldn't be, its just delayed.

Corvette Guy · Nov 17, 2005

I am enrolled to start a ADN program in the fall of 2006. I have a full time working husband and two teenagers. I am thinking I will get my ADN, get into the workforce ASAP because of upcoming college tuition, etc. If I do a bridge program later to get my BSN, is that somehow more work for me later? I assume that it wouldn't be, its just delayed.

Yes, it will be a little more work for you in regard to repeat courses. I did an RN-BSN program, and had to take Pharmacology, and Physical Assessment courses twice, once in ADN, and again in RN-BSN program.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Nov 17, 2005

Yes, it will be a little more work for you in regard to repeat courses. I did an RN-BSN program, and had to take Pharmacology, and Physical Assessment courses twice, once in ADN, and again in RN-BSN program.

A lot of ADN programs don't have separate courses for these areas. It's incorporated in the program. My RN to BSN program has separate courses in pharm. and pathopys. which I didn't have in my ADN, but some of which is going to be a review.

Annie007RN, BSN, RN · Nov 17, 2005

I think I am just going to stick with my plan to first get my RN. I suppose that a little review down the line on pharmocology etc, wouldn't be so bad anyway.

I am working now as a NA on a med/surg floor. its going great.... The RNs involve me in whatever they can, as they know my plan to continue getting my RN. I do worry about how I am going to do it, and not cause myfamily to suffer. I know its going to be tough, I just pray that the 2 years don't feel like living hell. My first year will be my son's senior year of high school and I already feel sad that I won't be "available" for him, and that I will miss this precious last year of him being home. And I have a teenage daughter that is in a constant pissy mood. (more guilt for not being around for her)