Let me start by saying this is a vent post so if you are not interested in an opinion based post please skip over.
I am currently about to graduate from an ADN program in December. I have worked super hard to get into my program, worked hard throughout my program learning all the same stuff as BSN nursing programs, and just recently took the same Hurst review for the same NCLEX program as BSN students. With that being said, I see so much "title throwing" on this site. By that I mean there are so many posts almost belittling ADN nurses and they are a bit discouraging.
Don't get me wrong I 100% understand it will be more difficult to find a job however here in the DFW where I am at, 2 major hospital groups have partnerships with ADN programs meaning they are still hiring ADN nurses. If anything, and again I mean no disrespect but I hear better things from floor nurses during clinical rotations about our program than some of the major BSN programs in our area.
I guess my frustration comes into play when it seems as though at the point I am in now in terms of getting close to application time there is no support for others. Rather if you read this site and you are an ADN nurse you may feel as though you wasted your time getting a degree. I definetely need a job ASAP but I am not going to belittle those who I feel over paid for their education at which once the "new nurse" title is gone it really doesn't matter where you went to school so long as you have a valid RN license.
Hmm, just feeling a bit discouraged I guess. At any rate, just thought I would share my silly rant. :) Hope everyone is having a great day!
I don't think people are being condescending - in fact, quite the opposite. What I have heard is only that if you think you need a BSN to get or keep a job, get it. And if you don't think you need a BSN to get or keep a job, you may be sorely disappointed. No judgement. Just a fact of employment.
BSN offers no other advantage besides advancing the clout of the profession, pursuing an out of hospital job with a bachelors required or advancing towards a graduate degree. I have found BSNs to be more well rounded in general knowledge (philosophy, religion, literature, history, politics etc) when coming from a university setting where they were exposed to a more expansive knowledge base with generally more gen eds.
ADN being more adept at clinicals is a laughable notion. Both BSN/ADN new grads know nothing.
For those that believe a BSN should make more money than an ADN, how do you feel about those of us with bachelor's in other fields? For example, my first degree is a BS in Bioengineering with an emphasis on Hospital Engineering? I understand how an EKG works and a blood pressure cuff (and why I don't always believe manual is better but I will do it if a doctor's requests). I understand the benefits and limitations of the various scans. One of my classmates has two master's degrees in finance and mathematics along with years working in an international segment of the automotive business. He can walk into a department and point out the financial problems in a glance, is very good at business management, and is multi-lingual (to date I know he has conversed with patients in Spanish, German, French, Arabic, Hebrew, and Tagalong (Philipines) and a co-worker in Chinese). We are both RNs w/ ADNs. He is in his 50s and says he is through with school since all his money is going to send his daughter through school and he is simply tired. He would like to eventually get back in the business side of nursing after getting a few years experience on the floor. More power to him because I'd like to see stronger management so I can work more efficiently on the floor. (I will probably complete my BSN because that is how the game is played.)
As for financial...well, my ADN (even w/ the prereq) cost about $5-6000 total and my one year to complete my BSN online will cost about $12,000...it was definitely cheaper than going to even a state school for a BSN. Living expenses were not included because I have to house and feed two children as well as myself...but would have to do that with or without school. At least this way, I am making a good salary so I can save up for that BSN while getting experience to work toward my certifications.
I don't think it should be such a battle. We are all RNs. We have the same responsibilities on the floor and are expected to have the same level of knowledge toward patient care once employed. The salary should be based on the job and the ability to perform the required skills and not the education level...(I mean does taking statistics or an extra American history really make you a better nurse?). I have no problem with employers putting a minimum education level on a job at the hiring level...but don't pay two equally qualified nurses who are doing the same job different salaries based on their degree level....certifications and experience, yes...how many years they sat in school before becoming licensed nurses no. The job should be deciding the pay rate, not the degree.
Should I make more as an ADN nurse because I have a degree in music? Noooo. Again, this debate isn't about your nursing skill set; it's about employment opportunities. In most cities, you couldn't work in public health because you need the degree. Law enforcement also has a force that accommodates many degrees. Should the 2 year degree officer make the same as another police who has a 4 year degree which is a requirement for his position? Should the cop on the beat with a 2 year degree make more because he has a 4 year degree in engineering? Totally different bodies of knowledge. One has no application to the other. Different people want different levels of education, but you can't complain that you want more with less education in your chosen field.
ADN vs BSN is like two cars, a Honda and a BMW, both good cars, both will take you where you want to go but only one will be purchased by someone looking for luxury.
[yikes. Dumbest analogy ever. Bsn nurses provide luxury care? I'm at a loss...
QUOTE=AlphaM;8545024]ADN vs BSN is like two cars, a Honda and a BMW, both good cars, both will take you where you want to go but only one will be purchased by someone looking for luxury.
First I was just a CNA, now I'm just a nursing student. Soon I'll be Just a(n) LPN. Meh, if other people need to validate themselves by insinuating I'm not educated enough, that's on them. I'm still probably smarter. ;-)
[yikes. Dumbest analogy ever. Bsn nurses provide luxury care? I'm at a loss...
QUOTE=AlphaM;8545024]ADN vs BSN is like two cars, a Honda and a BMW, both good cars, both will take you where you want to go but only one will be purchased by someone looking for luxury.
No need to get defensive, I clearly said both cars are good but like an employer looking for more education for some nursing positions, someone looking for luxury will choose BMW. Jeez, some people just love to play the victim...
First I was just a CNA, now I'm just a nursing student. Soon I'll be Just a(n) LPN. Meh, if other people need to validate themselves by insinuating I'm not educated enough, that's on them. I'm still probably smarter. ;-)
It has nothing to do with us needing to "validate" ourselves. It's just simple: if I have a higher level degree than you, then yes, I feel as if I am more educated in THAT FIELD. Not that I'm smarter than you necessarily, just more educated in that regard.
subee, MSN, CRNA
1 Article; 6,118 Posts
I don't think people are being condescending - in fact, quite the opposite. What I have heard is only that if you think you need a BSN to get or keep a job, get it. And if you don't think you need a BSN to get or keep a job, you may be sorely disappointed. No judgement. Just a fact of employment.