ADN Vs BSN as Entry Level

[Wendy906]

I would love to hear your perspective on this debate!

I teach in an associate degree (AD) nursing program and I agree that these programs serve a very specific segment of the population that might not otherwise have access the adult educational system. AD programs provide nursing graduates at a faster rate, which helps address the expected and worsening nursing shortage.

I also think that an AD provides an adequate entry level for nursing practice but should not be considered the final educational destination for nurses. I think that nurses should absolutely continue to further their education. The BSN-in-10 proposal is feasible and very reasonable. New information continues to change rapidly and therefore nurses should take steps to keep abreast with the fast knowledge production.

Would you agree?

Thanks,

Wendy

[klone, MSN, RN]

What nursing shortage?

[elkpark]

Sorry, you lost me at "the expected and worsening nursing shortage."

[Wendy906]

My apologies

[BeachsideRN, ASN]

I think it varies depending on your location. My area is still actively hiring ADNs

[Wendy906]

Thanks for your reply Keylimesqueez!

That is interesting. In my area, many of my ADN graduates are having a difficult time finding employment in the acute care setting. Most hospitals in this area have shifted their preferences towards BSN graduates.

Aside from the ability to find employment, which do you think should be the minimum entry level for nurses, ADN or BSN? Why?

Thanks,

Wendy

[AJJKRN]

My area is still very receptive to hiring ADN's (mainly because the local ADN school tends to turn out high quality new grads compared to the other schools new grads) but my hospital has however just recently started the stipulation of getting a BSN within five years after hire...aka Magnet status. At this point, no, I don't think that the BSN should be the minimum entry into practice but requiring a BSN to be obtained within so many years of graduation wouldn't be an unreasonable expectation. Until higher education tuition costs are more reasonable/comparable to the related degree's mean earnings, student debt will only grow and continue to potentially suffocate our economy/workforce. I also don't feel BSN only entry would be cost effective or fair for the many non-traditional or second career students or the the many brilliant young minds whose parents just can't afford to help pay for a four year degree, etc, etc.

[Wendy906]

Hello AJJKRN!

Thanks for your reply. I agree with your statements on the issue. I think that the BSN-in-10 proposition that was made years ago is fair and feasible. Even obtaining a BSN in 5 years after graduation from an ADN program is realistic.

A few years ago many of the hospitals in my area obtained Magnet status and stop hiring ADN graduates for the most part. Many of our graduates are limited to working in the sub-acute/long-term environment.

You make a very good point about the cost of tuition and the burden that demanding the BSN as the minimal entry level would pose on many students. Many ADN programs serve minority and non-traditional students who might not otherwise be able to access the adult educational systems.

I also think that an ADN education could be the start, but definitely not the end of nursing education.

Thanks,

Wendy