ADN vs BSN What do I do now?

SunnyAndrsn · Oct 9, 2009

I would not go 27K in debt for something that my spouse was opposed to...I see it as a respect for the spouse issue.

There are other ways to finish that BSN that yes, will likely take longer, but it will likely avoid the debt, and perhaps you'll be able to have employer assistance for the BSN. Just a thought.

I hope I can get some feedback from you guys about a small problem that I have. I am currently enrolled in the ADN program and I just started my clinical this past September. My only problem is that now I finally got accepted into an accelerated BSN program that starts in the Spring of '10. The BSN cost way, way more money than the ADN but I can hopefully get a student loan (which my husband is against). The BSN will take about the same amount of time as my ADN program (because of my transfer credits).
Is it worth just getting the BSN? I will be in serious debt if I pursue it (the tuition will be about $27K for the program) vs no debt with my ADN. But then again, it's a BSN. I will eventually need to get a BSN since I want to purse a Masters degree in Nursing but maybe I can work after the ADN program and save up for the BSN afterwards?

Tait, MSN, RN · Oct 9, 2009

Considering the pay is virtually the same and several years of bedside experience is preferred in most upward movements with a BSN (not required but appreciated) I would do the no cost ADN.

You can always go back, when you have a savings/tuition reimbursement and do the BSN.

However as always, talk it over with people who know your situation intimately for the best advice :)

Best of luck!

Tait

diane227, LPN, RN · Oct 9, 2009

At this time, if I were you, I would hold off. It is not worth the money and you can always go back and get your BSN at a later date. You may decide to get your BS in something else or you may decide to go for your MBA if you want to move up the managment tract. You do not necessarily need to get a BSN to accomplish your future goals.

KissDclown · Oct 9, 2009

I am a nursing student in an entry level masters program. I have a BA in liberal studies/human development and Am changing careers. I highly suggest you not waste time in an ADN program if you already know you want to go on to graduate school. That's just time and money wasted. You can get federal student loan and grants (you don't pay those back) as an undergrad. Plus interest rates never go higher than 8% and if there is a sign on bonus have them apply it to school loans instead. There are also programs out there where if you work for a lower income area for example they will help pay off your loans. In my clinicals almost all the LVNs are back in school for their BSN. If you have the opportunity now do it. Don't want to regret it later or regret your husband later for the extra work that can be avoided. I regret not doing a BSN and now am doing 18 units a semester to be an RN in a year.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Oct 9, 2009

Get more bang for your buck and stick with the ADN program, rather than start over and get in debt. You can do one of many RN to BSN programs online, and perhaps get your employer to provide tuition reimbursement, while you're working and getting experience.

Good luck!

LuvofNursing, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 9, 2009

us,

it sounds like you are answering your own question. you appear very nervous about the debt that you will accrue with a bsn. depending on what you want to do as a nurse, you can gain experience and save up money as you mentioned after your adn while you work, but the money to obtain a bsn will be paid sooner or later (if you truly are going to pursue a bsn).

you also have to think about the commitment to work while doing school, which can be difficult.

as many do, i will tell you my scenario and how it is working for me.... adn, now working, completing online bsn, which is very expensive! this worked for me, because i was more concerned about the convenience than the money. i am gaining experience while furthering my education, which is what i wanted.

another consideration is how the schools are. is the adn program working for you? is the bsn program good? do you feel able to handle an accelerated program?

good luck to you... i know these are hard decisions, but the biggest one is out of the way.... you are becoming a nurse!

SaraFL · Oct 9, 2009

I agree that you should (if I were you) get the ADN now, then do a RN-BSN program. That is a lot of money to be in debt, and in my opinion, you and your husband really need to be in agreement about such a big debt.

GOMER42 · Oct 9, 2009

You DON"T have to have a BSN to get a masters degree. There are ASN-MSN programs (for example Indiana University School of Nursing) that often require 2 years experience, but NO BSN.

RNperdiem, RN · Oct 9, 2009

Tuition reimbursement!

Let your employer pay for some of your BSN courses while you earn money and experience as a nurse.

us2uk4u · Oct 9, 2009

Thanks everyone for your post.

The reason why I am seriously considering the BSN is because in NY more and more hospitals are requiring BSNs. The two hospitals in my area will implement a BSN requirement in 2010. This could make finding for a job nearly impossible.

Inspired By Silence · Oct 9, 2009

This really depends on a lot of factors. Do you want to be a public health nurse or work for a school or college? These jobs require a BSN.

Would you like to promote yourself to a managerial position eventually or pursue graduate school some day? These also require a BSN.

But really, if your only goal is to be a bedside nurse, ADN might be the better route. Certainly cheaper.