ADN's being pushed out

a016202 · Aug 10, 2012

I feel, personally, we are better prepared. So far, the BSN classes are a lot of things that are nice to know, but not entirely necessary to make me a better nurse - experience and watching older nurses who are good examples will make me the nurse I'd like to someday be.

Explain to me how more education (4 years vs 2) does NOT make you a better nurse?? How, exactly is an ADN better prepared than a BSN? That is nonsense. And guess who else thinks so?? Magnet and most other hospitals, pharma and research companies, universities, etc. If you are fine with an ADN that's great, but don't try to belittle those whose took the incentive for a more well-rounded education. Or in my case, a MSN.

Guest456676 · Aug 10, 2012

also just like in Computers which people no longer accepting Associates much in the computer world, more BSN...I thought that it is mandatory by law to get a BSN in Nursing and you have a 10 yr window to do that...I was told this..after getting my feet wet in anything I could grab, I'm planning to go on University of Phoenix Online to get my BSN there

Guest456676 · Aug 10, 2012

Scratch that, its in the NY, NJ or/and surrounding areas

8jimi8ICURN · Aug 10, 2012

The Seton network (affiliated with ascension) is requiring all ADNs to sign an agreement to enter school for their BSN completion. Seton's goal is all BSN by 2018. Any RN hired without a BSN must be vetted by the DON during the interview. It is on the way in austin texas.

foreverLaur · Aug 10, 2012

Explain to me how more education (4 years vs 2) does NOT make you a better nurse?? How, exactly is an ADN better prepared than a BSN? That is nonsense. And guess who else thinks so?? Magnet and most other hospitals, pharma and research companies, universities, etc. If you are fine with an ADN that's great, but don't try to belittle those whose took the incentive for a more well-rounded education. Or in my case, a MSN.

Yes, all those history, linguistics, world music, and politics classes I took for my bachelors degree is going to make me a MUCH better nurse. Personally, I'm skipping the BSN because the MSN program in my area allows ADN + non-nursing bachelors to enter straight into the MSN just like a BSN grad would. And several ADN programs in my area have higher pass rates and more clinical hours than the BSN programs.

A lot of the ADN grads, at least recently, are adults with families or career changers who cannot go back and do a 4 year BSN program. It is time consuming and expensive. My ADN program was dirt cheap and I'll have the same job as the BSN grads do and I got my senior preceptorship over a lot of them.

a016202 · Aug 10, 2012

I completed my BSN with a 10 year old (I was single). I finished my MSN while pregnant with my last son and working full-time. If people really want the education, they will find a way.

Yes, all those classes DO make you a better nurse.... better communicator, a better writer, a critical thinker, etc.

You may have the same job but BSNs/MSNs will always make a better living and have more options in their futures.

foreverLaur · Aug 10, 2012

Yes, all those classes DO make you a better nurse.... better communicator, a better writer, a critical thinker, etc.
You may have the same job but BSNs/MSNs will always make a better living and have more options in their futures.

Hmm... how does changing the ADN to a BSN make for a better living? In my area, pay is the same. So please elaborate on the living differences? And I do a perfectly fine job at communicating, writing, and critical thinking. I do have a bachelors degree, was heavily involved in research and writing in undergraduate, and currently work in clinical research. I actually have BSN students working with me as part of their curriculum and I'm in charge of their assignments.

ajjones1322 · Aug 10, 2012

I have a 2 Bachelors, started a Masters, finished an MHA and I'm just now doing nursing pre-reqs. I want to be a nurse but I am paying for this. I don't want to be pushed out of the higher paying jobs at the hospital simply because I don't have a BSN when I have a higher level degree. It is happening but it is not fair. And they know the LTC facilities won't necessarily have the same benefits packages as the hospitals for nurses to get a BSN. So it is creating a pay/class system.

8jimi8ICURN · Aug 10, 2012

I completed my BSN with a 10 year old (I was single). I finished my MSN while pregnant with my last son and working full-time. If people really want the education, they will find a way.
Yes, all those classes DO make you a better nurse.... better communicator, a better writer, a critical thinker, etc.
You may have the same job but BSNs/MSNs will always make a better living and have more options in their futures.

I *have* a degree in Psychology. Think that doesn't help with communication or writing? When i go for my alternate entry MSN program, i'll be bypassing the BSN. is that going to make me less of a nurse because i didn't take nursing leadership and community nursing courses? Those are not fields i plan on working in.

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Anoetos, BSN, RN · Aug 10, 2012

Yes, all those history, linguistics, world music, and politics classes I took for my bachelors degree is going to make me a MUCH better nurse. Personally, I'm skipping the BSN because the MSN program in my area allows ADN + non-nursing bachelors to enter straight into the MSN just like a BSN grad would. And several ADN programs in my area have higher pass rates and more clinical hours than the BSN programs.
A lot of the ADN grads, at least recently, are adults with families or career changers who cannot go back and do a 4 year BSN program. It is time consuming and expensive. My ADN program was dirt cheap and I'll have the same job as the BSN grads do and I got my senior preceptorship over a lot of them.

I just finished my BSN and never took music, linguistics or history.

I did however take classes in leadership, law and ethics, community and public health (emphasis on prevention/promotion), and above all, evidence based nursing practice.

And yes, I am hopeful these classes have prepared me for a broader scope of practice than the excellent training my ADN brothers and sisters received in generalist, bedside nursing.

foreverLaur · Aug 10, 2012

I just finished my BSN and never took music, linguistics or history.
I did however take classes in leadership, law and ethics, community and public health (emphasis on prevention/promotion), and above all, evidence based nursing practice.
And yes, I am hopeful these classes have prepared me for a broader scope of practice than the excellent training my ADN brothers and sisters received in generalist, bedside nursing.

I'm not sure what kind of ADN program you graduated from, but we discussed ethics extensively, had an entire class on community health nursing (including a few clinicals in public health nursing), and always used evidence based practice nursing. Whoever said ADN nurses don't do a boatload of research and write a boatload of papers clearly didn't actually go to nursing school! My whole last semester is nursing leadership. Specialty electives were required and I took them in end of life nursing, trauma nursing, and critical care nursing.

DSkelton711 · Aug 10, 2012

Can only speak for myself: I am 52 years old. If I ever get to retire it would probably happen when I am 70 or older. I work 10 hour days 5 days per week, on call 24/7 (no pay). I do not work in a hospital, but an assisted living facility. I consider myself an RN with nearly 30 years experience. I cannot afford school and I have not the time. No one is going to hire me at my age anyways. I think BSN is great. But don't take away my experience. Don't belittle it. Don't consider me less of a nurse. My recommendation is to get your BSN first going in. Go to state schools so cost may be less. I am in management with many years experience. I see no reason for me to have to get my BSN. I should be grandfathered in. Plus, I took same test as BSN nurses.