Adn's Who Don't Care

HARRN2b · Sep 30, 2006

Actually there is a girl that was in one of my science classes (I am in prereq's) over the summer. She emphatically stated that she had no desire to get a BSN. Said she had no use for statistics, more psych and the additional work. Said she never plans to be a NP or CRNA so what was the point? She is actually a really smart person and got an A in the class. She impressed me with her knowledge.

Trauma Columnist · Sep 30, 2006

IMHO furthering your education is an individual decision. There are many circumstances that can preclude folks from going further. There is nothing wrong with that. We nee all levels of nurses. Good luck and take care.

casualjim · Sep 30, 2006

I'm a student working on my ASN. I have no real desire to get a BSN. This is a second career for me. I've been the boss, checked that box. I'm over it. Right now I'm looking forward to a few shifts a week in an ER and the rest on the beach.

aloha

Jim

TopherSRN · Sep 30, 2006

You don't get a BSN to make more money at the bedside. You get a BSN to make more money through graduate school or administrative roles. Of cource what I'm about to say differs from person to person but there really is 0 difference between an ADN and a BSN at the bedside. I know my Art Appreciation elective and American Lit courses don't help me often. Neither do my Leadership and Research classes from nursing school.

If you don't want to go back, then don't. The only pressure you're feeling is from yourself and that most likely stems from an insecurity about your ADN.

I've worked with fantastic nurses with both degrees, and I've worked with horrible nurses with both degrees. It only matters when you go apply to a graduate school, not at the bedside as they perform the same roles.

mamason · Sep 30, 2006

I'm a RN who graduated from one of the few diploma schools left in the country. Chose it because it offered more clinical hours compared to the other programs around where I live. At this point, I really don't have the desire to get my BSN. The RN's around here pretty much make the same. Doesn't matter if you hold a Diploma, BSN, or ADN. The only time a BSN is needed is if you wish to persue something outside of being a staff nurse. And management just isn't for me. I guess it just depends on the individual's preferences and what they want to accomplish in their careers. :nurse:

DoubleblessedRN, ADN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-P · Sep 30, 2006

I too am in my second semester for my ADN. I would only consider going for a BSN if I wanted to become a CRNA. I don't want to be a manager or midwife. (But never say never) At most of the hospitals around here, there is no differnce in pay between an RN with an ADN and a BSN. Sure, there are more opportunities, but the way I look at it is that you can get a job with only two years of nursing school, gain experience and earn money. Then if you decide to pursue a BSN or higher your employer may pay for all or some of it. Some people have looked down their nose at me when I tell them I'm in an ADN program and not a BSN, but I really don't care. I know several nurses with BSNs who have actually regretted it-they said it isn't worth it if you only want to work as a staff nurse.

UM Review RN, ASN, RN · Sep 30, 2006

I feel the same way. Unless I want to go into management, I don't really feel the need to get more schooling.

Eventually I'll go back and get my BSN, but unless and until I'm going to put it to use, I don't see the point.

RN1263 · Sep 30, 2006

i have about 7 mos. to go for my adn & i'm so burnt out on studying (it's taken 2 1/2 yrs to get this far) that IF i ever went back to school it won't be for a LONG time (i'm already 36) and i would have to have a definate career plan that required the bsn. i don't think i'm management material? & i'm over "oh maybe i'll be a N.P.", hahaha.....i'll be happy to just get through this program at the moment!

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Sep 30, 2006

FWIW, my career is living proof that you don't have to have a BSN to be in management. I've been a charge nurse, resident care manager, ADON, and now DON, all without benefit of the "extra" years of schooling. I plan to stay with my current job for as long as they'll have me, so there's no compelling reason to go to the expense of obtaining a BSN; but if I were ever to go back for more education, I'd go straight for a master's so I could teach nursing. :nurse:

unapt576 · Sep 30, 2006

I have absolutely no desire to return to school for my BSN. :nono:

I work prn 2 evenings a week on a stepdown unit and I'm totally happy with my schedule.

Now I would love to go back and take some "fun" courses. Art history and music appreciation have been calling my name lately. NOT nursing.

snowfreeze, BSN, RN · Sep 30, 2006

I have had my ADN for almost 15 years now and it has not held me back so far. I have held a supervisor position, was on a specialty transport team, worked trauma, neuro, ICU, CCU, med/surg, telemetry, worked casual with an air ambulance company, was a CPR instructor trainer and an ACLS instructor, traveled as a nurse, got some wonderful experience in geriatrics and community mental health and have gotten every position so far that I wanted. Where I am working now to get to the higher paychecks on the career ladder I would have to further my education but I can reach a clin3 with an associate degree. I think I would enjoy being a nursing instructor so eventually I will go back to school for my masters. I love bedside nursing, working with the new nurses as they become comfortable being a nurse, teaching patients and their families, and having a life outside of my career. I have only approached areas I have a passion for as far as committees go and when I become bored with a job I just move on to something new and exciting. With my experience in nursing at this point, 6 weeks orientation is just like taking a class on a new subject. I already have the basic nursing skills so I learn a new subject and a new work arena and off I go, happy as can be.

Nope it was not all peaches and cream, I have been 'chewed on' by the best that eat their young and old, gone head to head with evil attitude docs, cried myself to sleep many nights, and was grudgingly accepted by a few units staffed with attack nurses. Started at a few positions and decided that the unit attitude would never fit me and left prior to my 90 days or transferred to another unit.