advantages of BSN vs. ADN

Fun2, BSN, RN · Dec 30, 2004

Wow...
I didn't realize that there was sooo much animosity here. My intent was to learn something from experienced people who are already in the field of nursing. This will be a second career for me, and I didn't want to rely on school counselors for information. Sorry for the obviously "upsetting" topic.
Just wonder why it is such a trigger??

There will always be something to rant over....lol Just do what is best for you. If you have the time and money, and plan on doing the BSN, then I'd go for it now.

I want to start working sooner, then go for my BSN. So, really, it's just a matter of preference or need. Some people are just upset that they spend so much more time, and money for a BSN, and get paid about the same as a ADN. I can understand this, but it's their own decision.

I plan on getting my ADN now, while it's offered, then go for the BSN soon after, before someone starts a big ruckess about ADN's and it turns obsolete. :chuckle

...Welcome to the boards, and remember it doesn't matter what anyone says, positive or negative, everyone has their own opinion. Just decide what's best for you! :)

katiebugg · Dec 30, 2004

please dont' feel bad, Katiebugg. Your questions are legitimate. And believe me, many people ask the same ones. BSN versus ADN versus Diploma, well, It's a hot topic, like I told you. But please don't be discouraged or leave the boards. I know there are many who would like to help you on your way to becoming a nurse, if that is your heart's desire. I wish you the best!
ps, did you check the threads I referred you to??? I hope that helped.

Yes, I did check them out, and thank you very much...they are helpful. I will not become discouraged and leave...I love this place. Everybody has an opinion... that should be respected. Thanks for all of your help!!!

nursemike, ASN, RN · Dec 30, 2004

Yes, I did check them out, and thank you very much...they are helpful. I will not become discouraged and leave...I love this place. Everybody has an opinion... that should be respected. Thanks for all of your help!!!

No offense intended. In fact, I love the lively debates, and I truly think they have helped me in school. I'm in an ADN program, now, but it also has a BSN program. It's actually a 2+2: even if you plan from the start to get the BSN, you have to get the ADN first. I'll most likely do that, but I plan to work a year or two, first. Next time I go to nursing school, I want to know what I need to learn.

manna, BSN, RN · Dec 30, 2004

If that's the way they teach BSN students, then I hope any time my family or myself is in the hospital I have an ADN for my nurse.

I think it would be wise for all of us to remember to not make any widespread judgments about any particular class of nurses based on a very small segment of that population. Works both ways. :)

actioncat · Dec 30, 2004

I think it would be wise for all of us to remember to not make any widespread judgments about any particular class of nurses based on a very small segment of that population. Works both ways. :)

Thanks.

Honestly, do you really believe that all (or most) BSN degree holders don't know what the antecubital area is or are unfamiliar with the term "edematous"?

tvccrn, ASN, RN · Dec 30, 2004

Straight out of the gate....Yes I do believe that.

After a few years on the floor, no.

I have not found my ADN to be a hinderence in my career. I have moved up from floor nursing to peds ICU nursing to cath lab nursing and now I am in nursing infomatics. In every case, I was judged on my abilities, not my degree. I know that there are times when the education can make a difference, but I haven't found it yet.

mickeymouse1205 · Dec 30, 2004

These replies are ridiculous, and you wonder why Dr's think they are Gods, they probably read posts like these. Ya know what I dont care what intials are after your name, be a student of your business, learn something new everyday while you are at work. That is where the REAL education comes from. Who here thinks they knew didly squat when they graduated from any nursing program? What is the first thing most preceptors told you, the first day on the job? "Forget what you learned in school, this is the real nursing world, were you have more than 1 or 2 patients" Stop degrading each other.

Cheryl

Q. · Dec 30, 2004

I
I'm going for my BSN now. Honestly, I could give a crap less about all the gay, useless courses I'll have to take to get my BSN (statistics, nursing "management" etc) They are a waste of time for actual practice.

Interesting. I actually find these courses essential for actual practice.

katiebugg · Dec 30, 2004

No offense intended. In fact, I love the lively debates, and I truly think they have helped me in school. I'm in an ADN program, now, but it also has a BSN program. It's actually a 2+2: even if you plan from the start to get the BSN, you have to get the ADN first. I'll most likely do that, but I plan to work a year or two, first. Next time I go to nursing school, I want to know what I need to learn.

No offense taken.

nursbee04 · Dec 30, 2004

Actually, the guy may have seen this:
Study: Nurses' Education Affects Death Rates
https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=87225

Wow, my unit has no BSNs, that must be why our patients are dropping like flies! :rolleyes:

That article is SO biased! There are so many things they did not factor into the study, and look at where the article was published - JAMA.

Did they look at average experience level of nurse, average age of patient, nurse to patient ratios, average acuity? How many of those nurses had ACLS? How many were new grads? What was the average size of unit/hospital? I'm sorry, but you CANNOT TEACH critical thinking. And yet everytime someone questions an ADN's education level, that article is inevitably used as a cornerstone of the BSN debate.

Katiebug, I hope you are able to find the best avenue for you, and I hope that when you become a nurse you will remember that all of your fellow nurses (LPN, ADN, BSN, Diploma) are all nurses regardless of what initials follow their name, and deserve your respect as a fellow nurse. I am sure that when you are a nurse you will realize the value that EVERY nurse holds. Education is invaluable, and I encourage you go as far as you can! Good luck :)

katiebugg · Dec 30, 2004

Wow, my unit has no BSNs, that must be why our patients are dropping like flies!
That article is SO biased! There are so many things they did not factor into the study, and look at where the article was published - JAMA.
Did they look at average experience level of nurse, average age of patient, nurse to patient ratios, average acuity? How many of those nurses had ACLS? How many were new grads? What was the average size of unit/hospital? I'm sorry, but you CANNOT TEACH critical thinking. And yet everytime someone questions an ADN's education level, that article is inevitably used as a cornerstone of the BSN debate.
Katiebug, I hope you are able to find the best avenue for you, and I hope that when you become a nurse you will remember that all of your fellow nurses (LPN, ADN, BSN, Diploma) are all nurses regardless of what initials follow their name, and deserve your respect as a fellow nurse. I am sure that when you are a nurse you will realize the value that EVERY nurse holds. Education is invaluable, and I encourage you go as far as you can! Good luck :)

Nursbee04, Thank you for the advice, graciously taken

vortex72 · Dec 31, 2004

Interesting. I actually find these courses essential for actual practice.

If you find them essential, then you are probably a nurse manager or an educator. For actual clinical nursing, they are useless. I have no intention on being in management or education. Hell, I'm making considerably more $ than most NP's or NM's with my piddly RN diploma. Like I said, the only reason I'm getting my BSN is so I can get my CRNA or ACNP