Any advice on which route to take???

JoeyDog · Jul 14, 2006

Some hospitals do offer more money for BSN nurses but it is usually 25-50 cents more per hour. Others do not pay BSN's anything extra just depends on the facility. There have been many threads about the ADN vs BSN debate you can do a search and read through them.

My two cents...ADN's take the same NCLEX as BSN's do. If you are positive you want a masters and have already almost finished BSN prereqs I say just go for your BSN and be done with it. Conversely if you want to start working asap and still have awhile until you finish your BSN prereqs then try for you ADN.

Here is an anecdotal story. I know I want my masters, I knew as soon as I decided to be a nurse, I was thinking NP or CRNA. Anyway I am applying to ADN programs b/c my husband and I have inccured a fair ammt of debt (we are both students he graduates ADN this august) and we both want to start working asap to start paying off bills and loans. The other reason I am applying to only ADN programs is that I cannot afford to pay university priced tuition, and there are no universities near my home. Anyway I can get my BSN in one year full time after I graduate, and b/c I very badly want my masters I know I will go back to school.

I spoke with an NP who as she said "took the long way around" she got her ADN bridged to her BSN and then went back to school to become an NP. It just depends on the person. The nice thing about the way she did it is (I think) is that you decrease your chances of burn out if you can take breaks in between school. Also getting experience before getting your BSN is not really that important a new nurse is a new nurse is a new nurse it doesn't matter if you are an ADN or a BSN. Good luck and I hope I helped you out! You will make the right choice for yourself and your family!:)

arciedee · Jul 14, 2006

As the previous poster stated, there is little if any difference in entry-level pay for ADN vs. BSN, so that shouldn't be an issue. But I would definitely look to see how long the RN-to-BSN programs you would be considering take. If, as with the previous poster, it is only one year then that would work out well, but I know of other programs that take longer than that (especially if you're planning to only go part-time). So if it ends up that it's going to take you two or three years to complete the bridge program, it may be to your advantage to go straight for the BSN.

Of course you have to evaluate the pros and cons of each path for yourself. Only you know your situation and what will work best for you and your family.

Good luck!

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Jul 14, 2006

I am going the ADN route and (if I choose) the RN-BSN bridge. I will work part-time and go to school part-time for my ADN (I have completed all of my non-nursing classes by the time I will be accepted) and work full-time and go to school part-time for the BSN.

Yes it will take me longer but unlike people who choose to take out loans, I will pay cash for every class or have an employer pay most if not all of my BSN education and not have to think twice about any debt incurred for either the ADN or BSN degree.

To those who think a job in nursing pays so much that you do not need to worry about the debt you incur, think again. It will take a huge chunk out of your pay check a month if you end up in too much debt. I already have experienced this with prior degrees. Good luck to all!

Proud_Mama5 · Jul 14, 2006

Thank you so much for your responses. I went over it with my husband last night, and we decided that I should go the ADN route, and then go back when finances are not as much of an issue. Of course with five children I don't know when finances will NOT be an issue! :chuckle

I went to salary.com and researched the different salaries for each field...and was verah happy. I'm considering being a school nurse...perfect as far as holidays off, and summers spent with my babies. Less money, but I would never have to pay a daycare or babysitter. The only issue with that is I really want to work with new moms. Labor and Delivery or the NICU has always been my dream. :confused: :mad: I have many things to consider... Thanks again for your help...

Daye · Jul 14, 2006

a little background about me...
i have 39 credit hours of pre-req's for the bsn program at utmb...but i'm questioning whether or not it would be simpler for me to go for my adn first at the local community college. my ultimate goal is to go back for my masters and work as a nurse midwife, so ultimately i have to have my bsn, but i can go back eventually, correct? i want to start working soon to contribute financially, and my youngest little one will be starting kdg, so it will be perfect as far as timing.
i guess my main questions are...is there a salary difference between the two? would it be best for me to have some experience before starting the bsn program? i don't mind going back to school every few years...i'm just excited to start working.:yelclap:

once you have your adn and go to work you have a very good chance that your employer will cover all or part of your cost for higher education the va hosp. pays everything in my area, since it is government i would think it is everywhere, the only thing is that you have to commit 2 years of employment in exchange. pretty fair trade imho. like you i want to work with the babies so the va isn't my first choice for a medical area, ok bite off a couple years for the further education and then soar in the area of choice, :twocents:

I'm History · Jul 14, 2006

I am in a similar situation. I have a degree in education. I have been home with my children for the past 6 years. I have chosen to go into nursing. While I know there are graduate entry programs- the commute is too much with young children at home. That leaves me with an ADN or a BSN, as these options are closer to my home.

I have gone as far to contact nurse recruiters at hospitals in my area. My concern is not the money differential, but increasing my chances at being hired. Two recruiters said they see changes on the horizon between ADNs & RNs. The third, however, noted that an RN is an RN-they did not see the difference. So now I am confused.

I wish you the best of luck. I hope that you are as excited as I am.