Are BSN nurses smarter than ADN nurses?

Nursing Students ADN/BSN

Published

  1. Is smart thinking a given talent?

    • 2
      yes
    • 11
      no
    • 2
      I don't know
    • 2
      I have to ask God
    • 1
      I have to ask my RN-BSN academic advisor

9 members have participated

The word has spread among nurses with BSN degrees that they are more educated and smarter than diploma or ADN nurses. Is that true? Is there any research to support that?

In my view, "smart thinking" is a talent that we get from God. No amount of education that can make us a "smart thinker" unless God has given us that talent since we were born.

So, what do you think?

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If you were to do a search of this site, you will see that this has been discussed and debated ad nauseum. Some people are smarter than other people, and no amount of class time changes that. The argument really isn't "are BSN nurses smarter than ADN nurses?" An entry level BSN grad doesn't have the experience and knowledge that an ADN with 20 years on the floor has, period. Critical thinking is grown, not taught. The BSN in my area opens up new grad positions in areas usually not attainable by a new grad ADN, but to say one is smarter than another is short-sighted.

And yes, I've read the studies about positive outcomes and the BSN. I'm simply stating that any new grad is a new grad, and both BSN and ADN new grads still don't know what they (I) don't know.

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More educated doesn't equate smarter.

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More educated doesn't equate smarter.

And more educated also doesn't equate to more critical thinking.

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*Sigh* Ts bn discussed on the board extensively, with both sides defending their worth while. Dig in and be ready to laugh.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

There are many members that feel your frustration and we understand how your are feeling, Many Many nurses are feeling this frustration right now. ((BIG HUGS))

However... at some point you must move forward. Get it out of your system tomorrow is another day.

It isn't the obstacles that are placed in our way that defines us...it's how we navigate around them is what makes us who we are.

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1. More education is always better.

2. Not everybody believes in a god.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

This is abut the ADN BSN debate lets stick to topic please.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Are BSN nurses smarter than ADN nurses?

If the median IQ for a particular population is 100, 50% of that population will score above average and 50% will score below average.

I'm sure some of the individuals in the 'below average' camp have managed to earn baccalaureate degrees. Some educated persons might not possess 'smarts,' and some undereducated persons possess plenty of other types of 'smarts.'

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Specializes in Nurse Scientist-Research.

Well, I used to be an ADN nurse, now I have a BSN. I'm pretty sure I'm just as smart but I might be more knowledgeable now.

But I'm pretty sure I'd be just as smart if I had dropped out of high school or stayed full time in academia.

Hi elpnla, you again?

Here's a thread for you to read and enjoy:

https://allnurses.com/registered-nurses-diploma/when-attending-traditional-908145.html

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Well, I used to be an ADN nurse, now I have a BSN. I'm pretty sure I'm just as smart but I might be more knowledgeable now.

But I'm pretty sure I'd be just as smart if I had dropped out of high school or stayed full time in academia.

Hi elpnla, you again?

Here's a thread for you to read and enjoy:

https://allnurses.com/registered-nurses-diploma/when-attending-traditional-908145.html

Good thread. :up:

My answer is in that thread.

Really don't want to rehash it again...:banghead:

It's positive.

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I would have to say "No." I have family and friends who are both ADNs and BSNs, and in my honest opinion, both are equally smart. The main "leverage" that BSN students receive during their education is being taught theory (I place that in quotation marks because I didn't care for those lectures in class). I'm completing a BSN program, and the main reason why I didn't go to an ADN program was because I wanted to receive my master's degree, and the programs that I'm interested in require a BSN.

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