ASN OR BSN FIRST?

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Hi guys I'm having a hard tme deciding whether or not I should go straight into a bachelor degree granting program vs. associates. I am a new pn grad. Eventually want to earn a masters but I'm not sure which route to go. I was thinking it would be more economical to go straight into a bsn program vs. going to two different schools (1 for associates, 1 for bachelors) Any advice helps:)

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Specializes in Medical Surgical Orthopedic.

The answer is different for everyone. For me, ADN made more sense. I needed to start working and making money. If I had the tim,e and was comfortable financially without working, I probably would have gone the BSN route to start out with. Eventually, I will have a MSN too!

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I creeped up on my MSN also. :) Did ADN after LPN because it was so quick and offered me a huge pay increase and more opportunities. Considered doing ADN to MSN but wanted something to show for my hard work in the meantime so I got my BSN and am happy with the choices I made. Good luck with whatever path you pick!

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Well if I was you I would apply for both programs and see which one I got into and went from there. If you get accepted to both then you have to think about what's best for you whether it's financial or personal reasons.

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Look closely at the hiring climate in your area. Do ADNs have a hard time finding work? Is there a preference for BSN nurses? Does it not matter? In my area there was a definite benefit to doing the BSN, and for me it was a faster route anyway because I already had a BA.

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Look closely at the hiring climate in your area. Do ADNs have a hard time finding work? Is there a preference for BSN nurses? Does it not matter? In my area there was a definite benefit to doing the BSN, and for me it was a faster route anyway because I already had a BA.

This.

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One of the benefits from going to ADN and then a bridge RN-to-BSN program is that you can work and earn a lot more money during the two years where you've got your ADN but haven't yet earned your BSN. Also ADN programs probably cost less than 2 years at a four-year university.

Also every single RN-to-BSN program I've personally researched is 90% online and they stress that the programs are designed for working people. So the impression I'm left with is that the difference between an ADN and a BSN is mostly things like theory and nurse management. And in my opinion those things are kind of... bootless and superfluous.

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One of the benefits from going to ADN and then a bridge RN-to-BSN program is that you can work and earn a lot more money during the two years where you've got your ADN but haven't yet earned your BSN. Also ADN programs probably cost less than 2 years at a four-year university.

Also every single RN-to-BSN program I've personally researched is 90% online and they stress that the programs are designed for working people. So the impression I'm left with is that the difference between an ADN and a BSN is mostly things like theory and nurse management. And in my opinion those things are kind of... bootless and superfluous.

The local ADN program doesn't have a peds or maternity clinical. They cover the material but don't get a chance to practice in that environment. I imagine RN-BSN programs also vary in scope and quality, just as ADN and BSN programs do. Worth considering when making a decision.

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Hello. I agree with the writer who said "the answer is different for every one". Many moons ago when I decided I wanted to become an RN, two of the key factors for me were the cost of the program and preparation to earn professional money as soon as possible. So my first step was to earn my Associate In The Science Of Nursing at a local state university. During that time I lived with my parents and worked every weekend, first as a live-in weekend nanny for a well to do family, and later as a "student nurse/nurse assistant" at a hospital. Later I went back to school while working full time as an RN and earned my BSN and later MSN. Best wishes!

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I think it just depends on when you want to start working as a RN, how much you need the extra income. If income isn't to big of a deal, go straight to the BSN. If it is associate is great. The online BSN programs focus mainly on theory, writing papers, and management type activities. I can say that in the south (alabama, tennessee, georgia, and florida) that I don't know of any hospitals that prefer BSN over associates, unless you want a management position. Nurse managers typically need a master's for that anyway.

I know people who have arranged it so they got an associates and a BSN in the almost the same time it would have taken to just do the BSN. Would take planning on when to take classes, though that was several years ago and I don't know if requirements have changed much.

Good Luck.

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Specializes in Family Practice, Urgent Care, Cardiac Ca.

BSN first, if you can. It's often more cost effective to do a BSN than an ADN and later RN-BS bridge.

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BSN FIRST! Take it from a new grad...you won't get hired with an ASN. If you would like to be employed, by all means get your BSN and don't bother with a two year program. Read all the new nursing threads and you will see. ASN's are not in demand!

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