ASN OR BSN FIRST?

[pnmia10]

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:)

[IVqueen23]

I have just graduated from an associates degree program. Listen carefully, I would definately go for a BSN program. THis is something they dont tell you after you graduate but ALL NURSING PROGRAMS ARE DIFFERENT. Since i am an associates degree, none of my credits for nursing related courses transfer to other schools, except one online program, which i havent decided yet if i will persue it.

I would advise you to keep your options open as much as you can and aim for the stars! go for a BSN program, they are much slower paced (so ive heard). Thats just my opinion, that and most hospitals perfer BSN to ASD.

I wish you the best of luck in anything you persue!!

[MzEpperly]

I'm a recent PN grad, and I've kind of found myself in the same position. I think it all depends on your situation. In my case, I have a 2 year old who demands alot of attention. I couldn't go to school and earn CNA pay for 4 years and pay my bills while getting my BSN. I chose a year long LPN program because I thought I'd have a greater chance of not dropping out due to my family obligations. I'm leanig towards an LPN to RN bridge in the near future...which will require me to still attend most classes and clinicals. Once I get my RN, there are 2 college in my city that offer RN to BSN 100% through distance learning.

I've heard of LPN to RN programs online, but I live in Virginia and I've heard so much controversy about whether they are accredited and whether you can sit for your boards once you graduate...so I'm pretty skeptical about trying one of those programs...plus I like the hands on instruction...I definitely wouldn't want anyone practicing on me who learned IV skills in a book and not in person haha...

Best of luck!

[Jules A, MSN]

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!

This is just not true everywhere. My unit which is at a magnet hospital hired 4 new grads this year 2 ADNs and 2 BSN. Actually in my experience when it comes to hands on experience the nurses from our local community college have been more capable than the ones that have graduated from the well known university with their BSNs.

[pnmia10]

Great replys everyone thumbs up!

adn's/adn's who are having trouble looking for work .. not the first time i've heard of it can you guys tell me what states your in?