Associate vs. Baccalaureate degrees in Nursing

[SSUBSNSENIORS]

We are interested in discussing the differences between Registered Nurses with Associate degrees in nursing (ADN) and those with baccalaureate degrees in Nursing (BSN).

Some individuals believe that ADN prepared nurses have had more clinical experience throughout their schooling, leading to increased skills proficiency. On the other hand, many BSN programs tend to stress community health, research, leadership and management, as well as theory based practice.

What do you believe the differences are (education and workplace) between an ADN degree and a BSN degree? If you have your ADN, whould you consider returning to school to obtain your BSN? If so, why? What were the motivating factors in your choice of selecting an ADN or BSN program? We are looking forward to your input!

[Alnamvet]

I do appreciate the well rounded education I am receiving in the BSN program. It is part of the puzzle that was missing in my experience but I don't think I could not be a nurse without it.

I f you really have a BS as you say, as well as ADN, than nothing is missing. Those with a Bachelor's degree already have the "well rounded" education. Your ADN program gave you the "training" you were missing from your original Bachelors. You have what many universities are now calling a BSN (equiv). To think you are getting something additional from a BSN, AFTER you already have your Bachelors and ASN is ridiculous. If anything extra is needed, a course in community or public health is all that is lacking from most ADN programs, but to have to attend a drawn out rehash of what you already should have had is nothing more than pissin' your money away.

[ruffhouser]

I graduated at age 43 with a BSN. I had to deal with some back problems in the middle of my program that necessitated surgery. Fortunately, with the support of my surgeon and terrific nursing professors, I was able to finish up my degree before having said surgery. I am also the mom of 5 kids. Due to all of this, I regretably was unable to participate in any extern positions, etc. I past the NCLEX and had my surgery the next day.

I was accepted at the local university and the community college for nursing school. I chose the BSN program because I wanted more options. My ADN friends told me just to go for the BSN. I am glad that I did, because hospital nursing just didn't work for me. I really enjoy community health/psych, and it works for me. Even though I took extra classes in community health, research, etc., I felt shortchanged when it came to hands on clinical time. I felt that the ADNs were much better prepared right off the bat and I felt inadequate in comparison. After a while, the playing field evened out.

I guess what I am trying to say that ADN or BSN, what matters is what your future goals are and what would be the best route to get there. I have met wonderful nurses with ADNs, BSNs, or Diplomas. The beauty of nursing is that there is room for everyone. It just depends on you and what you want. I did what worked for me and I am happy that I did it this way. I hope the same for everyone. Take care and God bless.

[Soonstudent]

From what I've seen more and more people are choosing nursing as a second career, as I'm doing. One of the things that make that possible is the 2 year RN or LPN option. I might not have made the decision to pursue this career if I was required to attend a four year school. I will eventually get my BSN, but I really don't think it should be a requirement, although I do believe you should get better benefits with a BSN. This unless I'm wrong, I think is already happening, like better pay for instance. The problem with this issue is not nursing; it's with the people, as is the case in most careers. Blaming a person's incompetence on what education they do or do not have is just an easy answer for someone looking to prove their point. As long as I feel like you are a competent person I don't care what degree you do or do not have.

[Soonstudent]

I can't believe this is such an issue!@

[SmilingBluEyes]

This subject is SO old...and so discussed already.

also, please take note of the date of this thread. it was started 5 years ago.

[Soonstudent]

Ok, I feel like an idiot!

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

Please don't feel like that Soonastudent. Instead welcome to allnurses.com.

I'm going to lock this thread but it will be available to read. We have a great search engine on here that you can locate other old threads to study.