Associates Degree (AD) vs BSN

U.S.A. Texas

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Does anyone know what the advantages/disadvantages would be, if any, of having an associated degree instead of a BSN? I hear so many people getting associates degrees from places like El Centro and other schools, but I am wondering if there are any problems faced with later on that would not have occurred if a BSN had been acquired. For example, do those with BSN's get paid more, get better jobs, or have better job-security? When would someone opt for a BSN over an AD?

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Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.

There is a whole area of the forum that deals with this very issue, which has been discussed at length before. I can't even begin to list all the pro's/con's, but I will say that BSN's do not have better job security than a ADN or diploma nurse. For most staff nurse jobs in the hospitals, a RN is a RN, BSN or not. There are very, very few hospitals that are BSN only. :)

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ok thanks so much! I will have to search for the pre-existing thread!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
ok thanks so much! I will have to search for the pre-existing thread!

Actually, we've got an entire forum devoted to this issue.

It is entitled "https://allnurses.com/registered-nurses-diploma/" Click on the blue link below to get to this forum and browse the threads and posts.

https://allnurses.com/registered-nurses-diploma/

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Specializes in L&D, OB Triage.

I was told recently that a lot of hospitals that are trying to achieve magnet status will only hire BSNs....so, I suppose if you have your eye on a magnet hospital you might want to keep that in mind/investigate further to see if that's true.

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Specializes in L&D, OB Triage.

However, if I could go back and do it all over again, I would get my ADN, and then go to work at a hospital so they could pay for my BSN....

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Specializes in Cardiac.

Just as someone else stated- this issue has been discussed at length and if you do a search you'll find many answers to your questions.

However, I chose to go the BSN route because I don't plan on being a staff nurse for very long and will soon pursue a MSN/MPH. Staff nursing in the hospital setting is more like a means to an end for me. The good news is that if you plan on working in the hospital, an RN is an RN (except for management positions).

My passsion is in Public Health where (in Ohio) a BSN is required for many positions.

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I was told recently that a lot of hospitals that are trying to achieve magnet status will only hire BSNs....so, I suppose if you have your eye on a magnet hospital you might want to keep that in mind/investigate further to see if that's true.

I recently graduated from an ADN program and was offered employment at Texas Children's, which is a Magnet Hospital.

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Specializes in Cardiac.
I recently graduated from an ADN program and was offered employment at Texas Children's, which is a Magnet Hospital.

I think alot of Magnet hospitals strive to employ a certain percentage of BSN nurses (at my Hospital they do) .

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Specializes in OR, Peds: ED, float pool; ED, PACU.

I worked at Texas Children's a few months after graduating with my ADN. It wasn't an issue.

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What does a BSN study for 2 years that an ADN doesn't study.

How much duty time does a ADN have, versus a BSN?

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Specializes in SICU, NTICU.

BSN educationally speaking, is more advanced in quantitive thinking (research), management and a Public Health certificate (CA). Bedside, we receive the same training and exposure. I have not experienced any "hierarchy" as far as ADN vs BSN. We are given patients according to our skills and abilities. Quite frankly, it is mainly discussed on a new grad level. JMO and experience. :) That being said, I completely support the BSN. I will be obtaining mine.

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