Associates degree RN vs. BSN

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I graduated with a BS in Biology this past June and am working as a clinical research coordinator in the Boston area. I am actively looking into nursing as a new career and would like some advice as to what type of program would be best.

Is having a BSN more advantageous than a regular RN in the work place? What is the difference in terms of career paths? How about an accelerated entry level BSN/MSN. As I already have a B.S. degree, i am weighing the options : cost, time of getting a second degree as my BS is somewhat useless except for having fulfilled some of the nursing pre-reqs (though not all).

I have enjoyed reading these forums for advice on nursing and look forward to hearing from you all!

Thanks.

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Stang603-

There are similar threads going so if you do not get many responses- search around.

Here is my story- had a BS and Masters. Went back for an accelerated BSN- took me 11 months. I am now an RN, BSN. Can not answer about the benefits of BSN vs ADN (in the work place) because I am just starting work- however, you have all those credits- so it is like transfering- use them to your advantage. I never considered an ADN program because I had all those credits...

I see you are in Boston- I am Philly another city with PLENTY of teaching hospitals. I am sure there are accelerated programs out there.

Good Luck- keep us posted.

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My clinical instructor said that BSN s have the pathophysiology and pharmacology courses that AD students don't, BSN students also get the research and leadership courses that AD don't. She said AD students are very task oriented....BSN works on critical thinking skills...She also said everyone should have their BSN. An RN is an RN is an RN though....I feel the BSN has a wider knowledge basis.....I went back for a second degree...it would have taken just ask long for an AD as it is for BSN.

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Specializes in Community Health Nurse.

Oh brother!!! :rolleyes: Not again.

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Originally posted by PSUNURS05

I feel the BSN has a wider knowledge basis...

How do you come to this conclusin? And, what "wider knowledge basis" would you be refering to? Liberal arts, Nursing, management, etc.? Generally....ADs and BSNs have had the SAME clinical nursing courses. You learn the necessary information in school and that's all. Once you hit the hospital and start working, THAT'S where you really learn. IMHO....BSNs are not "Smarter" than ADs and vice versa. Why are we discussing this again? There are a TON of threads debating this topic. Do a search for them.

Brett

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Stang603 is new to the discussion group that is probably why we are discussing it......

I wasn't saying they are smarter....an rn is an rn is an rn....both equally competent....

Where i go to school...we have NURS 225 pathophysiology and NURS 205 Pharmogology......these are separate courses....in AD programs these aspects are combined into like the NURS 101, 102, NURS 201, 202....

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Originally posted by PSUNURS05

Stang603 is new to the discussion group that is probably why we are discussing it......

I wasn't saying they are smarter....an rn is an rn is an rn....both equally competent....

Where i go to school...we have NURS 225 pathophysiology and NURS 205 Pharmogology......these are separate courses....in AD programs these aspects are combined into like the NURS 101, 102, NURS 201, 202....

I gotcha now :roll Everything is understood! :) At my program we have pharmacology, but not Patho. In my RN-BSN program I will take patho (it's listed as a bio course) and I'll take 8 hours of pharm. I hope I didn't come off as being snotty in my earlier post :)

Brett:D

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we have pharmacology not pharmagology (not sure what that is...)....Good luck with your studies...Actually my concern with my program is that we will not graduate as skilled as the AD trained nurses. A woman who is an ED tech in my nursing classes said that best nurses are diploma, AD then the BSN.

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RE: BSN skill

I've heard this as well. I've also been told by MANY nurses that ADs and Diploma RNs have the best clinical experience. That's why I'm doing AD then doing RN-BSN. Makes more sense for me based on that...and that I will have 1-2 years of experience when I graduate with my BSN (Will be necessary for my future plans) Good luck with your studies as well!!

Brett

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Hello STang! Welcome to the board!:)

Two years ago, I was in the same position as you are now. I too had recieved a degree that was useless in finding a job(Human Development). My first love was Nursing so I decided to return to school.

I investigated all the schools in my area regarding BSN (for second degree students) as well as the ADN programs in my area. For me, as an adult with adult responsibilities, I decided that I needed flexibility. The ADN program that I choose affords me to take evening clinical, with class only two days a week for two hours. The second degree programs called for going to class almost every day all day (Fairfield University's program).

I would suggest that you look into the programs in your area.

Like PSUNURS said, an RN is an RN, the ultimate goal is obtaining a RN license. My point, I guess is, there are alot of options available out there---the key is choosing the one that fits.

Good luck in your future endeavors!

POKEY, SN :)

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Just to jump into the pig pile...i've come up in nursing the long way. I have said before that in most cases my ADN's that i hired and worked with were stronger clinically. Often the young (emphasis) BSN started and in just a short time wondered when she/he would be 'in charge'. I am not sure that this is the gig now but it was about 5-10 years ago. Frankly, i also remember when I had my ADN people would say 'Oh, I thought you had your bachelors'. I hope those days are gone. whatever you do wear your pin proudly. You will have worked hard either road you choose.

So in summary. Everyone sits for the same boards. If you plan on doing management it will probably be a requirment. However, I have a friend (outstanding ADN from a million years ago) who is second to the VP. She is outstanding both clinically and as a person and i think in the end that is how you should be judged.

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Hi

I agree with East Coat as far as room for advancement. I have an ADN and I have held several positions in management. I always thought that I would go back and get the BSN but it has never been an issue so why bother. I am currently in a position that the BSN was "preferred" for and I am moving up the ladder. I have had more than one position where I was the manager over BSNs. I know that with some it is status thing..I remember being a charge nurse and having BSN students one of whom informed me she was not going to empty a bedpan because she was a "BSN student"..I told her to get moving I didn't care if she was the queen of England. The very same student came to me later to ask if I could get more insulin for a pt because she planned to give him 30cc of insulin since he had an elevated blood sugar..she was asked to leave by the adminstrator. The ADN has been all that I have needed. I have pursued other certifications ie: legal nurse consultant and now I am going to go after my CCM and my CLCP. In my experience it isn't so much the degree as what you do with it, what experience you have had and who you network with along the way..not to mention the name you make for yourself with co workers and other healthcare staff..if you are a good nurse, intelligent and continue to educate yourself..the only limitations you have are those you put on yourself..I can think of an exception..some state jobs require a BSN however, I worked as a contractor for the state and not only was the job riddled with politics the pay was horrible so I don't think that is a huge loss :) In the end we are all on the same team and we just need to help each other..we all have our strengths and weaknesses.... Erin

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