Associates degree RN vs. BSN

[swtrn]

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.

[FutureNurse2005]

Havent read all the responses.

I'm in Canada, and it is now required (well in 2005) that all nurses must have the BScN.

I know it is a bit different in the USA, but we have to get the BScN.

[275Main]

Stang603:

I was in a similar postion as you. I say go for the AccBSN, since you are mentioning the possibility of AccBSN/MSN I think that if you want to advance then you should go the BSN route, getting a ADN first and then working towards a BSN will take you alot longer than just an AccBSN. While this route might be good for others, considering that you are in Boston it would not be the best choice since last year there were something like 400 or 500 applicants for 50 ADN slots at Bunker Hill Community college. I have also heard that many of the bigger boston hospitals do not like to hire new ADN graduates, they prefer ADNs with more experience. (I am not trying to offend anyone, this is just what I was told while working at the biggest hospital in Boston).

Simmons has a second degree program listed under the Dix Scholars program, it is not truley defined as an "accelerated" program since you jump into class with the traditional program but if you go fulltime it should take you 18months, Simmons does give you the opportunity to go part time which most second degree programs do not allow. UMass Boston also offers second degree students the opportuny to just take the nursing classes, but I heard that the program can take up to 2 years. Also if you are a Mass resident UMass Amherst has a 16 or 18 months AccBSN.

There are alot of AccMSN programs in Boston but they are all private and if you are worried about debt that probably is not the way to go, but for reference BC, Simmons, Northeastern, and Regis (I think that is the name, it is one of the Colleges of the Fenway) all have programs. If you are willing to go up to Portland ME, USM has an AccBSN and an AccMSN. With the AccMSN make sure that you know what you want to specialize in since a lot of programs will not let you switch specialites once you are in the program.

Just remeber that Acclerated programs offer little to no time to work at another job, they are fast paced and demanding. You are spending double the time of the taditional program in clinicals while taking the same or greater class load.

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

Originally posted by PSUNURS05

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

So maybe the poster should invest the time in learning to use the "search" option.......that is if they really desire to be an active member of the BB. It really doesn't require alot of effort and would yield a multitude of responses on the question immediately.

[SmilingBluEyes]

Originally posted by PSUNURS05

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.

more BSN program propaganda that is completely untrue...

sigh, please dont' believe everything you hear just cause your instructor "says so" ......they have a vested interest in so doing....they are self-promoting and very inaccurate in this assumption. don't fall for it. when you become an RN you will be challenged to see/hear the difference. trust me.

[KristinWW]

Originally posted by EastCoast

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.

EastCoast has a good point (you go, love the East Coast mentality!) - many young'uns are the ones with the how-fast-can-I-get-to-the-top job view. I believe it's not the ADN vs. BSN to determine whom makes the better nurse but the maturity level. To be a good nurse take a great amount of maturity and emotional stability. IMHO (:chair: ) there are few young twenty-somethings that have it. I certainly didn't when I received my first bachelors.

[PSUNURS05]

I have my issues with my BSN program trust me. I would like to graduate with some skills. Since I had a degree I did not really consider going for my ADN. I didn't talk to anyone about which program to do. I am just very down about seeming to not get enough clinical time. For example, it is the 7th week of the semester and I have been on the floor of my hospital ONCE. I have had 3 weeks of PACU, OR and ICU observation. (Yes, those were great experiences and I want to be an RN First Assist someday, but....) I (as well as my entire class) have to transfer to a major trauma #1 hospital next semester where med students will be and residents, and interns who will be farther up on the pole than I. I was also told today that many students graduate without starting IVs. Is this true?? I guess I will find out. I am not trying to climb the management ladder the fastest. I just want to be a good (excellent) competent nurse. I am just worried that I path I chose wasn't the right one.

PLEASE DON"t Think I am trashing ADN programs. I am certainly not. If anything I am mostly jealous, because they are probably the better trained. If I had it to do over, I probably would have gone the ADN-BSN route.

[Lorus]

PSUNURS05- I wouldnt worry so much about not having X amount of hours of clinical experience by the time you leave school. After graduation, seek out a hospital that will offer you the highest quality orientation. After a few months, you will be right where you need to be clinically.

Right out of school, BSN grads generally take a bit longer than ADN's to get up to speed clinically. This reflects the difference in the goals of each educational pathway. (neither being better- just different) ADN programs were designed in the 1950's to produce nurse technicians that were able to hit the ground running when they left school. ADN programs have evolved over the years, but they still have a clinical focus. These programs are able to contain more clinical hours because they are not subject to the degree requirements BSN programs have (languages, cultural studies, liberal arts classes, etc.) BSN programs simply have a different focus than ADN programs.

The point here is that no matter where you go to school, you will still learn more in those first 6-12 months of working as a nurse than you ever did in school. -Lorus

[New CCU RN]

I don't think the program makes the nurse. I think the person does. There are good BSN, good ADN, and good diploma nurses. There are also awful BSN, awful ADN and awful diploma nurses.

While each program may be slightly different, the end result is a REGISTERED NURSE. Each one will adequately prepare you to become a REGISTERED NURSE. And guess what, the boards are the same whether you have a diploma, ADN or BSN.

I do probably think that a while back there was a great big difference between the programs, but honestly, I think that they have meshed more together recently. The only difference being perhaps that BSN programs do have the managerial/research focus which often many people aren't interested in.

If you are considering doing any advanced practice roles or managerial positions, I would do an accelerated BSN program. It actually may be shorter than the ADN program since you already have a bachelor's degree. Otherwise, there really isn't a difference.

[Lorus]

I don't think the program makes the nurse. I think the person does.

YES!! :kiss

[jenrninmi, MSN, RN]

Originally posted by caroladybelle

So maybe the poster should invest the time in learning to use the "search" option.......that is if they really desire to be an active member of the BB. It really doesn't require alot of effort and would yield a multitude of responses on the question immediately.

Wow! Can you be more welcoming??

[iliel]

Originally posted by JENRN2BMICHIGAN

Wow! Can you be more welcoming??

Isecond that. It seems as of late, that everyone wants the newbies to know instantly that there's a search button. To be honest, I didn't know it was there until a few weeks after using this board. If the question has been beat to death, and you don't want to talk about it anymore, then simply don't answer. Giving negative answers that have nothing to do with the question is not helping in anyway.

Now then...As far as BSN vs ADN, you really have to look at the school. I've heard that the BSN here isn't as good as the ADN (and that was from BSN students) But everyone finds their fit that's unique to them. No matter where your trained, you should try to finish up with a BSN. Get all the education you can, it dosn't hurt your skills any.

Good luck!

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

Originally posted by JENRN2BMICHIGAN

Wow! Can you be more welcoming??

Well, some of us have posted answers to this question about every other week that we have been here.

It is also to inform the poster that there is a search facility, something that they may not have been aware of.

Some when they join the BB, take the time to find out what they are joining and how to use it to benefit themselves and others. They lurk a bit first and then post after they have spent time here. Others just jump right in.

If the OP REALLY wants a variety of opinions, they should use search option.

Many long timers have answered soooo many times, that they ignore it. Also, it is an issue that has deeply divided nurses, thus many do not want to jump into the fray again. If the OP sees the threads, they might understand why some avoid these threads.

I regret that informing someone is not "Welcoming" in your eyes.