Associates vs. Bachelors

[mamacashew]

Ok, I have read through quite a few threads on associate degrees in nursing vs. bachelors degrees in nursing. I'm hoping someone can tell me if I'm thinking the correct thing, that the main difference is those who want to go into management should get a BSN.

Is that a correct way of thinking? I know both lead to a RN, but other than that I'm not too sure. Does a BSN have more nursing classes?

[wezzie, RN]

The Mayo Clinic site states that anyone hired after September 2010 will be required to obtain a BSN within 6 years.

Seems to be heading that way for hospitals, most at least say "BSN preferred" for every listing I've seen around here. Many say BSN required.

Plus, in this environment as hard as it's been to find a job as a new grad with a BSN, I imagine it's that much harder for ADN new grads having to compete for the same jobs.

I think most of the difference lies in research, theory, leadership, ethics, and public health. All desirable to potential employers vs not having that as part of your education. A BSN, passing the NCLEX and 30$ automatically qualifies one for a Public Health Nurse License in my state, which opens up a ton of new opportunities for employment too. School nurse, county, state and federal public health departments, etc..

I looked at both programs when I returned to school. I had an AA degree and the pre req's I needed were virtually the same and after looking at everything, it would only take me 1 more semester to get a BSN vs an ADN. It was a no brainer for me..

I think as time goes on, it'll only get harder and harder for newly graduated ADN's to get hospital jobs. At least for the foreseeable future.

[Unknown member]

hello,

I am starting nursing school in a couple weeks and was also under the impression that a BSN = management positions. However, I work for a nursing company and have talked to several nurses about this. One of them, a male nurse who was in the army, was a supervisor and only had an ADN. Another male nurse, who happened to be our Clinical Director of the company (2nd to the owner), was also a supervisor at a hospital...he also only had his associates from a community college. I spoke with him directly about it and he's actually had several management positions during his career, he's only about mid 40's. Others in the company have their BSN and are under these 2 nurses. I've asked them their opinions and they tell me EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE. Of course, a BSN helps, but a nurse with 10 yrs exp. and an ADN compared to a nurse with 3 years exp. and a BSN, well I believe the ADN nurse would be hired. So, I plan on getting my BSN or MSN in the future just because it's a personal goal, but I really feel that experience makes all the difference. At the end of my first semester, I plan to work as a CNA to gain experience well before I become an RN. That's just my thoughts! :)

- Sam

[Donald11]

My mother has been a supervisor with just an ADN. She's not one now, but that is because she does not want the added responsibilities. In many places, office politics rather than education and experience dictates who gets a promotion.

I keep hearng talk about the BSN becoming the new entry level requirement for nurses, but my mother has never had trouble getting a job due to a lack of a BSN. Most of her co-workers only have an ADN as well.