Better clinicals with BSN program???

RNKel, ASN, RN · Nov 1, 2008

Just curious for those who did either BSN or ADN programs. Do you get more "exposure" with a BSN program? I keep hearing that I should go through a BSN program instead of a ADN program because I won't be trained as good going through community college. Is this true?:stone

I can tell you that where I live, that is absolutely NOT TRUE. Absolutely not.

RNKel, ASN, RN · Nov 1, 2008

Personally, I have chosen a Associates program due to the "time frame" and financial factors. I'm anxious to go out and begin working due to my single parent status.

DITTO!

RNKel, ASN, RN · Nov 1, 2008

When talking with nurses that I work with they have said that they have noticed that nurses who come from ASN programs come ready to "hit the ground running" where the BSN grads need more help with the clinial skills because they have spent more time on theory than in clinical.

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Yep, I've been told that same thing by nurses at 4 different hospitals in my area.

As for how many patients one can take care of, I've been getting 3-4 by myself. I just began my senior year of an ADN program. We had to know how to fully care for 2 patients by mid-freshman year.

RNKel, ASN, RN · Nov 1, 2008

When I compared the state's pass rates- out of all the top schools, the 2 year programs scored higher and near perfect (high 90s and 100s) as opposed to the BSN programs (low 80s to high 90s).

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Our 2 year ADN school regularly puts out 98-100% NCLEX pass rates, year after year. The BSN program in town is always in the mid to high 80's.

dreamon · Nov 1, 2008

There you go. Those are statistics no one can deny.

83studentnurse · Nov 1, 2008

Right. This is exactly why it's so important to compare the particular schools in your area. In my area, too, the best NCLEX scores (upper 90s) are diploma programs and many of the ADN programs. I believe all the BSN programs are in low 80s or below (last year once was 69%! That losing-accreditation territory). But like UVA Grad Nursing said, his Entry-Master's program has 100%.

One thing that's important but probably impossible to measure isn't just the number of hours spent in clinical but how clinically focused the entire program is. This is manifested in how much clinical application is provided in theory classes, in the quality of clinical instructors (are the best instructors teaching clinical or theory?), etc. How high are the standards you're held to in clinical? Is it treated as an additional to "school" (i.e. theory classes) or is it treated with central importance? I think how clinically-focused a school is is a good indicator of how ready to "hit the ground running" students will be, regardless of the type of degree the school confers.

dreamon · Nov 2, 2008

Please keep in mind, that is not always the norm. I go to a University (BSN program), and our pass rate was 95% last year.
Best,
Diane

Yes, that is correct- I would expect any prospective student to research their states pass rates. In a state like North Carolina- there are many great schools...BSN and ADN. The 4 year school I was considering before I looked at NCLEX rates had a pass rate of 42%!

meggiepie24, BSN · Nov 14, 2008

I am a BSN student and I didn't feel like I knew anything clinical until I got a job on a very busy clinical unit-pretty much sink or swim. I know a lot of it for me was just confidence. During spring of my sophomore year, I was scared to even knock on a patient's door. Now, that's my last thought during clinical or when I'm working.

kcochrane · Nov 14, 2008

I ditto the "it depends" crowd. It does depend on the school, the program and the instructors. Each program is designed to educate the student to prepare them for the job they will be performing. As a LPN I had a lot more clinical experience then I do as a RN student. It was also different in what we focused on. LPNs will, for the most part, be doing patient care, therefore clinical skills are a high priority. As a floor nurse I have even seen differences in the LPNs school in regard to the clinical experience.

I'm sorry but I don't agree with the poster that said they rather have someone take care of them that was book smart. For patient care, book smart will not compensate for clinical skills. Good assessment skills, clinical skills and a lot of common sense is what I want in someone that takes care of me.

Bottom line is that you need to look at the bigger picture and what each program is supposed to be preparing that student for.

caliotter3 · Nov 14, 2008

When I was in a BSN program I met ADN students a couple of times and had occasion to speak with them about our clinical placements. I was a little dismayed to find out that they were doing much more and given more responsibility than we were. I developed a definite negative opinion about this. However, I would not have traded places based on this.