BSN programs are harder than ADN

[ExpBrittany]

Hi all,

I have friends who are both in traditional ADN and BSN nursing programs. The question came up about "which program is harder". As I told my friends who are in ADN programs (who I hope are still my friends ) I just feel that BSN programs are harder.

Why? I totally understand that both programs have students who may hold a previous degree, worked in the medical field (or not), volunteer experience and so on. I also understand that academically, both groups of students will have their own strengths and weaknesses.

I know that ADN and BSN program admission criteria can be different depending upon city/state/area. I am well aware both programs have clinicals, Care Plans/concept maps, exams, tests, quizzes, ATI/HESI questions/prep that have to be completed/passed etc. Both groups sit for the same state boards.

HOWEVER: The amount of papers, projects, presentations, and research BSN programs are REQUIRED to do, goes well beyond what is required out of an ADN program. Just think about it. In the ADN program, you might have a paper or assignment on "professional ethics". Yeah ummmmm, but a BSN program will have that same topic, as a course for an entire semester.

NO: I am not saying BSN graduates are smarter than ADN/diploma. Yes, I understand the additional classes are the difference between the two. I don't mean to offend anybody, but I just can't help but feel this way......

When my friends who are in ADN programs complain about "how hard" and "how much work", they have to do, I assure them things will be okay. While on the inside I really want to say "Is it really?"......

Does anyone else feel this way?

[ExpBrittany]

Then why don't you? My credits transferred wonderfully from the 4-year school I was at last year to the 2-year school I'm attending now. If you're really miserable doing theory work and dragging out other lessons, maybe you should consider the transfer. It's not worth being miserable. I'm being serious here, I know we've disagreed this entire time on this post, but I don't think you should be killing yourself for the BSN. How old are you? Believe me, I was dead set on getting my BS, then going for the accelerated BSN, but readjusted my sails, so to speak.

I'm going to be serious and honest: I was sent to another unit to work because it was short staffed. While on break, I had a conversation with a friend who is in my program. I vented to her. When I got off the phone, the nurse stopped eating her lunch and spoke with me. She encouraged me to not leave. To finish what I started. She then went on to tell me about her struggles, her classmates etc. That many doors would open for me with the bsn, because times are changing. The nurse who I did not know stopped me. I felt she spoke from her heart when she said she couldn't imagine doing anything else. This was this spring semester. I actually saw her about two wks ago getting on the elevator. She asked me did I stay, I told her yes and she smiled and gave me a hug.

[StudentOfHealing]

OP what WAS the purpose of this post? Maybe it's best that you stop playing the "my degree is bigger than yours" game. Have yourself a seat and do the work you have to get through your program. Nobody here will give you sympathy or praise. If you're the type that needs validation then nursing is NOT for you and you're in for a sad ride. Because no patient or doctor or nurse will praise you or feel sorry for you.

[ExpBrittany]

OP what WAS the purpose of this post? Maybe it's best that you stop playing the "my degree is bigger than yours" game. Have yourself a seat and do the work you have to get through your program. Nobody here will give you sympathy or praise. If you're the type that needs validation then nursing is NOT for you and you're in for a sad ride. Because no patient or doctor or nurse will praise you or feel sorry for you.

I'm okay. Be happy with the degree YOU selected. There will ALWAYS be someone that has more/less education than you.

So get over it

[StudentOfHealing]

I'm okay. Be happy with the degree YOU selected. There will ALWAYS be someone that has more/less education than you.

So get over it

OP, YOU need to take your OWN advice. Ma'am, must I remind you, you're the one who came here to stir the pot? Like I said. I'm done.

YOU get over it.

[ExpBrittany]

OP, YOU need to take your OWN advice. Ma'am, must I remind you, you're the one who came here to stir the pot? Like I said. I'm done.

YOU get over it.

The difference between how you feel/stated compared to myself is that I could care less what type/level of degree someone else has.

I just believe those who attain higher levels of education, license, certifications should be compensated for it. Whats the purpose of doing it, to only be paid the same amount as someone with less education? I understand this will vary between professions.

We can agree to disagree

[StudentOfHealing]

OP I was done but let me clarify something because I want you to understand.

Usually you are compensated for higher education and certification once hired though. Ok? But as a new grad usually the BSN doesn't necessarily make you clinically more valuable than an ADN. Although it makes you more hirable because of Magnet status which hospitals want.

I don't care what degree someone has either ... so as long as they are competent nurses that want to learn.

[ExpBrittany]

OP I was done but let me clarify something because I want you to understand.

Usually you are compensated for higher education and certification once hired though. Ok? But as a new grad usually the BSN doesn't necessarily make you clinically more valuable than an ADN. Although it makes you more hirable because of Magnet status which hospitals want.

I don't care what degree someone has either ... so as long as they are competent nurses that want to learn.

I agree with you. I see your point about clinically being prepared on the same level.

[seconddegreebsn]

I had to have regular and organic chem, college level mathematics (in addition to my stats class), and they just added genetics for the incoming class - when I talk to my ADN friends they didn't need to take as many of the hard science prereqs (some of them were completed during the program) so that part stunk for me.

[missmollie, ADN, BSN, RN]

Here is the central problem with your statement/title of your thread. You are claiming that a BSN program is harder than an ADN program, yet you fail to utilize the education that you claim is superior.

Given all the papers you've written, you should understand that prior to writing a paper you do research, and that research leads to your thesis statement. There should be a good deal of research into both the negative and positive arguments concerning said. This is the inherent problem with your argument. You've completed no research but made a rather bold claim, and you continue to state that an increase in college credit hours leads to a better education.

Not if you don't use it.

AN has a great resource in the search button. Try a quick search of "my first month on the job" and read the forums. When any newly licensed nurse begins their first job, they don't feel prepared regardless of what kind of degree they have earned.

You may believe that extra research, writing papers, and theory is harder and therefore better, but if you do not apply the critical thinking that comes from academic writing, then it is all for naught.

[rob4546, ADN, BSN, MSN]

I just believe those who attain higher levels of education, license, certifications should be compensated for it. Whats the purpose of doing it, to only be paid the same amount as someone with less education? I understand this will vary between professions.

But this is something that you do not understand, in my opinion. When you graduate we will both have the same license. You believe that you will have much more knowledge when you graduate because you are taking the extra classes but what you don't understand is that the topics you are studying are covered in many ADN programs. These topics are condensed into a much shorter time frame and included in more generic course descriptions. My med/surg class included much of the theory and religious studies you are discussing. My advanced Med/surg 1 included the research and trends you are talking about. My advanced med/surg 2 class reinforced all the above information and the final semester we had the leadership class that is a hallmark of most BSN programs. The cool thing is I don't want to sit here and challenge you with the information I have learned, I would like to help you attain your education and be a great nurse I would want to work with.

As far as being paid more for your degree, that will not be the case. We will each have a similar nursing core knowledge because we have to pass the same licensure exam. Unfortunately we will both have the same ability to kill our patients until we learn and gain knowledge about being a nurse in the real world.

Before you start posting and stating that people are being defensive you should look inward. You don't like us telling you that your attitude and position is dismissive or petty. Why don't we discuss how to improve the nursing profession and promote further education rather than being upset that you wont make 2 dollars more than your ADN coworkers. I have a better idea, why don't you approach your state lawmakers with your concerns and use you voice to implement change.

[NurseGirl525, ASN, RN]

So, if I understand you, you got reassigned at clinicals and weren't happy. You vented within earshot of the nurses that work there. You happened to get a kind and sympathetic one who encouraged you to stay and not walk out? You were going to walk out of clinicals? You would have most certainly been kicked out of my program. You should consider yourself lucky no one reported you for that.

You seem to me to be one of the young and entitled these days. Sigh...

[Balto]

Here is the central problem with your statement/title of your thread. You are claiming that a BSN program is harder than an ADN program, yet you fail to utilize the education that you claim is superior.

Very true, missmollie. I don't see a point to this thread. Just reading the title will put people on the defensive. It challenges people who have chosen the ADN & demand that they justify their complaints/stress because it isn't as "hard".