BSN programs are harder than ADN

Nursing Students General Students

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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 :sorry:) 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?

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
I am happy for my friends. I have never told them my education was superior. Only that they should be happy they don't have the additional theory courses every semester. We went through our prereqs together. Some classes sat side by side. I have not and would not make them feel that. At least I hope they don't feel that way
Well...I'm sure you did. Just by saying you should make more money because it's harder/longer. You minimized their efforts. Words hurt.
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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Sure I knew everyone would not agree with me, would have difference of opinion, etc. That's what a public forum is about. For those who are upset over a question that was asked, or comments made in a public forum about how someone else feels, thoughts, experiences and turn it around into feeling as though they have to defend themselves as if they are being attacked is crazy.

It's not that serious. If some cannot handle a difference of opinion, experiences and so forth, I don't have a clue as to how you interact with people you come in physical contact with who disagree with you.

Just like you we are voicing an opinion. It might not be what you wanted to hear...but it an opinion nonetheless. You post in a public thread you will get public opinion. Even if it disagrees with you.

Eventually you will make more money. Depending on where you live you will be offered the job first. You will be promoted first. IN this job climate hospitals are beginning to require all new grads to have a BSN. You are ahead of the game.

Right now though...ADN nurses still out number the BSN but the margin is much smaller than in past years.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Sorry, I read it wrong.

You are right, I do have MORE work to do. Im getting it done the best I can. That's crazy an adn program would cost more. I've heard of for profits doing this, but its still crazy for the higher price tag.

It is not for profit public college.
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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

I would just like a few extra dollars per hour.

I'm sorry....that is not going to happen as a new grad. The BSN and the ADN as new grads are equal. It doesn't mater how you try to spin it...neither of you have the ability to be independent when you graduate and you both require further training.

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I'm sorry....that is not going to happen as a new grad. The BSN and the ADN as new grads are equal. It doesn't mater how you try to spin it...neither of you have the ability to be independent when you graduate and you both require further training.

The only exception is hospitals that offer an automatic differential or whatever you call it for your BSN. If they don't have that policy in place I wouldn't count on getting any extra pay.

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Specializes in None yet..
Having graduated college before the world wide web was created, I think all students seeking degrees from associates to post doctorates now, have it easy compared to their predecessors.

We were limited to using textbooks, library, newspapers, magazines, microfiche, and writing research papers using a Singer Scholastic Typewriter with dictionary and thesaurus nearby.:crying2:

So now, we all have it easy.

:roflmao:

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My opinion is that it comes down to the school itself. I believe we all take the same NCLEX so the school itself IMHO doesnt really matter. Yes the BSN has many more credits needed and lots of NON-nursing courses that need to be done to complete the BSN, but the NCLEX is still the tell all as to whom is prepared and whom is not. If I was in a crappy program and didnt feel prepared for the NCLEX its for me to have to take the initiative to ensure Im confident I will pass, no one elses.

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Specializes in Progressive Care, Cardiology, Pulmonary, Stroke.
I used the ethics class as an example. I could have easily posted a list of all the other theory classes that are required from my program that are to be completed alongside the nursing core classes.

No elitism here. However, my dad has always told me, "The more you know, the more you are worth". So much for that. Upon graduation, I will make the same as someone who holds the same license as me, but with less "nursing/theory" education.

At my job they pay more to the BSN nurses than those who have an Associates.

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OP, I am not offended by your opinion at all. In my experience it comes down to the school. I went to a private college my first year, roughly about 15,000k (with a 50% off grant). However, the ease of the courses at this University floored me! Upon further research, none of the hospitals in my area even hired from this program. So I decided to change, I applied to another more respected four year university, and an ADN. Accepted to both, scholarships in both. I chose the ADN, because out of pocket costs were about 1k a semester for me, which I could easily make while working and my location is not BSN preferred. I do believe the BSN program was as hard or even more time consuming than my ADN program. But I wanted to work, be with my family and friends, rather than do all that extra work right now. So I graduated with zero debt, still enjoyed my life throughout school, passed NCLEX in 75q, and landed a job before I even took my NCLEX in a critical care unit. I am told through my orientation, if I progress as I am, they will start grooming me for a charge nurse position as I become more experienced. I was hired over many BSN applicants from both programs, but trust me that is NOT the norm. You having a BSN is going to help you VERY VERY much. I will go back to finish my BSN, and pay for it out of pocket, I refuse to take out loans unless I am going for a Masters or Doctorate degree. So my life worked out exactly as I wanted it to, but let me tell you I worked very hard for it. It would not bother me if BSN had a pay raise, however, I think the issue is that we take the exact same test. Good Luck with school!

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Im currently an LPN getting my ADN. The reason I didnt go for my BSN is time. Im 50 and own a home as a military retiree so can't afford to not work while Im taking 15 credits a term. Im doing the ADN currently because my work will pay me back for my ADN and I can finish much quicker than if I went for the BSN first. I can work as an ADN and make 15 to 20K more than I do now once I get my ADN then it will go up a little more once I get my BSN which I can take my time for. If I was 20 something and this was my first career then it would have been no big deal to do a 4 yr degree. But Im old :cry: and time and money is more scarce.

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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.

And no physician is going to ask you if you are ADN or BSN before asking you something about a patient either.

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
Im currently an LPN getting my ADN. The reason I didnt go for my BSN is time. Im 50 and own a home as a military retiree so can't afford to not work while Im taking 15 credits a term. Im doing the ADN currently because my work will pay me back for my ADN and I can finish much quicker than if I went for the BSN first. I can work as an ADN and make 15 to 20K more than I do now once I get my ADN then it will go up a little more once I get my BSN which I can take my time for. If I was 20 something and this was my first career then it would have been no big deal to do a 4 yr degree. But Im old :cry: and time and money is more scarce.

Your rational makes perfect sence. It is people like you (and me) that thwe "BSN only to practice" crowd is seeking to keep out of nursing.

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