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?

Once again you make generalizations that may not fit all nursing programs. I have to say that no matter what theory class you point out, the end result will be the same. To assume I didn't get the same nursing theory that you will have once you get there is fairly short sided. I am hoping that the extra year of schooling might broaden your view on the profession.

The money that is made after graduation isn't always based on degree a person graduated with. Hate to say it, but I make more than the average entry level nurse, including BSN students. I was scouted out of school and was offered more than current nurses walking the same floor I am walking. So in your eyes the injustice continues. Sorry.

How could you have received the same amount of nursing theory in an adn program compared to a bsn program? Isn't that the difference in the two? I'm assuming you went the adn route based on your response. You say you were "scouted" out of school? Okay, well I am sure you can do basic arithmetic. So tell me, how many nursing theory classes did your program have excluding the nursing core classes, and additional gen ed requirements?

As I stated in my original post, doing a paper here and there, in a class cannot possibly equate to having a 16 week semester of research (sometimes 8wk class), papers and other busy work on top of the nursing core classes, and 3, sometimes 4 additional theory classes.

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Specializes in ICU/ Surgery/ Nursing Education.

Busy does not equate to difficult, except for people that cannot manage their time. Even though our classes are not separated into specialties (research, theory, etc) those topics we addressed. Sorry that you feel that your program is so much harder in the end. I am really hoping that you do pass and become successful in whatever you do.

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Specializes in ER.
How could you have received the same amount of nursing theory in an adn program compared to a bsn program? Isn't that the difference in the two? I'm assuming you went the adn route based on your response. You say you were "scouted" out of school? Okay, well I am sure you can do basic arithmetic. So tell me, how many nursing theory classes did your program have excluding the nursing core classes, and additional gen ed requirements?

As I stated in my original post, doing a paper here and there, in a class cannot possibly equate to having a 16 week semester of research (sometimes 8wk class), papers and other busy work on top of the nursing core classes, and 3, sometimes 4 additional theory classes.

It depends on the actual programs. Have you looked at the curriculum and compared them? Most of the BSN schools around me have a comparable amount of lecture and clinicals to the ADN schools.

What are you counting as "core" nursing classes? I would count all nursing theory classes as core. Please, list out your curriculum including which ones you deem to be core and which ones you list as additional theory classes. Include how many credit hours.

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Busy does not equate to difficult, except for people that cannot manage their time. Even though our classes are not separated into specialties (research, theory, etc) those topics we addressed. Sorry that you feel that your program is so much harder in the end. I am really hoping that you do pass and become successful in whatever you do.

By no means did I mean to come across as if the adn programs did not learn theory or do research. I genuinely apologize if I did. I'm thinking now I should have used the word difficult. I know that word is subjective as well. I would love to focus just on the nursing core classes. I really do. Just paper after paper, article after article, abstracts, joanna briggs, cochrane, how do I feel, how I would use ______ in my professional practice, and so on is draining.

I think the focus in school should be to practice as a safe, competent nurse and treating the patient holistically. Not reading abstract articles/doing research on the science of nursing.

However, I am looking forward to classes starting again next month :geek:.

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It depends on the actual programs. Have you looked at the curriculum and compared them? Most of the BSN schools around me have a comparable amount of lecture and clinicals to the ADN schools.

What are you counting as "core" nursing classes? I would count all nursing theory classes as core. Please, list out your curriculum including which ones you deem to be core and which ones you list as additional theory classes. Include how many credit hours.

The nursing core classes are fundamentals, peds, maternity, med surg 1 and 2, etc.

Bachelors degrees are required a minimum of 120 credit hours, some even more credit hours. Just like there is a minimum of 63 or 60 something for an associates degree regardless of the type of degree as well.

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Specializes in ICU/ Surgery/ Nursing Education.
By no means did I mean to come across as if the adn programs did not learn theory or do research. I genuinely apologize if I did. I'm thinking now I should have used the word difficult. I know that word is subjective as well. I would love to focus just on the nursing core classes. I really do. Just paper after paper, article after article, abstracts, joanna briggs, cochrane, how do I feel, how I would use ______ in my professional practice, and so on is draining.

I think the focus in school should be to practice as a safe, competent nurse and treating the patient holistically. Not reading abstract articles/doing research on the science of nursing.

However, I am looking forward to classes starting again next month :geek:.

Even people with differences of opinion can agree on something....... He he he he.... Have to tell you at times I felt the same thing, "And how will knowing this or explaining how I might use this in my professional practice help me?" In the end I do think it helped, or at least expanded my communication abilities and made me more confident about the knowledge I was learning.

Now learning how to do the research has helped me a lot, don't discount this class. Everything is going evidence based practice and it will make all of us better nurses. I loved asking veteran nurses why an intervention was used in a specific case and cringed when some would say "it has always been done like that."

No need to apologize, I hope in the end we were not arguing about grammar or correct word usage. In no way will I ever discount your BSN degree, it is what I am striving for now. Hell, maybe masters soon after. I am very glad you are looking forward to next semester, nursing is a great profession. I wake up every day telling myself "I get to go help people all day today."

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Bachelors degrees are required a minimum of 120 credit hours, some even more credit hours. Just like there is a minimum of 63 or 60 something for an associates degree regardless of the type of degree as well.

True, but that's due to state and federal requirements based on educational standards; it has no bearing on perceived "difficulty".

I choose the BSN for personal reasons; it didn't make sense to me to spend four years at a CC and NOT get a four-year degree...all the schools in my area are basically the same curriculum; with the classes for leadership and EBP presented as a credit class for university and program requirements.

Having an LPN is not an issue btw, nor "less"; I went off the beaten path and became a LPN and it helped tremendously as a foundation, and I feel that has helped me be a BETTER nurse-just wanted to get that off my chest. :yes:

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*shrug*

I have a previous BS and an ADN.

At time of my application, my CC ADN program accepted 48 of the 485 applicants.

I routinely pounded out weekly "pathomap" APA style papers that were 15-20 pages.

One week we were assigned 27 chapters of pharm to read. No lie.

If we wrote "offer sips of water" on a care plan we had to justify that intervention by referencing a scholarly article.

Like someone else pointed out it wasn't that difficult.... Just intense. I took it seriously and learned a whole lot.

I don't know if it was easier or more difficult than a BSN and I really do not care. I do know that I easily passed NCLEX, and have had fabulous jobs. All for less than a $10k investment on my part. I will likely take the couple of classes I need to earn my BSN. Not because I think it will make me a better nurse. What makes me a better nurse is reflecting daily and then doing my own personal research and learning. I will get my BSN or MSN because my employer will give me a pay bump as well as fund the degree.

Good luck to you.

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Even people with differences of opinion can agree on something....... He he he he.... Have to tell you at times I felt the same thing, "And how will knowing this or explaining how I might use this in my professional practice help me?" In the end I do think it helped, or at least expanded my communication abilities and made me more confident about the knowledge I was learning.

Now learning how to do the research has helped me a lot, don't discount this class. Everything is going evidence based practice and it will make all of us better nurses. I loved asking veteran nurses why an intervention was used in a specific case and cringed when some would say "it has always been done like that."

No need to apologize, I hope in the end we were not arguing about grammar or correct word usage. In no way will I ever discount your BSN degree, it is what I am striving for now. Hell, maybe masters soon after. I am very glad you are looking forward to next semester, nursing is a great profession. I wake up every day telling myself "I get to go help people all day today."

No grammar police here. I would be under the jail, lol. It makes me feel better to know that the research classes, theory will be beneficial. Seriously, I want to be where you are. A licensed registered nurse who is working, making money and caring for those in need. Financially being a student can suck at times. Not having a life, devoting all of yourself and resources are painful. Funny how at the end of the semester, and when the official grades are posted, I feel freaking amazing.

Continue to make a difference in your patients lives and their loved ones. Furthering education is always a good thing :).

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Specializes in Neuroscience.

Writing papers, whew, that must be hard. I have a degree in English and I've written some papers that are over 30 pages long (1.5 spaced, with MLA formatting). Granted, you may think it's tough because you're in a BSN program, but I already have a BS in science. I assure you: majoring in nursing is tough no matter which route you take.

I feel that the papers you have to write or the research you have to do would be an "easy" A. Most of your feelings are based on your own personal experience which is highly subjective. What you and I consider difficult will undeniably vary. I think it's fair to say that most nursing students will agree that the nursing courses are tough regardless of the program.

I don't understand the point of this thread.

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Specializes in ER.

Even an ADN class needs to have more than just those classes.

My advice is to leave the ADN vs BSN and just focus on passing your classes. If your class load is too hard, chances are they have a part-time plan for students. Until you pass NCLEX, then working on passing should be your biggest concern.

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
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.

(shrug) They are both pretty helpless when they hit the floor as new grads. Thus far we have been unable to predict who will be sucsessful in our very challenging critical care nurse residency program based on the degree they come to us with.

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