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?

What determines difficulty? The struggle, the approach to the struggle, or the approach that lead to the struggle?

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This is when you declared that the BSN program is harder.

I stated that. If you want to use the word declare I'm okay with that. I do feel that is true. I can understand others thoughts and opinions. I did not say my program was the most rigorous in my state like the last poster.

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Some people in my ADN program have coreq theory classes in addition to the core classes. I just chose to get mine done before entering the program. That was a choice I made. I am not bitter in the least. I made the right decision for me.

By the way, you will only start at maybe one dollar more than me am hour if you are lucky. At some hospitals the pay difference is a mere 25 cents. That's it. Plus, my ADN program is the best in my state and highly recognized. Therefore, we get the best clinical choices and my campus has one of the best sim labs in the country. Most BSN programs cannot offer what my program does. I did my homework before applying.

My point is your name badge will say RN, just like mine. We will hold the exact same license. One is not better than the other at all. A couple of extra papers and fluff classes means nothing.

I agree with you, I too think those theory classes are fluff. If the extra fluff doesnt mean anything, why are adn nurses in certain states/cities being turned away from hospitals. If the degree doesn't mean anything and its all about the license?

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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.

My dad could have wrote this post (different profession) :cheeky:

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"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?"

Well, OP, I think you have your answer. No, a majority of people don't really feel this way. However, as you've stated multiple times, you are entitled to your own opinion. Speaking as someone who has encountered many kinds of people, if I had a friend like you who did this: "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," I would feel like you're undermining my education. Which is not okay.

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I stated that. If you want to use the word declare I'm okay with that. I do feel that is true. I can understand others thoughts and opinions. I did not say my program was the most rigorous in my state like the last poster.

I feel like you are just talking in circles now. You just need to understand when you start a topic and call it what you called it, you are going to get back lash. If someone in an ADN program started a topic about how ADN nurses are better prepared than BSN nurses, the same thing would happen. There are hundreds of threads like this out there and they all create this type of backlash.

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What determines difficulty? The struggle, the approach to the struggle, or the approach that lead to the struggle?

Some stuff will be easier for others and vice versa. I was speaking on my experience.

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I feel like you are just talking in circles now. You just need to understand when you start a topic and call it what you called it, you are going to get back lash. If someone in an ADN program started a topic about how ADN nurses are better prepared than BSN nurses, the same thing would happen. There are hundreds of threads like this out there and they all create this type of backlash.

I'm being pretty straight forward. No circles.

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"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?"

Well, OP, I think you have your answer. No, a majority of people don't really feel this way. However, as you've stated multiple times, you are entitled to your own opinion. Speaking as someone who has encountered many kinds of people, if I had a friend like you who did this: "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," I would feel like you're undermining my education. Which is not okay.

Thank you. That is what I said. I did not say for everyone to agree with me.

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Your could be interpreted as a declarative statement; I am sure if you had a question mark behind your statement, it could've been interpreted differently.

I agree

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Harder is a relative term. And it can be applied in different ways in this situation. Do you mean harder, as in you put in more work? Sure, as you said, you may have to write more papers for a BSN or have supplemental classwork that an ADN program may not have. However, imagine that what you're learning is being compacted into 2 years. The nursing skills and knowledge you need to pass the NCLEX over a period of 4 years in a BSN program is being shortened to 2 years for the ADN program. This can also be considered harder, relative to the BSN program. You're learning more information in a shorter period of time. At the end of the program, you will be taking the same exam and be licensed nurses when you pass. Why does it matter which program is more difficult anyways? I fail to see why the difficulty of the program is such a big deal. Your friends will have difficulties in their program, and you will face your own challenges. It doesn't matter which program is more difficult.

I would take the 2 years compact without the theory classes if I could.

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Where did I say my opinion was factual about all adn programs being a certain way across the U.S.? I stated my opinion about what I experienced. What my friends and coworkers are experiencing.

Yet, you go on and on about your struggles. I can empathize with you having to work and go to school. I'm living it. There is nothing wrong with the route you took. You had to do what was best for you. I never called you or ANYONE on this board stupid, dumb, less than. I have no reason to. I never implied it.

My point was that you're being petty. And when you're being petty and you start an entire thread on the subject of your pettiness in an open forum with people of varying backgrounds, people will respond accordingly. So, hypothetically: What if everyone who responded to your OP was in complete agreement with you? What if you had 10 pages of responses along the lines of "You're so right! BSN programs are harder! We should get paid more when we graduate!" and no dissenting responses at all? I'm sure you'd be pleased, but I also want to know what the point would have been. Why come along to stir the pot at all?

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