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?

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.

You didn't need to. And that was stated to make a point, not to be condescending, which would be the difference between my "most rigorous ADN program in my state" post and your "BSN programs in general are harder, so I'll be rolling my eyes internally when my ADN friends discuss their workload at school and whining about having the same starting pay as them after graduation" posts. Nice try, but you don't get to turn this back on me.

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I graduated from an associate program and it was very challenging and has the reputation of being much harder than surrounding BSN programs. I am currently pursuing my BSN and think the work is no where near the difficulty of nursing school. I just don't understand how additional book work and writing papers is supposed to make you more of a nurse than anyone else but that's just me. I am personally sick of the whole ASN vs BSN debate myself

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When did I say I was smarter?

If you don't think you're smarter, then help me understand why you think you should be paid more for doing the same job with the same license?

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

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.

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There are plenty of new grads from good programs that are working at prestigious universities in extensive orientation programs. It is about the candidate and not always about the degree. There are still parts of the country that the BSN is not strictly preferred.

Your clinical portion of your BSN is just as long as the ADN. 2 years. Same amount of clinical hours. Same requirements.

You will get more money for more education. If you go for your masters. When you get your certifications in your area of specialty. You will get more money because very possibly your friends will find it difficult to find a job or will get a job in a setting that they don't want....be happy and for each other. But to constantly tell your friends how you are superior in your education and deserve more is not the way to foster good friendships or be a good friend.

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

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When did I "declare", that bsn is harder?

If you want to use the word declare I'm okay with that.

You are the one throwing the word declare around. You yourself said that you hoped your friends who were in the ADN program were still your friends. You knew that it was going to stir up a controversy. Maybe you like the drama. But if you schooling is that much harder than mine, maybe you should be studying instead of playing on the internet.

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What exactly are you looking for? Do you want to hear that you are better than ADN nurses because you've written more papers than I have and have taken a research class? I think the only one who is caught up on that is you. I've busted my a$$ in my ADN program and had the same prereqs that the BSN programs in my area require. At the end of the day, we will start out making the same amount per hour. The only difference is you will just have more debt to pay off.

Unable to articulate your thoughts and feelings without becoming defensive huh?

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You are the one throwing the word declare around. You yourself said that you hoped your friends who were in the ADN program were still your friends. You knew that it was going to stir up a controversy. Maybe you like the drama. But if you schooling is that much harder than mine, maybe you should be studying instead of playing on the internet.

I didn't use the world declare. I said stated. I told the original poster that if they wanted to use the word declare, I'm okay with that. But I didn't declare anything. I said how I felt.

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If you don't think you're smarter, then help me understand why you think you should be paid more for doing the same job with the same license?

I've always stated more education. Not smarter. A higher level degree. I said in a few post back, hospitals in my area are turning away adn nurses who are licensed. Who have the same license as a bsn nurse. If it was all about the license, and not the degree, why are the hospitals doing that? Fyi, I don't agree with adns being turned away.

I would just like a few extra dollars per hour.

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Actually, I'm keeping my real thoughts and feelings to myself. I am expressing my opinion just like you keep saying you are doing. And since this is going nowhere, I'm done with this.

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I've always stated more education. Not smarter. A higher level degree. I said in a few post back, hospitals in my area are turning away adn nurses who are licensed. Who have the same license as a bsn nurse. If it was all about the license, and not the degree, why are the hospitals doing that? Fyi, I don't agree with adns being turned away.

I would just like a few extra dollars per hour.

So you think you deserve more than an ADN nurse with a degree in biology or physiology? That's your right, but it's mine to think that's ridiculous.

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I'm not really sure what the point of this post is. If you aren't trying to downplay the hard work that ADN students put into their program, what is it?

BSN programs are supposed to go over more material and are longer in length. Arguing with someone over which is harder seems pointless, as very few people will ever go through both.

The OP wants to stir the pot. She's sick of her or his homework and wants to throw a fit. My best guess. ; D

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