BSN vs ASN

Published

From what you have witnessed, are RN BSNs any better than RN ASNs in terms of skill, knowledge, etc?

Well I am currently in a BSN program and I know that as far as ADN vs BSN nurses, they sit for the exact same NCLEX-RN exam. The difference is that the BSN nurse has more of a theory, leadership,management background. Also the BSN has more advancement opportunities and most hospitals are looking for BSN nurses for entry level so the ADN nurse would have a more difficult time finding a job but it is possible.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
This ship has sailed. A little rudimentary search would've given the OP poster umpteen threads where this was already discussed to infinity and beyond.

This.

I also suggest researching your current market, where you may possibly locate, and being objective in terms of education.

As someone who was entered a PN ADN, and BSN program, most educational programs are what you put into, along with instructional support. I found more instructional support in my PN and BSN programs; they were very aware of my test anxiety, whereas my ADN wasn't sure what to do about it, nor they identified it. Yes they has a great NCLEX pass rate, yet they had a high rate of letting go of students, more than the area schools; they still have a very good reputation of graduating quality students; my programs that I succeeded in have very good reputations in providing education and quality nursing students.

I also would refrain from anecdotal responses, especially from posters who haven't entered a BSN program pre licensure or an ADN program pre licensure and claim whatever; unless one has hard facts and stats, we all have experiences including myself; it's all relative.

Whatever you choose, OP, be sure that it is bet for YOU, nursing is a life long educational profession; be prepared to remain objective and always wiling to continue to evolve your nursing practice for your benefit.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

That is the issue. Different programs have different standards. I would think that the school that didn't know what to do with your test anxiety reflects poorly on their testing services. I'm assuming that the school was large enough to have a different department that handled those types of services? All the colleges and universities I went to did have a different department.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hematology/Oncology.
One excellent advantage of taking the ADN route, then do Rn to BSN, is that in the ADN program you can become licensed as an LPN and start working and gaining experience and making money while finishing your last year of the RN program.

Listen everone. The route one chooses to use to get his/her BSN is based on multiple personal factors. For example, I was unable to do BSN from the get go due to where I live. I graduated and now only have to take 1 year of classes online at NIU to obtain my RN to BSN, a very reputable online program. Another person may take the ADN route in order to be able to become an LPN and start making money for his/her family while going to school for his/her last year of the ADN program. Also keep in mind most ADN programs consist of, on average, older adults, many of which have a Bachelor's degree in another area, making them more educated than those who went directly in the BSN program.

Experience in what? Start working in what?

In my area LVNs will not get a job at all in a hospital setting.

If ADNs will be having problems getting a job, LVNS will be much harder.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hematology/Oncology.
In my experience, it is the school that makes a bigger difference than whether it is a BSN or an ADN. However, when it comes to hiring, hospitals prefer BSNs because many of them drool over the thought of becoming magnet status or they also like the fact that they won't have to worry about scheduling issues or paying for the ADN to go back and get a BSN. My particular hospital will not pay for MSN programs anymore but the other hospitals in the company will. I think it is a budget issue.

So... what does ADN vs BSN have to do with magnet status?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
So... what does ADN vs BSN have to do with magnet status?

Magnet requires a certain percentage of a hospital's nurses to have a BSN to retain the magnet status.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
One excellent advantage of taking the ADN route, then do Rn to BSN, is that in the ADN program you can become licensed as an LPN and start working and gaining experience and making money while finishing your last year of the RN program..

Not necessarily true at all. I wouldn't rely on this one for ten minutes. And how many hundreds of times do we hear how hard the first years of practice are, how draining, working variable shifts...and you think it's a great idea to overlay nursing school on that?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hematology/Oncology.
Magnet requires a certain percentage of a hospital's nurses to have a BSN to retain the magnet status.

after looking it up, I think they want to see progression, not necessarily a specific number.

I cant find any set number, unless you know of a link I do not know

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
after looking it up, I think they want to see progression, not necessarily a specific number.

I cant find any set number, unless you know of a link I do not know

Magnet Recognition Program® FAQ: Data and Expected Outcomes
NEW Organizational Overview Item - 80% of registered nurses obtaining a degree in nursing (baccalaureate or graduate degree) by 2020

Organizations submitting documentation anytime on or after June 1, 2013, regardless of the application date, will be expected to address the new education item in the Organizational Overview:

  • An action plan that includes a target of (and that demonstrates evidence of progress toward) 80% of registered nurses obtaining a degree in nursing (baccalaureate or graduate degree) by 2020. Include an assessment of the current status; an evaluation of methods and strategies to increase the educational level of the workforce; and an appraisal of established, realistic targets to meet the organization’s strategy to increase the number of registered nurses with a degree in nursing (baccalaureate or graduate degree).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hematology/Oncology.

awesome, ty

"The more you know"

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
That is the issue. Different programs have different standards. I would think that the school that didn't know what to do with your test anxiety reflects poorly on their testing services. I'm assuming that the school was large enough to have a different department that handled those types of services? All the colleges and universities I went to did have a different department.

When you were in the nursing program, they preferred for study help to go through that particular department; my issue was test taking; back when I entered the nursing program at my CC, if my notes were superb and my test strategies were fine, and I excelled in putting it together, unless I had a documented disability, there was no additional help or referral; they basically threw up their hands and basically was "try harder; you are almost there" attitude; when I went to a smaller program, they were more attentive to my issue; when I went through my BSN program, they were focusing on a study that correlates traditional and second career students and study habits and support, so while they had interventions and were researching as well, I had a better experience overall and excelled; both programs used CAM techniques to aid in relieving test anxiety; with test taking skills, they dissected the questions and used different learning styles to help each student's learning styles. I'm sure the reputable CC has evolved on those aspects; but I had better reception of the material based on my PN and BSN programs.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Experience in what? Start working in what?

In my area LVNs will not get a job at all in a hospital setting.

If ADNs will be having problems getting a job, LVNS will be much harder.

Why are you assuming all nurses want to work in a hospital? Numerous classmates of mine obtained their LPN and worked in LTC/SNF the last year of the ADN program. There are also clinics and physician offices to work. There is a LOT of experience to be gained in a SNF.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion