Canada vs. USA

[YoungGun]

Hello Everyone,

Thanks for reading. After a few years bouncing around being a chef, I have decided to pursue medicine because I genuinely want to help people. My mother is a 32 year veteran RN and traveler and I'm inspired by her knowledge, caring, ability, and dedication. Here's my situation as I decide on schooling:

I am a Canadian citizen born in Ontario and raised all over the US (due to my mother's job.) After researching, my short term goal is either an ADN or BSN in nursing with which I intend to travel and learn, and then go on to pursue either a NP or PA degree (or both). From what I understand, a BSN is required at minimum as well as considerable experience in order to pursue these fields. I would like to develop my knowledge base to it's fullest extent before entering into further education. I hold no current degrees. I also am wary of getting ahead of myself, so the decision between ADN and BSN is key right now.

From what I've researched, Canada has phased out the ADN (or diploma equivalent in Canada) and now requires the 4-year BSN for all new nurses. The US (or most states within) does not. I've read the forums regarding ADN/BSN and understand that an ADN is valuable and defininetly acceptable to become employed in the field. Either way, I will get my BSN eventually. However, would anyone recommend getting my ADN, working while I study for the BSN, and travelling once I have enough experience? This would require me getting a student Visa in the US with which my working capabilities would be limited. However, I would gain two years of experience and salary versus working for a BSN here.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!

YoungGun

[jjjoy, LPN]

Most "2-year" ADN programs have a year of pre-reqs and so take at least 3 years to complete. Why are they so popular, then, when you could earn a BSN in four years? Because ADN programs are more accessible (at community colleges not just universities) and more affordable (same reason). BSN programs often cater to full-time students, which discourages those who have other commitments (family, etc). Another consideration in regard ADN programs that many community college programs have waitlists for the program and the pre-reqs. Be sure to check that out before relocating somewhere for a nursing program.

[fergus51]

If you can just get the BSN right off it would probably be easier. I don't know how hard it would be to go to school for your BSN while learning your job as a new grad nurse. It's a stressful enough time.

[Alexsys]

I started off with an ADN, went directly into critical care, and just finished my BSN with no problems. So, it is more up to the individual.

Many hospitals that I came across (so far) has "BSN preferred" in their list of qualifications for the critical care units

[Joe NightingMale, MSN, RN]

Since you're thinking about becoming an NP, you might want to consider going for the MSN directly.

I've actually found that the MSN programs are less competative and have fewer prerequisites than the BSN programs (especially the fast-track BSN programs).

But it's full-time and expensive. And you might want to get the BSN first before you decide on whether you want to go farther.