Choice Between Adn Vs Bsn

[Heart4RN]

I have applied to two different nursing programs (one is for the ADN, the other is for BSN). I have to travel about 5 miles everyday for school to attend the ADN program and for the BSN I have to travel about an hour both ways. My goal is to eventually obtain my BSN with an emphasis in public health. I can eventually go thru an online program to get my BSN but it would take longer. I'd like to know what the community out there thinks would be the best route. I know I have to choose what is best for myself but I'd like to get an outside perspective. Thanks!!!!!

[ReinventingMyselfAgain, MSN, RN]

i have been accepted into a newly accredited adn program, which will cost me less than $ 6,000 and 21 months to complete (my pre-reqs are complete-only clinicals and nursing courses to take).

my goal in this, a very late second career, is to go on to an msn.

the nurse managers in several settings i have spoken with (prime motivation - fresh young minds with new licenses??) display no prejudice toward the adn. this seems to be a no-brainer for me, since there are several good msn programs around that accept adn students. they may require a bridge program for a non-bs graduate, but even that is simpler than sitting through the drudgery (for me) of 100-level ethics/philosophy/socialology/ course, just to meet "core curriculum" requirements. don't get me wrong - i can get something out of almost any course, but i feel my time may well be better spent getting out to take the test earlier, getting some clinical experience, and maybe finding an employer to help me along my career path.

i feel that the level of instruction at the adn program may not be at the same level as the bsn program, but i think that i can get a great start, if i'm proactive and manage my education thoughtfully. both programs furnish the 800 hour clinical experience required by the state bon.

what do you folks think?

steve

steve, i think you have thought this out long and hard, asked for opinions, and basically convinced yourself that this is the way to go for you. i think you make a very convincing argument. as an original adn grad (and now an adn adjunct instructor), i will tell you that there is nothing wrong with the path you want to take (imo). a few of my students are in the same boat as you, and plan to eventually move forward beyond the adn. that would be my only advice to you (but you don't need that advice, that is your plan).

there are two very important factors that you mention, that are different for every one of us: time and money. we do not all have the luxury of spending $500-600 per credit to spend 4 yrs to start (or re-start) our careers). when i graduated, i had the time (got my adn at 20), not necessarily the $$ (could have done the loans i'm sure), but i had other things on my mind (like getting married---big mistake :uhoh21: ). i do regret (a bit) not getting the bsn right away, but my situation was obviously different than yours. two years later, i divorced. but i had a degree and a good paying job (thank god), and slowly (very slowly) got my bsn.

your education is what you make of it, imho. there are plenty of people who take the path you are thinking of.

[sunnyjohn]

Steve,

I think your ADN plan is solid and right on. You seem to have thought through all the angles and done your research with possible employers.

You are right, you can get something out of almost any class, but at this point you have more pressing matters on your mind.

I also applaud you for so wonderfully considering your girlfriend in this matter.

Agape