confused student

NorthernRN · Aug 25, 2000

Although there are a number of factors that will determine whether you do an ADN or BSN program (cost, family, time committment, etc), here's my 2 cents..... I initially did my ADN, working as a unit clerk through out, then working as an RN after graduation to get actual nursing experience. I then went into a BSN completion track program and finished that in 3 semesters. This way allowed me to get my initial nursing license, practice and get great experience, and then do my BSN~!~ I'm a firm believer in furthering your education beyond an ADN or diploma program.... ~Good luck with your decision~ This way worked for me....

[This message has been edited by NorthernRN (edited August 25, 2000).]

hollykate · Aug 25, 2000

Here is my two cents on the BSN ADN dilemma. I personally got a BSN, this was in part because I already had a BA, and so all my BS pre-req's were done (all the lit classes, etc) so it only took me two years anyway. I would however, say it may be good to get the ADN and then work for a hospital that will pay for you to get your BSN. Most places have some type of financial aid- sometimes you have to agree to work for a certain amount of time, or like where I work, they may just pay for it. Good Luck, either way you end up an RN!

Ms.Manicure · Aug 25, 2000

thank you all for your responses. I have been getting depressed over the whole issue. It really bothers me that it is going to take 3 yrs to finish a 2 yr program. maybe if they set it up like a 3 yr program i would'nt be feeling like this i would know what to expect. anyway thanks you all. I am glad i have a support group.

Momof2 · Aug 25, 2000

Originally posted by Ms.Manicure:
thank you all for your responses. I have been getting depressed over the whole issue. It really bothers me that it is going to take 3 yrs to finish a 2 yr program. maybe if they set it up like a 3 yr program i would'nt be feeling like this i would know what to expect. anyway thanks you all. I am glad i have a support group.

I'm in the same boat as you are! I've completed some pre-req's and will HOPEFULLY complete them all by December. So, I can start the ADN program in January. I started the pre-req's this past Jan. so it will be 3 years total for me too. I have to agree with the one person who said they went for the ADN and then returned later for the BSN. That's what I plan to do. You also will have pre-req's for the BSN. THAT may take LONGER than 4 years to complete! This way you'll be working and gaining experience sooner. Hopefully it'll make the BSN classes a little easier? Well there's my two sense! ) Good luck!

Garm · Aug 26, 2000

Join the club. Most directors of two year programs will tell you it is really a three year program. But there are many advantages to the ADN. I don't know what your situation is but ADN programs offer a good education to people who haven't taken an ACT or SAT or who were not in the top of their class in high school. ADN's also get more clinical time. I know it is frustrating to spend that much time on a two-year degree but everybody in nursing understands that it is a three year commitment.

mcgsonstudent · Aug 26, 2000

i am all for getting a BSN program. why get a ASN which takes 3 years, when you can get a BSN in 4 years. (only 1 additional year). with a BSN, you learn the technical aspect and it also deals with the holisitic approach, which the ADN does not. you also have more advancement opportunities with a BSN degree than with an ADN degree. i say, go the extra mile and get the BSN. it is hard but worth it!

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NRB

FBB044 · Aug 26, 2000

Why spend an additional year of your life for 30 cents more/hr. Nurse mgrs value experience much more than a BSN. When hospitals and other health care organizations become willing to pay more for an advanced degree it my be worth it to get a BSN/MSN. As far as working in management goes, ADN nurses have just as many opportunities, you just have to recognize and act upon them.

cslocum · Aug 29, 2000

Well, I am glad to hear that you are actually thinking about your options here. Being a part of a BSN program myself, they constantly push the fact that we will have a more "holistic" education by taking this route. NOw that sounds good and all, but I think it depends on what you are looking for. Either way you are going to ge teducated. And either way you will learn most of what you really need to know in the hospital. Besides, what if you get into it and decide it is not for you? Don't waste time you are positive about. But then again, if you know this is what you want then by all means go for the higher degree. It is only one more year, but it is worth a whole lot. I think you would have better hireability with a BSN and probably and little more respect, etc in the hospital. Nowadays, that is important. Take your time to decide and do what you know will be best for you and your future family etc. Good luck!

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christy

KristieMCGSN · Aug 29, 2000

I am in a BSN program, because I think it is the best option for me. But I have to say that if you want to be an RN and have no plans for post-baccalaureate education (masters or doctoral) then an ADN would be a good preparation. However, if you even remotely think that you might want to go into advance practice, administration, management, or nursing education, you should consider a BSN program. It's beneficial to have the higher degree, because it will open many doors for you in the future. I also believe that if we as a profession want to advance, we need to raise the standards and require a BSN for entry level nurses. I would recommend a BSN preparation, and personally think that the extra year is well worth it, but consider your personal goals and make the decision that's best for you! Good luck!!

allenrn · Aug 30, 2000

I researched the nursing field before I chose it as my area of study. According to the research that I found, there is a shortage of BSN and MSN prepared nurses. There has also been a huge drop in the enrollment in medical school,in the past few years. This has created a shortage of healthcare providers for the year 2000 and beyond. It was further proposed in many articles that BSN nurses could be prepared in a much more efficient and timely manner than could students entering medical school (two years vs. seven years). I believe that the field of nursing is only limited to the reaches of your ambition. A BSN is, in my opinion, a positive step in any RN's career.

3651bht · Aug 31, 2000

I see many young and not so young people enter nursing via the ADN route with the "intention" of going back to get their BSN. I did a similar thing when I went to LPN school in 1979 and received my BSN in 1996. Sure I got lots of experience but many of my instructors and classmates resented it. Sometimes, i.e. many times I knew more about the subject matter than the instructor and sometimes I didn't and feel I was short changed because I wasn't taught many of the things I needed. I had been a supervisior in a nursing home at night so my instrustors thought I didn't need leadership instrustion. WRONG!!!! Also, check out the classifieds of your local paper. Most of the ads ask for a BSN!!!!!! Good Luck!!!!