confused student

meredith · Sep 11, 2000

Hey, I just started the BSN program and I think that would be your best option. It allows you to do more with your degree, you can later go back and get your masters, and the pay scale is better. I have really enjoyed the program so far; I really think I am learning so much. There is less clinical experience with the BSN program, but overall the BSN program teaches you more. The BSN program does the whole nine yards, while assosciates mainly does the basic nursing skills.

Emily K · Sep 11, 2000

Ms Manicure,

Hi! I was just in your shoes about a year ago. I chose the BSN degree. I personally think that this is the better way from the start. The BSN degree allows you to advance to a higher degree if that is your desire. Even if that is not your plan right now, having a BSN degree would make it easier if you decided to do so. So many RN's are returning to get the BSN degree. It allows you to work in administrative areas also. In general, you get a more well-rounded nursing education with the BSN degree. I am very happy with my decision. I hope everything works out for you!

feminist nurse · Sep 11, 2000

I first got an ADN. Then years later when I was considering a BSN, I watched my collegues come out of BSN programs only domesticated to the system. In other words, POWERLESS and CLUELESS!

Yea!! just what we need now. More domesticated nurses.

I opted for a BS in sociology with a concentration in women's studies. AND THAT HAS MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN MY LIFE! I became educated not domesticated. And for that I am eternally grateful.

But for a young nurse, everyone says BSN. But I have an RN friend who is getting her BS in finance. She says that financially, getting a four year degree when you can make as much money as with a 2 year degree is stupid.

Well, I agree that nurses need to continue their education. I've worked at the masters level. But the question is, WHAT KIND OF EDUCATION do we really need?

sperrow · Sep 20, 2000

I'm a nursing student in the 3rd semester of the ADN program here. My advice to you is to start with the ADN program. The reason is because there are so many branches and opportunities in nursing. The fact is, that BSN and ADN pay are about the same. So go into the ADN program and during clinical rotations, you may find a specialty that you want to go into. If so, then you can work as an RN while you get your BSN, and a lot of hospitals pay or reinburse your tuition. If not, well then you are finished with you education, unless you change your mind at a later date, and are making the same amount of money as you would have with a BSN, only sooner. I went into the ADN program knowing I wanted to be a nurse, but not knowing specifically what area of nursing I wanted to go into, or that there were so many positions that I didn't even realize existed. During my OR rotations, I fell in love with the operating room and knew that that is where I want to be. So when I graduate from the ADN program (Dec, 2001) then I am going to work as an RN and get my BSN. Then I am going for my master's in Nurse Anesthetist. In order to even get into the anesthetist program, you have to have a year on an intensive care unit. I plan on working up to that while I get my BSN.

But if you do know for sure that you are going to want to go farther than an ADN, you may not want to go this route, but straight into the BSN program. It all depends on if you know what you want already, of if you want to keep your options open and see other choices before you decide

One more thing, I read an earlier post that said the BSN program doesn't have as many clinical rotations and is more "well rounded". Let me tell you, if that is true then I HIGHLY suggest you start with the ADN program. The "basic" nursing skills are the most important thing you can learn as a nurse student no matter what area of nursing you may venture to later. How can a person be a nurse manager right out of school if they don't have the same clinical skills as the nurses they are going to be in charge of?

[This message has been edited by sperrow (edited September 20, 2000).]

joj · Sep 21, 2000

I graduated from an ADN program in 5-2000. Taking this semester off, and going back part-time in spring for my Bachealor's degree. A class at a time....My employer will pay my tuition and I buy books, no other obligation....Way cool, huh? Two year and four year nurses only make .25 an hour difference here, and we all have the same job classification. I work for the State, not private sector. It may be different elsewhere.

Originally posted by Ms.Manicure:
hi. I am a student about to enter the nursing quest. i still have some pre-reqs to go. i should be finished these classes by next june. if i am accepted into the program it won't be untill next fall. from then on it will take 2 more years. i want to know if ishould just get a bsn versus a associates rn degree?

babs_rn · Sep 22, 2000

Three years for an ADN may be the norm but it wasn't for me. I got mine in two. Had to go summers, but hey, so long as I got finished in 2 years. If I was going to go 3 years, I would have been just as well to go on for BSN but I didn't want to do that. I was 18 and in a hurry to get on with my life. If I WANTED to get my BSN now, I could do it and skip a year of nursing based on my experience so it would only take 2 additional years (WITH extra core classes, Lit, History, that kind of thing). With all that out of the way, it would only take a year to have a BSN. I'm just not interested in that and I'm glad now, 12 years later, that I didn't waste any more time than necessary. I'm now working on a BS in Construction and Contracting.

Anyway, good luck in your efforts. I don't encourage anybody to go into nursing ( I can't with a good conscience) but if you insist on it, I'll help any way I can. Passing the torch, I guess.

Babs