Curious about ADN vs ASN

[PurrRN]

Okay, so this is probably not as important as some of the other topics discussed on our board, but I've got to say that it's been kind of bugging me for a while, so I thought I'd throw it out to hear what others have to say.

My best friend and I are both nursing students. She in NJ and I in MO. We talk quite a bit about our studies and what's going on in clinicals etc.

She is attending a 6 semester ADN program.

I'm attending a 4 semester ASN program.

She has 8 hours of class twice a week.

I have 3 hours of class twice a week.

She has two 8 hour clinicals a week.

I have one 10 hour clinical a week.

This is my second semester and I've already started IV's (or attempted in some cases :imbar ).

She won't start IV's until next semester which is her 6th.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining about the lack of BS in my program as opposed to hers, I guess I'm just feeling a little less prepared to be a nurse in my program than it seems she is in hers.

I know programs differ, I just didn't think there would be so much of a difference between programs that are generating entry level RN's.

Anybody have any info, thoughts, insight or advice to share? Like I said I'm just curious about all this. Not looking to start a flame war or anything.

By the way, my NS is an accredited school, so at least that's not part of the problem.

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

ADN and ASN degrees are the same degree.

Associates of Science in Nursing = Associates Degree in Nursing. SAME degree.

Program specifics vary, but you should be equally prepared for the same exam. Perhaps her school has 6 semesters because it includes courses that your school considers pre-requisites? A two-year degree, however long it may take because of those pre-requs, is still a two-year degree (Associates). You'll both have the minimum required of lectures and clinicals to be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN in the end. Some schools go ABOVE this, but none can go the minimum and still be accredited.

For what it's worth, many schools don't have IV starts as a component at all: mine didn't, as we crammed in far too much already; the hospitals teach it to new grads upon hire. Not even an issue for NCLEX.

[PurrRN]

I thought an ADN denoted diploma nursing. Thanks for clarify for me. However my initial post about the differences still stands. She gets 2 more semesters than me but upon graduation I'm supposed to know that same?

I fully realize that we SHOULD be equally prepared for the same exam.

The difference between the two just seem odd to me is all I'm saying.

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

Thread moved to Registered Nurses: Diploma, ADN or BSN? forum.

[PurrRN]

Thanks for your insight RNsRWe. I didn't realize that not everyone gets IV training in school. See? I'm still such a newbie, I didn't know that!

[caliotter3]

There were a lot of things that we were prevented from doing during our final preceptorship clinical semester which, as far as I am concerned, put us at a disadvantage in being ready for work. The school and instructors obviously were limiting their supervisory responsibilities and liability issues. There were other issues and examples which I won't elaborate on.

The differences in programs that you describe usually are not known to students before they enroll. In today's atmosphere, most people are just happy to get accepted into any program. I was told about the reputation of one program, by, of all people, my dad. I used the info he told me when I made my decision because in talking with others who had direct experience, I found out that my dad was pretty close to correct.

No program is going to prepare you completely. You are supposed to be prepared to give safe and effective entry level nursing. You will find that you will learn a lot on the job, not all of it by the book, like in school. You need to be receptive to your co-workers and willing to ask questions and show initiative. Acting in a timid manner and expecting to be spoon-fed, usually will bring negative reactions from those around you. You will also find that some are more willing to help than others, and who to avoid bothering. Do not dwell on any feelings that you may be getting short-changed. Thirty years after you have been on the job, you can still be learning new stuff! Good luck to you.