Do you get criticized for pursuing a BSN?

I'm not trying to open up the old ADN-vs-BSN can of worms, but I'm just curious.

I've decided to apply to a BSN program since I only recently decided to change my major to nursing and I already had most all the pre-reqs required. If I went the ADN route and then eventually decided to upgrade, it'd end up taking me a year longer than if I went for the BSN the first go around.

However, I've been getting lots of flack from friends/family who all think that I should go for the ADN. They say that nurses out there in the real world working will look down on, even dislike me for having done my BSN first. I personally think that sounds ridiculous, but what do I know?

So this isn't a down-with-BSNs or down-with-ADNs thread, I'm just wondering if anyone else has experienced this sort of input from those around you about your education choice(s)?

[iliel]

I'm going in today to look at a BSN program at a new Univ here and I've recieved nothing but support from my BF.

I've applied to the ADN program and if I get in then I'm just going to finish that out, but if for some reason I don't and I have to reapply for Spring then I might as well do the BSN.

[manna, BSN, RN]

Originally posted by iliel

I'm going in today to look at a BSN program at a new Univ here and I've recieved nothing but support from my BF.

I've applied to the ADN program and if I get in then I'm just going to finish that out, but if for some reason I don't and I have to reapply for Spring then I might as well do the BSN.

See, that's my philosophy - might as well do it now, it wouldn't take me any longer and the pass/retention rates for the program are about the same, or maybe a little higher than some of the other schools in the state (BSN and ADN).

I think that there are just some people in life who are going to be discouraging no matter what decision one makes. Must suck to have that kind of crummy outlook on life. LOL

Good luck Iliel, thanks for the reply! :)

[sagelola]

Absolutely Not! has anyone every given me flack for choosing BSN over ADN. Are any of your friends/family nurses who are saying that BSN's are looked down on?

From what I know (and please anyone correct me if I am wrong) a BSN MAY have more duties than an ADN. No, not really duties, I guess, but the chance that an ADN is a supervisor of a BSN I think is slim.

I think that some ADN's have issues with BSN's because maybe they "think they are better" (the BSN's, I mean). But in reality...neither is "better". The only difference is one has a Bachelor's degree and one has an Associate's. Other than that, I don't think it matters too much. I chose BSN because 1.) I want a Bachelor's, 2.) I want a Master's, 3.) I didn't want to go to school for 4 years and only have an ADN, when I could go for 5 years and have a BSN!

I have a friend who has chosen to go the ADN route. She is an employee at a local hospital, and also a member on this board (Hi, Carey!! ). She has chosen an ADN...but says that she may go back to school for a BSN at a later date. She takes part in a program geared for hospital employees where they get so many seats for their employees each semester. But, just because she will have an ADN makes her no less needed/knowledgable than me. It is a personal choice, I think...and your family should let you choose what you feel comfortable with.

[bigmona]

the only slack people give me is that they think i should be a doctor instead of a nurse. perhaps someday, but not now...

[AmyLiz]

No one I know gives a rat's patootie whether a nurse has an ADN or an BSN. An RN is an RN is an RN. The end, amen.

I, personally, am going the ADN route because it's the best fit for my life right now, financially and otherwise. I'll eventually get a BSN (or just shoot straight for the MSN since I've already got one Bachelors degree), but for right now, it's the ADN route.

[manna, BSN, RN]

Sagelola - I can see what you mean. I can just imagine the new grads that must come out so green and young - with superiority complexes - who don't give the nurses (regardless of education) who've been out there working for YEARS their credit due. The knowledge base that those gals/guys must have is amazing, methinks! :)

Thanks all who replied. I certainly don't think that any one degree is better than any other, and surely hope no one would judge me based on my educational decisions, just as I plan not to do so to others.

Like I said, that was just the feedback I was getting from some people locally (who honestly don't have much real life interaction with nurses anyway, now that I think about it), so I guess I'm just a little overly paranoid/stressed right now so that I make mountains out of molehills with my worry. :)

[LeesieBug]

Many people I know don't know that there are even different routes...they just think I am really slow for taking so darn long to become a nurse, when their other friends or family took a couple years!:chuckle

Really, I get a little of everything. Some don't know the difference, some say "why bother?", and others think its just peachy. Doesn't bother me one way or the other, since I chose this route for my own benefit.

[Rapheal]

I don't think any nurse will look down on you for having your BSN. I really don't understand why anyone would try to discourage anybody for striving for a college education-regardless of the field they chose to go into. Take their criticism with a grain of salt and go with what works for you. :)

[treddrn]

Manna,

Just take whatever route which will allow you to start working faster. If it means, graduating sooner by doing the BSN program.....then do it. Forget about all the "hoopla" and think about what is best for you. I am sure you will like to start your career as a nurse and start receiving a check.

I just graduated with my ADN and will start my BSN in Feb. 2004. For me, I didn't have an option because there wasn't a BSN program close to me. So now I can start my BSN because I have the option now.

Hopefully, you will decide the shortest route to finish school and become a nurse. Let's say you decide to do the ADN and it takes you a year longer to graduate.....and something happens....then you have to wait on graduating and you may have regrets on your decision. Take care and finish school as soon as you can. There is a nursing shortage and we need you!! Good Luck!

[SirJohnny]

Manna:

- No one is going to say crap about whether you have an ASN or BSN.

- Personally, if you have the time and ambition, I say go for the BSN. If you get decent grades, then go for one of the nursing specialties, or your masters degree in nursing.

- In addition, if you decide to leave the nursing field, the BSN will carry some weight (as opposed to the ASN), when applying for other work (like sales or non-nursing management). Lots of companies outside of nursing want to see a BS degree (just to get in the door), so getting one will definitely help.

John Coxey

[kimmathis14]

I would say go for the bachelor's nothing wrong with the ADN, but if you already have 2 years under your belt, it seems like you would just be doubling up on classes. You will have to complete 2 years anyways, why not get the bachelor's? If you ever plan on going for a Master's to sepcialize, it will already be under your belt to move directly into that. In my case, I already spent soo much on my first bachelor's that it would be crazy for me to spend $25,000 (average) for an accelerated bachelor's. It seems like we are lucky in the sense that there are soo many educational vehicles out there to become a nurse, ADN, BSN, accelerated, direct entry Master's it is great. You end up with the same result becoming an RN. It's with getting the Master's certifications, degrees that cause you to rethink what degree you are pursing to become an RN. I have only heard ADN complaints from nurses that I know that have been in the profession for 25+ some years. The education and training has changed soo much from when they first started, they tell me, "There is no way someone can be properly trained to be an RN in one or two years!" They just had a different experience in learning. Good luck to you in whatever you decide!