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)?
I honestly think the route you take is specific to what you want to do. I am getting a BSN because I plan on going on to be a nurse practicioner one day. So, I will need it. But some people dont. It is a personal preference.
I think that is absolutely rediculous! What people are telling you just doesn't make any sense! Why would someone lood DOWN at you for having a higher degree??
You guys obviously haven't heard the joke that BSN stands for bull sh** nurse. You will meet people who think that the BSN program does not prepare new nurses well.... but you'll also probably meet people who think Elvis is alive. I think MOST people couldn't care less whether you have an adn or bsn.
The main reason why I chose the BSN route was because the waiting list was much shorter. I took me a semester to get in the BSN opposed to a 2 year wait list at a CC. Also, I have a feeling that if I did take the ADN route, I would have procrastinated to get that additional year.
No one's ever asked me what program I'm in. When I graduate, I'm just going to tell people I'm a nurse and have "RN" on my nametag, not "RN, BSN" and simply let the quality of my work speak for itself if not the correctness of my grammar...
Just do what you think is right for you...screw what other people think or will think. They arent in your shoes and what does it matter to them and why should you care? Just do what you feel is right for you. I'm in an ADN program but will be going into a BSN right after. What other people think will have no effect on my decision what-so-ever.
If I am looked down upon for having my ADN or BSN or MSN... then maybe I should look down upon the people looking down on me for being shallow and narrow minded. Just a thought. Do whats best for you. :)
Just do what you think is right for you...screw what other people think or will think. They arent in your shoes and what does it matter to them and why should you care? Just do what you feel is right for you. I'm in an ADN program but will be going into a BSN right after. What other people think will have no effect on my decision what-so-ever.
If I am looked down upon for having my ADN or BSN or MSN... then maybe I should look down upon the people looking down on me for being shallow and narrow minded. Just a thought. Do whats best for you. :)
I like the way you think, Jim - no politically correct prison for you! Unfortunately it is the nurses where I work with the remarks, and therefore I can't necessarily get into a contest of sorts with them. It's not really looked down upon, it's more comments on how stupid it is for someone to get their BSN and spend all that money when the local CC has "better" training. Of course, it's always been the LPNs and ADNs with the comments, never the BSNs, but BSNs where I work are only in mgmt, not floor.
Here's something I just remembered. When I first started out with this whole nursing thing a year or two ago I was at UNLV...I had a nurse say to me why don't you just get your ADN. When I looked into it and saw that it was less time AND a BETTER program I switched. (higher grad rate, higher NCLEX pass rate and held accredidations longer)
This isn't the case for a lot of ppl here. Believe me, ppl have NO IDEA that nursing schools (ADN) have 2 year wait lists and more competion than most BSN programs (for any number of reasons, cost, quicker, etc) They see 2 year college and they think 2 years but as we all know it's not.
We have to forgive the ignorance of most ppl who don't understand how nursing schools work. Many also don't understand that even though you are in a school, that you still have to apply to nursing school.
Just do what you want and educated these ppl that yes, an RN is an RN....but you would like to have that BSN just in case something changes down the line (and BTW...I am NOT getting my BSN through UNLV, I'm looking into a new state school that only a year old)
Here's something I just remembered. When I first started out with this whole nursing thing a year or two ago I was at UNLV...I had a nurse say to me why don't you just get your ADN. When I looked into it and saw that it was less time AND a BETTER program I switched. (higher grad rate, higher NCLEX pass rate and held accredidations longer)
This isn't the case for a lot of ppl here. Believe me, ppl have NO IDEA that nursing schools (ADN) have 2 year wait lists and more competion than most BSN programs (for any number of reasons, cost, quicker, etc) They see 2 year college and they think 2 years but as we all know it's not.
We have to forgive the ignorance of most ppl who don't understand how nursing schools work. Many also don't understand that even though you are in a school, that you still have to apply to nursing school.
Just do what you want and educated these ppl that yes, an RN is an RN....but you would like to have that BSN just in case something changes down the line (and BTW...I am NOT getting my BSN through UNLV, I'm looking into a new state school that only a year old)
Yes, you are correct, it just gets weary explaining this over and over. After the explanation, I think they are sorry they even brought it up
Get your BSN. You will not regret it. I did the ADN to BSN route because I consider my practice a "career" instead of a "job" and I did not want to close any doors. Now I am in grad school and making more $ than my classmates from ADN program (who, incidentally, are still complainers rather than doers). And when people talk about the jobs being the same: that is true if you are a staff nurse. BUT my job now is quite different because I am no longer staffing. BSN's earn more $ at our facility, even if doing same tasks as ADN. We encourage personal growth. PLUS, patient outcomes are more positive with more BSN's in the mix (recent study by Aiken). So go for it!
Get your BSN. You will not regret it. I did the ADN to BSN route because I consider my practice a "career" instead of a "job" and I did not want to close any doors. Now I am in grad school and making more $ than my classmates from ADN program (who, incidentally, are still complainers rather than doers). And when people talk about the jobs being the same: that is true if you are a staff nurse. BUT my job now is quite different because I am no longer staffing. BSN's earn more $ at our facility, even if doing same tasks as ADN. We encourage personal growth. PLUS, patient outcomes are more positive with more BSN's in the mix (recent study by Aiken). So go for it!
Very well put! Thank you for talking about the patient outcomes. I've seen studies about the same thing many places but I don't remember where so I've never posted it.
prairiegirl
90 Posts
I honestly think the route you take is specific to what you want to do. I am getting a BSN because I plan on going on to be a nurse practicioner one day. So, I will need it. But some people dont. It is a personal preference.