Does RN-BSN programs have more "old" people???

Pneumothorax, BSN, RN · Dec 9, 2011

all depends. some people do their adn and jump right into rn-bsn program. some are older.

its nice having older students. esp. if they are seasoned RN's..lots of knowledge and experience to learn from :)

NewSN13 · Dec 10, 2011

In my BSN program, it's pretty evenly divided between us old folks and the younger, first time college students. I've made a lot of great friends in my program and age doesn't seem to be much of an issue - the fact that we're going through this craziness together is a much stronger bond than anything else.

JBMmom, MSN, NP · Dec 10, 2011

My ADN program seems to be about 50% of us old folks. I would think that BSN programs might have more traditional age students as many of us in the community colleges program are balancing work and families along with school. Of the BSN clinical groups I've interacted with, most have been younger students.

FineAgain · Dec 10, 2011

Uhhhh.... I like to think of myself as enjoyable. Certainly my friends in nursing school think I am. They think I am funny and smart and a good friend. And yes, I am "old" and they are not. I'm in a BSN program. Dean's List, 3 semesters.

Streamline2010 · Dec 10, 2011

Probably BSN on-campus (some university with dorms)will have more 18-22 year olds. Diploma schools, community colleges, and other commuter schools are going to get a higher % of older and nontraditional students. That's my guess, anyway.

ChelseaLynn1623 · Dec 10, 2011

So, I've never actually understood this thought process, perhaps you could help me out. Why would anyone, when given the option, pursue an ADN over a BSN? Now, that being said, I am currently in and ADN program but I just finished a BS from a university. My reasons for attending an ADN program were that I could begin immidiately and not have to wait a year to be eligible for a bachelors program.

As an, I'm assuming, first degree student, why not go for the BSN straight away? From what I understand, most, in not all, community college nursing programs require a rather lengthy list of classes to even qualify for their program. In my area, most people seeking an ADN usually end up spending 4+ years getting their degree (after all prerequisites then subsequent nursing coursework).

So, basically, why WOULDN'T you get a BSN straightaway? :confused:

Cuddleswithpuddles · Dec 10, 2011

So, basically, why WOULDN'T you get a BSN straightaway?

I was about to share my experience about going LVN, ADN then now applying to BSN but I don't think I fit into the "first degree student" type you were asking about.

If I could go back in time, I probably would have advised my 18 year old self to go for a BSN right away. I totally see your point about the cons of going the ADN route. Then again, it took becoming a LVN then ADN RN to pursue a BSN with readiness and conviction. I have a good sense of where I want to go, how to integrate the textbook knowledge into real life and now have the ability to pay for it all without going into debt. I know that if my 18 year old self entered a BSN program, I would not have these things.

But these are just idle musings out of personal experience. :lol2:

Cuddleswithpuddles · Dec 10, 2011

So I am debating on whether or not to take an ADN route and then get my BSN directly after; or take a route directly for the BSN. Among other considerations, I was wondering which route had a more younger crowd to match my age (I'm 19) as I think it would make my experience more enjoyable.

I have found it far more enjoyable and productive to study with the older students in my LVN and RN classes. They took things more seriously, panicked less and had a stronger conviction in what they were doing than most people my age. I feel lucky and elevated to be friends with them.

All of my nursing classes have been a very eclectic mix of traditional students on the younger side, nontraditional students of all ages and second career students in their 30s and beyond.

My suggestion is to emphasize those "other considerations" far more than the age group of your classmates.

ImThatGuy, BSN, RN · Dec 10, 2011

I actually did some research on this topic to make a presentation, and I concluded that a straight forward BSN program is faster and cheaper than the RN-BSN program.

The catch is if you live in an area where there's some difficulty in getting into a program. If you only get into an ADN program then take the spot and roll with it. Don't wait.

I personally wanted to do the ADN program then the online program offered there for RN-BSN. (I already have a bachelor's degree.) My reasoning was that they ADN folks only take one or two classes in a semester (Easy!) while the BSN groupies take around four nursing classes with an emphasis on papers, presentations, etc. The ADN program was full up so they took me into the BSN program, and here I am today with one more semester.

I've enjoyed it because a lot of the ADN teachers are Nazis while most of the BSN teachers are pretty laid back/hands off. We do have to do more papers, presentations, and that type of thing, but I did those in college before and in the workplace. Fortunately, we have about five less clinical days each semester than the ADN kids.

Student_nurse_SMC13 · Dec 10, 2011

go right for the bsn. if you are going to do it anyway why wait? and it will be a younger crowd. the traditional 4 years of college bsn right out of hs. (ages 18-22)

Bob_N_VA · Dec 12, 2011

So I am debating on whether or not to take an ADN route and then get my BSN directly after; or take a route directly for the BSN. Among other considerations, I was wondering which route had a more younger crowd to match my age (I'm 19) as I think it would make my experience more enjoyable.

Sorta makes me wonder how you are going to relate to all those "old" patients. Maybe you can find a hospital that only accepts patients in your chosen age range... :clown: