Experiences with different degree levels

[trenadamm]

I am currently enrolled in a straight BSN program. Grad date 8/14.

I have people I know who are ADN's who are telling me that it's not that big of a deal to have to BSN over the ADN since most employers are only looking to see that you have a license. I have heard from this extreme all the way to that they look at your grades down to the classes and what you made in each class.

I would love to hear from a RN who has worked as an ADN and then has continued on to get their BSN and is now working as a BSN.

I would like to know how this helped or hurt you and any other thoughts you have on the situation.

If anyone has moved onto their Masters, I would love to hear about that as well, since I have entertained this idea.

I live and will be working in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, so this might be a factor in your thoughts, since I know major cities may look at these things differently.

Thanks,

Trena

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Well I started as an LPN, then ADN, then BSN, MSN, etc... When I did the LPN and ADN it was no biggie. I only did the BSN because my hospital was going Magnet and they were really pushing for BSN nurses. Didnt make me a better nurse. The MSN and post-MSN certificates that I did, did make more competent and knowledgeable. However, I dont see a difference in bedside performance of an ADN versus BSN educated RN.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

OK - began (second career) as LVN (try it out before making a bigger commitment) then BSN, then MSN then EdD....

Lots of my fellow BSN students were ADN & Diploma nurses. The additional course work in leadership, research, systems thinking, and nursing theory did not seem as though they were that 'important' because they didn't really have any immediate application to practice for most of us. However, the additional emphasis on communications, team/collegial practice, continuum of care & additional information on health care legislation/reimbursement & models of health care DID have an impact. Because they either provided more insight into why administrative decisions were made or helped change our personal attitudes about working with others to deliver care. It did not make any difference in technical skills.

The most noticeable practice difference was at MSN. It was at that point where I (and others I have spoken with) really "got it" - what nursing is really all about & how we are different from other health care professionals. We became much more nurse-centric with much clearer understanding of how to strengthen & improve the nursing work environment as well as our own nursing practice, no matter what specialty area we worked in.