comparing ADN to BSN

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi, I have been planning to take all my pre-requisites and then transfer to the university to complete my BSN. I found out that I have more pre-reqs still left to do than I thought. I will have to go full time for 3 semesters and then the 3 year program to get my BSN. My husband is going to shore duty in February and he will switch back to sea duty 3 years after that. If I go for the BSN, I will have 2 more semesters to finish when he transfers. Plus, my son will be nearing high school graduation. I am thinking now of doing the pre-requisites for the ADN program, going there, and then doing an online RN to BSN program after I work for a year or so. Then I will finish the whole nursing school while my husband is on shore duty. I was just wondering if any of you could tell me how much difference there is in pay and responsibilites between the ADN and BSN RNs. I know there is more variety as far as types of nursing jobs available to BSNs and that is why I haven't given up on pursuing that. I am planning on working in a hospital though. Also, one of the specialties I have considered going into is surgical nursing. Is that possible for an ADN RN? Any information would be greatly appreciated. I have an appointment to speak with a counselor on Monday and I posted this question on the Student part of this site, but was curious to hear from people who are already nurses too. Thanks. -Kimberly

Kimberly,

From what I've seen, the RN/ADN grads do pretty much the same jobs, with usually the same rate of pay, when in the clinical arena. It's a good way to get into the profession, at this time. If the academians have their way, it will eventually go by by. For now the shortage of nurses give you a number of options that are all OK.

Follow your dreams. Do the one that is best for you now, and plan for your future. Go for it, You can get there from here.

just my $ .02

ken :devil:

Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

Good answer. Good luck Kats, you sound like you have it well in hand.

Specializes in Community Health Nurse.

Ditto to what Ken and P_RN have said to you, Kats!

As for an ADN being allowed to work in Surgical Nursing? Of course! I am an RN who holds An AAS Degree in Nursing and for years I worked as a Surgical Nurse.

A RN's degree does not have anything to do with what clinical area she/he will work in. Management positions may often times require a BSN minimum, but that isn't even true in a lot of hospitals still.

Don't be afraid to go through an AAS degree nursing program. There are far too many of us for them not to be grandfathered in even if the entry level of BSN does become law. "The Powers That Be" would only be cutting off their own noses if they were to delete the millions of AAS/ADN or Diploma Grad RNs from their payrolls. We aren't THAT wealthy of a nation to even "go there"! Best of luck to you in whatever you decide on! :)

Sounds like you have a good plan, Kats, good luck to you!

The only thing I could add is don't be tempted to let any time lapse going for that BSN when you're ready, because time limits may cause BSN programs to reject transfer credits...I always meant to 'finish up' but life has a way of interfering...now I would have to repeat most courses. Sciences expire after 5 years, etc and they keep adding more course requirements, etc.

So...get your ADN ...there's a bedside shortage and we NEED ya.....then IMMEDIATELY begin working on that BSN for future options...that's my advice.........Best wishes! :)

Work in large urbal hospital -- included in the top 50 hospitals in the country. ADN nurses are absolutely hired as new grads in many specialities including surgery, med-surg, etc. Pay rates are essentially the same for ADN & BSNs -- BSNs may make a small amount more. I completed my BSN within several years of working. If I were to do it again (well, actually, I'd have been a teacher but that is another story) I'd go straight for the BSN. There are more doors opened for BSNs.

We all come from different backgrounds, have different life experiences to bring into our practice. Whether we are diploma grad, or have an ADN, BSN, MSN, etc., we are all nurses who need to work together. I couldn't tell you who some of the ADNs or BSNs are on my floor & I really couldn't care less. Proper entry level for NURSES? -- any dedicated, intelligent nurse who can prioritize, apply strong theory to clinical situations, and a team player. Period. Do what's in your heart.

Peace.

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