Wannabe Nursing Student Needs Help!

[wolfpackbaby]

Hello everyone,

This is my first posting on this,or any forum for that matter, so please bear with me while reading my novella. Ok, here's my dilemma, I am about to graduate from NCSU in December with two BS degrees, one in accounting, and the other in business management. However, I have always wanted to be a nurse, even before pursuing those degrees, and I only decided against it because of the (lack of) money. Now that I have decided that money can't buy you happiness (though it can provide a VERY nice down payment ), I would like to pursue a career in nursing.

Now, my problem is that many of my relatives see little point in my pursuing the ADN instead of the BSN. They refuse to believe that since I have absolutely NO interest in advancing into management or research, the ADN would probably be the best route for me. Based on my research, it seems that the more credentials you earn, the more of a chance that you'll get farther away from the hands-on patient care, which is what I would be most interested in. Even if I did decide to advance, it would be as a practitioner, and I have noticed that RN-MSN programs exist where I could earn a BSN and MSN simultaneously, should I decide to move away from being a staff nurse. I have also considered the accelerated BSN programs, but I would have to work while earning a nursing degree, so the expense in terms of time (away from a steady income) and money wasn't worth it for me to enroll in one of those.

Also, this is addressed mainly to NC nurses, though I appreciate all responses: My sister, in particular, does not believe that there is NOT always a [significant] pay difference between new BSN graduates and ADN graduates as staff nurses (in NC). She also refuses to believe that hospitals don't ALWAYS, under every circumstance, prefer BSN graduates to ADN graduates.

I'm soooooooooo sorry to be soooooooooo long-winded (it looks awfully long on this little screen here), but I really wanted help "proving my case", so to speak. (For all those out there thinking I should just go on w/o having to prove things to anyone; I'm the baby girl by 10 years, so I'm not "allowed" to make any moves that I can't back up!)

One more thing, I have read a couple of the ADN vs BSN discussions, and I promise, I'm not trying to start trouble, or resurrect that debate! I just want advice on my particular situation.

Thanks so much for any responses!

wolfpackbaby

[memphispanda, RN]

Well, I can only tell you what I have found from my experience in going back to school. I have a BA in social science. I am going to a diploma program for my RN. In my area, the pay is the same for all RNs regardless of the education they received--ADN, BSN or diploma. IF I should decide I would like to get my MSN, I can do that because I already have a BA, but they may require me to take 2-3 additional undergrad courses before starting grad courses. I called two MSN programs here and asked prior to starting the program I am in. Things may be different in your area. Try calling around to see what your options are. It may be that in your situation a BSN would take the same amount of time as the ADN--you already have 2 years of "crap" classes, and most BSN programs have 2 years of clinical classes...about what you would find in an ADN program.

[Agnus]

The general geographic area where I am makes no distinction between BSN or ADN as far as pay for staff nurse. The general feeling is the ADN graduates with better clinical skills already under her belt. But the BSN does catch up.

The course of study is different and BSN is designed to perpare you for commuity nursing and beginning management. However, there are probably more ADNs doing commmunity nursing than BSNs and Breaking into Management is a matter personal drive.

I am an ADN working on my BSN. But I do not expect a raise when I get my degree. I don't expect even a blink from anyone once I have achieved it.

My Direct of Nursing has an ADN. I work on the floor with BSN nurses who work under our ADN administrator.

As far as moving away from the bedside with a higher degree, again it is a personal decision. I know many masters prepared nurses who are staff nurses.