Do I want an RN or BSN?

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MishlB

406 Posts

The statement STILL makes no sense.

camkib

259 Posts

Hi guys... I really just skipped past all of the disagreements...

I just wanted to say that when I decided to return to school for nursing I originally went looking for BSN programs as that was my goal during my first attempt at becoming an RN. But now I live in a different state and all of the BSN programs close to my home are RN to BSN, so I had to go ASN. It's going to take me three years total, but I'll actually earn two associate degrees. When I look at the fact that I'll have 2 degrees instead of one...it makes the 3 years a little more tolerable.

When I graduate I plan on going immediately to earn my BSN...It's supposed to take a year

When I add it all up...it's 4 years total-just like it would have been to go straight through a BSN program.

I know this is a touchy subject for alot of students...and RN's as well. But I think that everyone must do what is best for themselves and their situations.

Both programs give you the RN title and your only limitations are the ones you make for yourself.

nessa1982

145 Posts

Specializes in Peds, Pre and post op.

I kinda wish I had the oppurtunity to go to a BSN program right away but every califonia state university is impacted for nursing majors. I'm doing my ADN righ tnow and it will take me another 2 years to get my RN (Ive neen at it for 2 already). So if you can get into a BSN program right away go for it.

I am going to get my batchelors after I get my ADN but I dont know if Ill get in in nursing or not (I have enough units to trandfer to a university as a biology major).

Getting an ADN or BSN depends on the place your living, the time you have, your economic situation and other aspects so it kind of varies for everyone. :) I dont really think having a BSN makes you a better nurnse but having your BSN can open up doors for you and probably get you better pay. (well I hope so if I get my BSN) HTH : )

GayleD

11 Posts

One comment - I just started nursing school (actually I just got into the program that starts next fall but am in the process of finishing all the gen ed courses. I've been out of school for 20 years so there is a difference in our ages; however, some of my good friends who are nurses have told me that if you get your ADN you can still go back and get a BSN later on and usually, depending on where you live, your employer will pay for it. So: you got to school for 2 less years before you can work and then when you do return to school, you don't have to pay for it.

Good luck with your decision!

Nurse Izzy

129 Posts

I have a question - I already have a Bachelors degree in a completely unrelated field. I'm working toward an ADN and am planning to go on afterward to get my BSN (it'll take a year and a half through the two programs available near me and it's one day a week). Other than for pure pride in being able to say I have my BSN, is this necessary for career advancement? Would my prior BA degree suffice or does it have to be a BSN?

nessa1982

145 Posts

Specializes in Peds, Pre and post op.

Nurse Izzy, I think they have some programs where you can you your BA in whatever and use it to get your BSN. Its a bridge or whatever program. Ive seen them at differnt colleges and universities (Im in Cali so i checked out CA schools and I know UC sanfrancisco has one as does mt st. marys college). See what the colleges you want to go to offfer. Im sure they have something for it. HTH

essarge

1,250 Posts

ok...in through the mouth...out through the nose...in through the mouth....out through the nose.

Now that we are all calm, at some schools, you can get your BSN in two years (not accelerated), but you go to school year round. I will be getting mine in 2 1/2 years total because of this.

Diploma, ADN, BSN, all sit for the same NCLEX test. It's what is done with that education afterwards that matters. With some experience under your belt (should you decide on a bachelor's degree), you can move into management, administration or pursue your masters etc.

Just to let you know, almost all of us have been sitting on the fence as far as passing a nursing course, and some have even failed with a "D" (when in any other course it was a "C").

Carl Sandburg says it best .... "Nothing happens unless first a dream". Go for your dreams and don't stop until you realize them!

Nurse Izzy

129 Posts

Hey! I'm not sure what the validity of this is, but I've been told by some nurse friends that you get more "hands on" experience in an ADN program whereas in a BSN program it's more book learning/theory.

Elizabeth

WashYaHands

455 Posts

I think there are several things to consider when looking into any nursing program, whether it's an ADN, Diploma or BSN.

Your personal finances and your resources to pay for tuition.

Your personal life situation.

Your short term career goals.

Your long term career goals.

Read the mission statement and philosophy for the programs you're considering. Is it compatible with your personal ideology?

Find out what the curriculum is for programs that you're considering. Will these courses be of interest to you during your studies? If not, your attitude will affect your performance.

Find out the NCLEX pass rates of the programs you're considering. It is not always true that one degree has a better pass rate than another across the board. It truly depends on the school of nursing, not the degree.

Look into the number of clinical hours offered with each program. Again, it is not always true that one degree program offers more or less clinical time. It depends on the school of nursing, not the degree.

Look at the school policies. Are they fair? Do you think you may have trouble adhering to them?

Just some thoughts from an RN. Best of luck to all of you in the path that you choose.

Linda

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