How do you feel about ADN nurses?

LolaJay · Mar 21, 2005

It doesn't matter what class you're in, CNA/LVN/ADN/BSN, etc., it's the person you are. You can actually be intelligent and not have a degree!!!!
I'm an LVN and going into the ADN program. I love nursing and fully intend to pursue further for the sake of helping others - not to make a false impression or downgrade others for their lack of a title. I consider myself to be very sensible to talk to.
Who do you think you are????

There is always that one person that he "hellbent" on disrupting "homeostasis"

There will always be those people in the world hung up on their "TITLES" Closemindedness didnt begin in this forum, that is why people such as that are the ones pushing pencils behind their cubicles and not showing their true "compassion" out their helping people.

WhatToDo · Mar 21, 2005

Dear Stacy W,
This posting has most certainly opened the doors to numerous opinions. Let me add my opinion and then some facts. I am a Master's prepared nurse with 20 years of bedside (mainly ICU) experience. I started out as an aide, went on to nursing school (BSN) and then later finally finished my Master's. My experience and opinion is that you are a professional when you come to work, do your very best, give good care, present yourself appropriately EVEN WHEN YOU DON'T FEEL LIKE IT AND WOULD RATHER BE DOING SOMETHING ELSE. That's my definition of a professional, no matter what degree you have. Now, those of you who are posting that ADN's have more clinical are not well informed, so let me inform you. I have also taught at the ADN and BSN level and there is little difference in the number of clinical hours each program has BECAUSE these hours are dictated by the NLN and the state accrediting bodies. The number of clincal hours to didactic hours (hours in the classroom) is controlled very closely by these regulatory bodies and if your program is accredited you CAN NOT go beyond the established number of clinical hours to didactic, or you compromise your program's accreditation status. Been there, done that. So please be aware that when you are posting that you FEEL or THINK that ADN's/ASN's have more clinical hours, you are probably not being factual because in reality they simply do not have more clinical hours. Now, most ADN programs do however get their students to the clinical setting in a swifter fashion, therefore they begin working on their clinical skills sooner in their total educational experience. Stacy I have a feeling you will be a wonderful, professional and caring nurse no matter what educational route you have chosen. Best Wishes!

I couldn't agree more! In fact, I just compared the clinical nursing credits at the community college where I took my pre-requisites and the clinical nursing credits at my accelerated BSN program. The ASN program has 11 clinical credits and the accelerated BSN program has 15. Here are the links to the courses for each program if you're interested:

http://www.son.jhmi.edu/academic_programs/undergrad/accelerated/accelerated.asp

http://www3.austincc.edu/catalog/fy2005/degnurs01.rtf

And for those of you who think that accelerated BSN programs provide nurses with little clinical nursing experience, please be sure to read the introduction paragraph at the top of the Johns Hopkins page that states "The Accelerated BS in nursing option is a 13.5 month option which encompasses all of the components of the Traditional BS in nursing in a concentrated period of time. This option begins in June of each year and ends in July of the following year. The Accelerated student must be able to devote a great deal of time to academics due to the intensity. The number of clinical hours, the faculty, and the curriculum are the same as the Traditional."

Now, I'm not trying to say that any degree or program is better, I just trying to point out that every program and student are different. I'm sure someone could find a community college that gives students more clinical expereince than their local BSN program. Statements like "all BSN have less clinical experience" or "all accelerated BSN students are less experienced" seem to come from those who are a bit ignorant about these things.

Stacey - please do whatever fits your career choice best. If you desire to go into a certain area, see what sort of degree is required for that area. If you are still unsure about nursing as a profession, get a BSN or a bachelor's in something else. With the amount of life that is spent working these days, it never hurts to set yourself up for some variety.

mfroehle · Mar 23, 2005

My name is Stacy and i will be graduating in May with my ADN nursing degree. I was wondering what everyone thinks about nurses with ADN degrees? Do you think they should go on? Let me know what you all think.

A nurse is an R.N. when she/he takes state boards. I am an ADN with certification in OR nursing. I have worked with good and bad nurses, but found no difference when it came to the initials behind one's name. I am in middle management. One thing you can never do is become complacent with your knowledge. Strive to learn and never stop. I have had physicians state they prefer ADNs as we have more hands on experience. You can read a book to tell you how to do a procedure, but if you've never done it, taking the book to the patient's bedside is tacky! If you are young,I recommend getting a BSN after a few years of experience, as this will afford you more opportunity for clinical advancement in the future. I am a rare example with my degree, but have worked with the same institution for 30 years, 20 in the OR, and no my title is not "honorary". I have worked hard and continue to expand my knowledge every day. Peg Team Coordinator

iggynan · Mar 23, 2005

My name is Stacy and i will be graduating in May with my ADN nursing degree. I was wondering what everyone thinks about nurses with ADN degrees? Do you think they should go on? Let me know what you all think.

I have both degrees. It's an individual decision to go on. I will say that you don't really need the BSN, and certainly most employers don't recognize this in a monetary way. The Nursing Associations encourage further education. Personally, I feel the BSN program made me a much smarter and well rounded nurse. They offer courses in things like advanced pathophysiology and advanced pharmacology, therapeutic communication, community health and yes, even statistics and logic were of a benefit. My favorite course was nursing research. I wouldn't trade my BSN, I'm glad I completed it, even if it never really benefited in dollars and cents. :)

*PICURN* · Mar 24, 2005

What I did not mention was that I finished my BSN in one year via an accelerated program and I am, therefore, smarter than her.

wow that just shows how "smart" you really are :rotfl: :rotfl:

P_RN, ADN, RN · Mar 24, 2005

Once more.....Debate the topic. Check previous threads to see what has been coverered. Do not insult, flame, accuse or otherwise refer to your fellow posters. The degree debate has been going on at least since 1964 to my knowledge. Certainly most of what needs to be said has been said.

Thanks for your understanding.

PS *** used for an expletive is not allowed under the TOS. Surely everyone knows that too?

SmilingBluEyes · Mar 24, 2005

then, if "all that can be said has been said" how about we close the thread? I am sick of seeing people put down others' educational choices anyhow. It serves no purpose but to make us all look stupid and cause hard feelings at a time when much LARGER issues loom that threaten us.

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Mar 24, 2005

Seconding that close.