I got my feelings hurt..by my OWN sister (adn vs. bsn)!!

Published

I have recently been accepted into the ADN 2 year program at OCTC. After graduation and children I plan on going back for my BSN. She (my older sister) asked me what exactly a ADN was b/c it certainly isn't an RN, b/c THAT is a BSN! I was totally shocked!!! My own sister!!!!! She said if she was a BSN she would totally be p-o'd if she had worked her butt off for 4 years then someone with a 2 year degree comes in and starts off doing the same thing as her. I told her that that would have been HER choice to go for the four years, not mine, and there should be no reason for her to be upset at her OWN choice in the matter. Don't ADN and BSN normally start off with the same salaries at the same job site?? They take the same test, so, why am I no better if I can pass the same test that a BSN takes?? Her comment was that I was just going to get enough schooling so I could "get by". I told her to my knowledge the pay is the same. Or atleast it is here where I plan to work once graduation! Anyway, she really hurt my feelings, making me feel that I wasn't as good b/c I won't have a four year degree. (she has her bach in early childhood and is working on her masters). Has anyone elses family or friends made them feel this way? What are your own thoughts on ADN and BSN whether you are one or the other?? THanks for letting me vent and thanks for any input!

Rebecca:o

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Good Morning!

ADN and BSN's make the same amount of money usually working side by side on the same floor.

This debate has been going on for centuries (not really but it feels like it and I've only been a nurse for 9 years). ;)

The advice I give people who are young and don't have kids is to get your BSN though. Although it is doable after you have kids, it is harder. A local young man has been wanting to be a nurse since he was in 10th grade and I encouraged him to attend a local university instead of a community college program. He leaves for school this Fall after graduating from high school two weeks ago.

Plus the experience of a well-rounded education at a 4 year college/university is something I wouldn't want to miss.

But ADN/BSN . . . we are both RN's.

steph

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Getting your ADN can be a great way to start your nursing career. And you are right in that, in most places, ADN and BSN graduates start their careers in the same jobs making the same salaries.

However, throughout your career, you will be confronted with the issues raised by your discussion with your sister. Many of the other professions you will work with as a nurse (physicians, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, etc.) place a high value on academic education as a requirement for advancement within their professions. Many people within the profession of nursing share those same values regarding formal education. Like it or not, without at least a BSN, you will meet people who will question your credentials.

Of course, you will find other people who don't believe that higher education is necessary. I suspect many will respond to this thread and advise you to tell your sister to "go jump in a lake."

I'm trying to avoid taking sides in the debate at the moment. But ... you do need to prepare for meeting many people in your life who will share the same beliefs that your sister expressed. You need to prepare yourself for working along side people who share those beliefs -- and working within a profession that is divided on the issue.

One last thing ... my older sister has her Master's in Early Childhood Education, so I know how sisters can "push each other's buttons." I hope you can work out your anger with her. I'd hate to see you lose a sister over this issue.

llg

Up Vote Up Vote ×

An ADN and BSN are both RN's. BSN's are preferred more often for administrative positions. But at the beside, the ADN and the BSN both have the same responsibilities, and where I work, make the same amount of money. Once you pass boards, you will still call yourself an RN. Don't let others upset you about getting the ADN instead of the BSN. You have to do what is right for you. I went for my ADN because it was quicker and cheaper than a BSN. Although, I would like to have my BSN, because I would like to teach someday, I am not at all sorry to have my ADN. We all have to start somewhere. Hang in there, work hard and someday you will call yourself an RN, whether you have an associates's or bachelor's degree. Good luck to you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am in my second year of ADN and I honestly think that BSN should be the entry because ADN is a total rip off credential-wise. It doesn't give credit where credit is due. It is not really a two-year program. You have to take so many classes to get there and then it is two more years of hard work...

I don't want to start a fight here, but getting a BSN doesn't seem like all that much more work to me, so why not do it? Actually, I have had ADN to BSN students tell me that the extra is a piece of cake to compared to the ADN program...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, Education.

Here is another plus to getting your ADN first. Most jobs will pay for your BSN after you have your RN. My husband was just telling me yesterday that he saw a story on the news stating that most young adults start their careers at least 20,000 dollars in debt, due to student loans. Why do that if you don't have to. I started out with only my ADN over 20 years ago, because that was all my dad would pay for, & because i was still living at home and my father was claiming me, i couldn't get financial aide. I went back years later for my BS, but it was paid for by my employer. Now, getting my BS didn't make me a better nurse, it just made me more marketable.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, Education.
I am in my second year of ADN and I honestly think that BSN should be the entry because ADN is a total rip off credential-wise. It doesn't give credit where credit is due. It is not really a two-year program. You have to take so many classes to get there and then it is two more years of hard work...

I don't want to start a fight here, but getting a BSN doesn't seem like all that much more work to me, so why not do it? Actually, I have had ADN to BSN students tell me that the extra is a piece of cake to compared to the ADN program...

.

I hear a lot of nurses say this now days, but I went to Purdue CAl back in in 1983 right after high school graduation, and i DID finish in 2 years, as did all my classmates that didn't quit or fail. I had my RN by age 20. It was a very tough program to get into, because they only accepted really good high school grades and PSATS due to the heavy workloads. They fully expected us to finish in 2 years, and if we couldn't keep up, we were out of the program and could then only take the pre-requs and be on a waiting list and only hope to get into the nursing program. In that program we took our pre-requisites along side the nursing classes. we went to school in summer as well. I was taking 17-18 credit hours a semester. It sucked because we had Anatamoy & Physiology and English 101 & microbiology, etc. at the same time we had our nursing classes and clinicals. Huge papers, assignments and care plans due all the time, while your studyng for tests and doing clinicals. Is this not an option now days? How can they call it a 2 year program if it takes 4 years?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Try going to school for four years and only getting a ADN ! I did way more credits than was needed for ADN, but just not quite enough for BSN. ( it was how the program where Im from was structured at the time.) Its revised now..........and many of the courses I have done is now in the BSN program. But I only have a ADN. Well who cares? Im not any dumber for it, even though it doesnt count.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

It sounds like your sister is hurt as well. You write that she is working on her Masters degree in Education. She has worked hard for both her degrees. However, she is probably obtaining a Masters degree because within the field of Education a Bachelors degree is treated like a High School Diploma. No one cares.

Those in the field only respect Masters-level people and above. If you are a PhD you are a god. In addition, it hurts her feelings and ego to know that when she uses her Masters degree, she will not be making more money then you will when you start working with only your Associates degree.

So to justify her choices and to cover her hurt feelings she has convinced herself (and tried to convince you) that you will not be a Registered Nurse. She thinks you will not be doing the same things or working in the same position of someone with a BSN. She is wrong. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Some facilities pay BSN prepared nurses a little more. Many only consider BSN for advancement. Some certifications require BSN. So there are reasons to get the education, but the degree does not necessarily make someone a better nurse. You are right, it is a choice and it was yours, not hers.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OR.

I agree that your sister is probably feeling a little jealous. I have had friends that graduated with a four year degree in psychology, english, etc. and they are unable to find a decent paying job and are working retail. Some of these same people looked down their noses at me because I was "going to be wiping butts all day". Another poster on this forum stated that she'd rather wipe butts than kiss them and she's right. I also just graduated with an ADN and will be getting my bachelor's paid for by my employer. Don't let anyone down play your achievements.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

"the adn/bsn debate has been discussed extensively here.

please see this thread which contains links to previous discussions and articles to assist in nursing papers as well as address other issues: adn vs. bsn for entry level nursing

please keep all future discussion on this thread. "

thank you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion