I need help!!! ADN VS BSN

pro-student · Apr 26, 2017

The BSN is always preferable so if you can swing it, that's the way to go. If you know that there is a good change of getting a job with an ADN in the area you plan to live after graduation then doing that can be a good way to get into practice sooner. I would still plan on finishing an RN-BSN program but if you can work while you finish the BSN that is a nice option. It's really only worth it if you are fairly certain you can land a job with an ADN, many areas are saturated with new grads and ADN are the first to get weeded out.

Best of luck!

Rivalicious · Apr 26, 2017

I'm a LPN currently working on my ADN. Pretty much as soon as I finish that I'll have to start working on my BSN, as it's the only way I can have the career I want. You can get a job as an ADN or even a LPN in most areas, but you will have lower pay and less job security. Hospitals are increasingly requiring BSN'so in order to obtain magnet status and I expect this trend to continue.

If I could do it over again I would go straight BSN. I do feel working as a LPN for 7 years has given me valuable experience that can't be taught in the classroom and there is an aspect of rising through the ranks (from CNA to LPN to RN to BSN) that I feel particularly proud of... but when all is said and done I will have been in school for 5 years by the time I get my associates (18 months for LPN + 2 years pre-req + 1.5 years RN) and I could have earned my BSN in that same time frame. Waste of time and money.

Destineyh · Apr 27, 2017

Right, I am definitely getting my BSN but I talked to a few nurses and they told me that ADN is the cheapest route and you start working earlier, and if you apply to a job and do not have a BSN at the time they will pay for you to pursue that....

I'm trying to go the cheapest quickest way, also trying to gain more experience.

llg, PhD, RN · Apr 27, 2017

It depends on exactly where you live. In some places, new grads with ADN's can get decent jobs that will help them pay for their BSN's. In other places, that is not true. You need to investigate the job situation in YOUR town, not everyone else's.

What types of jobs are available for new ADN graduats in YOUR town? If you are interested in those jobs, then that will be on OK route for you to go. But if you are not interested in those jobs, then you may regret going that route.

SaltySarcasticSally, LPN, RN · Apr 27, 2017

It really does depend on the area. I just graduated from an LPN-RN program with an associates but completed my BSN pre-reqs while doing my ADN. I have 8 core nursing classes left for BSN. In my area, they will still hire you w/ ADN but BSN needs to be obtained within 3 years. They are also starting to only hire BSN for critical care residencies, I will likely have to do a med-surg residency with an ADN.

Pianoplaya94 · Apr 27, 2017

You can always first get the ADN, then do an ADN - BSN program. You may be required to take a few extra courses before applying to the BN, but this is another option for you.

ukuleleCat · May 1, 2017

Apply to both ADN and BSN programs. If your GPA is low as you say, you may be disqualified for admission to most BSN programs anyway. In California, a low GPA will disqualify you from ADN programs as well because it's very competitive. It depends on specific school admission requirements. Go back to school and get the best grades you can. Once you have a GPA to work with, then you can determine what programs you will be eligible for.