I Need Help Choosing!

WannaBNursey, ADN, ASN, RN · Mar 17, 2012

I've heard that BSN's get more leadership roles, but besides that, I haven't seen that there were more work opportunities for BSN's over ADN's. I know that some hospitals are having their ADN's get their BSN, but in my area that's only 1 hospital out of 4. I don't know the market in Arizona or California though. It might be different. If you can just go straight for your BSN, I would. Depending on your nursing program, an ADN can take longer than a BSN, because the prereqs usually take two years regardless of whether you're at a 4 year or 2 year school. It's going to take me almost 5 years to get my ADN, but it would have only taken 4 years for my BSN (the closest school is over 50 miles away, so I opted to do the ADN first).

AlyseB · Mar 22, 2012

I think that you should continue to pursue your ADN degree. Upon completion of the ADN program, if you feel that a BSN would better suit your career choice then you could go back for that degree. Where I am from ADN to BSN would only take 3 semesters to complete. It all depends on what type of nurse you would like to be and the department you prefer to work. A nurse with a BSN has more leadership opportunities, and they are mostly likely promoted to a higher position such as Head Nurse or Nurse Manager. Getting your ADN first is a good idea: You will be a Registered Nurse after passing the NCLEX(which is the same exam BSN would take) and most ADN and BSN nurses are paid the same. Also, most hospitals will pay for their ADN nurses to get their BSN. (which is a great perc)!

My advice is to follow your first mind ,and do what is best for you. You are young and have plenty of time to make your final decisions.

asark3 · Mar 22, 2012

hey I'm currently in the same situation as you are, age and current college, I'm just curious to see what path are you taking and your plans and what not as it would help clear my thoughts a little bit.