Is ADN the right choice?

Tweety, BSN, RN · Feb 17, 2005

Good luck. The ADN and the BSN don't offer much difference in salary. As you have found out, they both will get you an RN. I would think with a pysch. degree and a nursing ADN, you should be able to get into pysch nursing without difficulty.

Good luck.

elleon · Feb 17, 2005

Good luck. The ADN and the BSN don't offer much difference in salary. As you have found out, they both will get you an RN. I would think with a pysch. degree and a nursing ADN, you should be able to get into pysch nursing without difficulty.
Good luck.

Thanks a lot....one more thing i'm worried about is that i'm not sure if i have what it takes to be a nurse....and i'm not sure what to expect, i mean it'd be kinda dumb to spend 2 years to get an ADN and realize that i don't have what it takes or ..u know..... are you a nurse? Could you give me some first-hand information about what a typical day for a nurse is like? I know there are so many different kinds...like ER...and all that..just anything would help...thanks!

Tweety, BSN, RN · Feb 17, 2005

Hi, I'm a med-surg trauma nurse. We had one quarter (we were on a quarter system in my school) of pysch nursing, which I aced but hated.

Typical day hmmmmm.........assess the patients, medicate them, take care of their every single need from physical to pyscho-social. Helping them to help themselves, maximumizing their wellness. If that makes sense.

ERNurse752, RN · Feb 17, 2005

Try job shadowing a few nurses, including psych nurses if possible. That'll give you a first-hand view of what it's like. All specialities, hospitals, and people are so different, it makes it hard to get a good idea from word of mouth alone.

BETSRN · Feb 17, 2005

Thanks a lot....one more thing i'm worried about is that i'm not sure if i have what it takes to be a nurse....and i'm not sure what to expect, i mean it'd be kinda dumb to spend 2 years to get an ADN and realize that i don't have what it takes or ..u know..... are you a nurse? Could you give me some first-hand information about what a typical day for a nurse is like? I know there are so many different kinds...like ER...and all that..just anything would help...thanks!

Real nursing is NOT like the shows ER and SCRUBS. How about contacting one of your local hospitals and asking to shadow a nurse a couple of times in different areas? That's the way to see what nursing is like first hand. So many people get into nursing and then are disillusioned.

BTW, I had a non-nursing Bachelors degree and went back to a hospital program to get my RN. I have never regretted anything. I have gone on to get my RNC and become a Lactation Consultant as well. In most places, there is no difference in pay or status for ADN's or BSN's. You can always get your MSN later, no matter what route you take. get some good clinical skills and then move to psych if you wish (God love you as that is my LEAST favorite area).

Good luck to you!

elleon · Feb 18, 2005

That's true, i think i should do that. Should i do that after i got into a nursing program, because i don't think they would need someone who doesn't have any knowledge in that area.

Try job shadowing a few nurses, including psych nurses if possible. That'll give you a first-hand view of what it's like. All specialities, hospitals, and people are so different, it makes it hard to get a good idea from word of mouth alone.

elleon · Feb 18, 2005

I know real nursing is nothing like those tv shows, i'm just wondering how do you know if you can handle it? Should i ask for a shadowing opportunity before i get into a nursing program or...? People told me that if a person is scared of blood and all that kind of stuff...they shouldn't be a nurse. I don't think i've a problem with blood, but you never know until you are put in that situation, right?

And if you don't mind me asking, why is psych your least favorite area? I noticed that itnash also said she hated psych... :chuckle Well...i understand there's a high demand for nurses, and they get paid pretty good too.....i guess nursing and psychology are similar is some ways.....it'd be nice to combine these 2 things, so i have a higher chance to find a job and make some money, plus eventually move on to do something that i like, which is what most of you guys hated --> Psych....

Thanks for all the suggestions and advice. Good luck...i'll definitely come back when i have more questions! Take care!!

Real nursing is NOT like the shows ER and SCRUBS. How about contacting one of your local hospitals and asking to shadow a nurse a couple of times in different areas? That's the way to see what nursing is like first hand. So many people get into nursing and then are disillusioned.
BTW, I had a non-nursing Bachelors degree and went back to a hospital program to get my RN. I have never regretted anything. I have gone on to get my RNC and become a Lactation Consultant as well. In most places, there is no difference in pay or status for ADN's or BSN's. You can always get your MSN later, no matter what route you take. get some good clinical skills and then move to psych if you wish (God love you as that is my LEAST favorite area).
Good luck to you!

dazzle256 · Feb 18, 2005

That's true, i think i should do that. Should i do that after i got into a nursing program, because i don't think they would need someone who doesn't have any knowledge in that area.

I'm wondering if there is a way you could work as a tech in a psych unit. I've never worked in a psych unit so don't even know if its possible but it would give you a good insight into what you'd be getting into.

If not a tech maybe even a secretary on the unit. You can really pick up a lot doing something like that.

elleon · Feb 18, 2005

Btw, i guess i have never thought of it that way, i kept thinking that it's weird for me to have a bachelor's degree in psych and go back to get an ADN in nursing, i never realized that it might be an advantage :idea: too. I guess i might also be able to get into an MSN program after i got my RN without having to go back and get an BSN cuz i already have a bachelor's degree. Thanks a lot~~

Good luck. The ADN and the BSN don't offer much difference in salary. As you have found out, they both will get you an RN. I would think with a pysch. degree and a nursing ADN, you should be able to get into pysch nursing without difficulty.
Good luck.

hmarasco · Feb 18, 2005

I am going through the same thing. Zoology/pre-vet. The difference is I don't even know what the two you are talking about are? What are the differences? I think I am in more confusion than you.

elleon · Feb 18, 2005

That's a good idea too, but i just don't know where to start. I mean besides having to decide between ADN and BSN, i'm not sure which state i'd be moving to either :smackingf . I'm thinking CA and TX might have more opportunities cuz it's a bigger place with more diversity. I'm in the midwest now and planning to move somewhere else after i graduate.

I mean it'd be ideal to work or volunteer in a psych unit before i pursue more education, so that i know what i'd be getting into...but i wonder if it's that easy to find that kind of opportunity. I don't know anyone who's a nurse, but i'm glad that i found this site, cuz people here are really nice and helpful.

So what do you do, do you not like psych too cuz i noticed most people here don't like psych. Just curious~~

I'm wondering if there is a way you could work as a tech in a psych unit. I've never worked in a psych unit so don't even know if its possible but it would give you a good insight into what you'd be getting into.
If not a tech maybe even a secretary on the unit. You can really pick up a lot doing something like that.