Is it better to go to university?

shannon96 · Nov 11, 2012

Ps I am going to CNA school to kick start my dream

hodgieRN · Nov 12, 2012

A community college will give you all the skills you need to be a nurse. However, hospitals are starting to only hire BSN's in some areas. There is a large pool of BSN graduates these days. Both programs do a great job of preparing you. The BSN extends the RN by adding on nursing theory, community, management, research, and tons of scholarly papers (which isn't required to hold a staff position). But in the clinical setting, there's really no difference between an RN and BSN. Some units like the intensive care or ER might only take BSN's, but this depends on the city and supply of BSN's. It's honorable whether you have your RN or BSN.

queserasera, RN · Nov 12, 2012

I agree, an ASN will give you all the skills you need. I have many friends who have gone the ASN route and been more prepared for the NCLEX than some of my BSN friends. However, quality of education doesn't mean much if you can't find a job.

I was going to go the ASN route and after speaking with my aunt and her colleagues (who work at the #1 hospital on the east coast) I am now finishing my BSN prereqs to go to university. Besides the fact that I just want to say I have a bachelors, I've been told that while you can certainly be hired for a hospital or other job with an ASN, the BSN is the preferred degree that major hospitals are looking for. Also, if you ever want to move into a managerial position or want to go back for a masters degree it's best to just get the BSN.

Alternatively though, if that's what you can afford (and I definitely understand this as an issue) get the ASN work a few years (and I suggest using those nursing school clinical hours to make friends and network at the hospital for a job afterwords) and go back for an RN-BSN program. Whatever path you choose, Good Luck!!

hodgieRN · Nov 12, 2012

Alternatively though, if that's what you can afford (and I definitely understand this as an issue) get the ASN work a few years (and I suggest using those nursing school clinical hours to make friends and network at the hospital for a job afterwords) and go back for an RN-BSN program. Whatever path you choose, Good Luck!!

That's what I did. I needed to finish school and get a job asap. Worked a couple for years and went back for the BSN. I was planning on going back as soon as I got my RN, but life happened. There was no change in my clinical practice...because I already had tiger blood in the beginning and I was a winner!

havehope · Nov 12, 2012

This semester I started at a university. Next semester I will be transferring to a community college. Although I had a lot going on in my family I found I could not concentrate in big classes. My A&P class was 300 students! I loved the professor, but didn't feel comfortable. I am planning on getting my Associates and then go back and get my Bachelor's. Most RN-BSN programs are completely online which allows for you to work too (and not stress passing the NCLEX). Plus, you won't have as much debt as opposed to going straight for Bachelor's. However, I applaud those that went straight for a Bachelor's, I just know with the big classes and the amount of credits I would have to take to graduate in four years are extremely stressful for me (some can handle it). Best of luck to you.

Saysfaa · Nov 13, 2012

Employer preference for BSN is not nationwide.

The education is not the same - both will prepare you for nursing (assuming they are reputable and accredited programs) but BSN will require non-nurse related courses that ADN programs do not (things like Art appreciation, foreign language, more history, more sociology, more math, an extra English, etc).