New Grad ADN vs BSN w/No Experience

[Maverickm808, ADN]

So I'm a student graduating with an ADN. I plan on completing a BSN as quickly as possible. But I was wondering if you guys noticed a difference in ability or preparedness for new grad ADN VS BSN with no prior experience. Ive heard some say ADNs get more clinical experience and are better, or some say BSN are less likely to make mistakes. We all take the same nclex. Have you guys noticed or heard of a difference?

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

Only in ability to land a job in some areas, especially if glutted with new grads, and/or magnet hospital. I was ASN grad, now BSN for 12 yrs, and not much different. Many threads on this. Not gonna beat a dead horse!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I haven't noticed a difference in workplace performance between the two different types of degree holders.

As mentioned previously, the nurse with the BSN degree has the advantage during the pre-employment process, especially within organizations that prefer or mandate new hires to have baccalaureate degrees.

[Blue Robin]

Hospitals and their hiring process are becoming real pain. There is really no difference, in reality the best education is the diploma nurse and they are getting rid of diploma programs who's schooling is at a hospital.

ADN nurses have more clinical experience therefore can handle real life situations better whereas BSN nurses do take clinicals but in addition must take more theory courses and having a BSN is supposed to help in promotion espcially working in supervisor roles.

[nursel56]

I don't think that question has ever been settled one way or the other. My general perception is that it depends more on differences between one program and another. I think the debate becomes irrelevant very quickly, because the skills a brand new nurse may have done in clinical are not geared toward a specialty, are usually done once and checked off, and a nurse's overall rate of survival is dependent on things like time management, communication skills, and awareness of fluid situations where rapid assessment and intervention may be required.

With the job market as it is though, getting your BSN as soon as possible is the wisest strategy. All the best to you!

[windsurfer8, BSN, RN]

You are looking at it wrong. ABILITY is not the point....It is the piece of paper. You must understand liability, lawyers, and money..that is what the USA is all about. Magnet hospitals that hire only BSNs..can charge more for the "better" care basing on education level. Certain jobs REQUIRE a BSN...it has nothing to do with "ability". If you want certain jobs..you need a BSN..you want grad school..you need a BSN.