Not Sure Whether to Pursue a BS or ADN Degree.. currently have BS degree

[MleeC81]

I am looking at my options to getting into nursing school. I already have a significant amount of school loan debt due to obtaining a BS degree in Nutrition Science and an AS degree in Business Administration. As opposed to pursuing the RD, I am looking at utilizing my resources in going for nursing.

There are two programs in close proximity to the area. One is a ADN program at a community college. The other is a BSN program that is especially designed for people that already have a bachelor's degree in something else. The ADN program is a good bit cheaper than the BSN program. I have contemplated just pursuing that instead of spending the extra money for the BSN program which is at a university.

I've heard opinions on both end of things. Some say just go for the less expensive education as the RN is an RN independent of what degree one has. Others have stated that with the ADN I would have trouble finding employment or possibly have trouble getting promoted to positions. I have also thought about the possibility of eventually pursuing the Nurse Practitioner route, and I'm not sure if the BSN is a requirement to do so.

Any insight is appreciated.

[akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P]

Having a BSN isn't the only ticket to becoming an NP. You will need much the same preparation as a BSN would, though. Also look at your local market and see if primarily BSNs are being hired/sought. Also look into "traditional" BSN programs vs an accelerated BSN program. The accelerated programs are typically much more expensive than a traditional program.

Only you can really decide what's ultimately in your best interest.

[FLboundBSN]

For me, coming into nursing as an adult and not out of high school, I looked at all the options. I knew I was going to get a BSN because of the research I did online as well as talk to nurses. I got the requirements for the BSN from the school I thought I would go to. I started taking the prereqs for the ADN along with a BSN class. When it came time to start at the community college or start nursing at the four year university, I chose to stay at the community college, get my RN, work and continue my BSN online. That decision was mainly due to cost but also convenience of the school location.

Depending on where you live, I would research hospitals and see if they hire ADNs. Some hospitals in my area won't even look at you unless you have a BSN. Others will hire an ADN with the commitment to get a BSN within five years. You need to do what is right for you but I am happy with my decision on the path I took. I graduated in May and took my state boards last week and am an RN. I have applied for jobs and let them know I am almost done with my BSN. It's not impossible, so do your homework and make the decision that is right for you. I wish you the BEST on your journey. It has been by far, the most challenging endeavor I have ever encountered!

[NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN]

I had 24 years of nursing (LPN) experience with the majority of that being in acute care (hospitals) when I returned for and received my RN. Hoping to branch out after passing the NCLEX back in 2010, I heard the same story directed towards some RNs as I heard during my LPN years: "you're just an associate-degree RN; we want BSNs. My years of hospital experience didn't matter one bit...I didn't have a BSN then, so no new job. Of course each area is different. I have a BSN now (still waiting on the diploma to arrive in the mail) because that's the flavor of the month...much like the rotary dial phone-turned-pushbutton-turned-pager-turned-cellphone-turned-skype-turned-FaceTime. (You get the gist of what I'm saying).

It reminds me of a very few short years back when television went digital. My dad was so upset with having to part with his rabbit ears antenna. But he still watches that big, wooden, floor model TV set right today, in that very old recliner (not gonna part with either of those) while his wife watches a small flat screen in a white leather reclining sectional.

Go go for the BSN since you already hold a Bachelor...in Science nonetheless. It will save you time and money as many of those credits are sure to transfer. More importantly, it will save you the grief of having to return to school yet again when that BSN move hits your area.