Nursing Degrees: The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Several mentally stimulating academic paths can result in a nursing diploma or degree. These pathways include the diploma in nursing, associate degree in nursing (ADN), bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), and the direct-entry master of science in nursing (MSN). This piece will explore the associate degree in nursing. Nurses Announcements Archive Article

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mlj8955

23 Posts

I am entering an ADN program this Fall, for me the decision was about cost. I was accepted into Duke's ABSN program but unfortunately I would have had to borrow every bit of the money. At my age (turning 59 this August) it didn't seem wise as Duke is very expensive. Without a doubt I would have been thrilled to have gone. However, I am proud to be going to a fine public community college, ACEN accredited, here in NC (College of the Albemarle).

Some observations from my previous two careers: My first career was in the USMC, I was an officer, NO ONE cared where you went to school (except Naval Academy guys) only if you could do your job. After retiring I spent 18 years in public education, half in Special Education classrooms and half in Administration. Again...NO ONE cared where you went to school only that you were good at your job. Honestly I didn't care when I hired teachers, I didn't care about their GPA's, Praxis scores etc. I only cared that they could teach and maintain order and that they genuinely liked kids. Now I may be in for a rude awakening, if so it won't be my first but I hope to find that NO ONE cares I have an ADN, only that I do a good job.

Commuter I always enjoy reading your posts! Thanks.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN

102 Articles; 27,612 Posts

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
nikkley said:
Do 2 year nursing degrees have any value these days?

My 2-year associates degree has been rather valuable to me. My yearly salary is in the high five figures. Most other 2-year degrees will not result in that kind of salary.

My best friend, who happens to be another holder of a 2-year nursing degree, is a director of nursing services over a skilled nursing facility and earns a six-figure salary.

So as long as your heart is not set on working in the acute care hospital, a 2-year associate degree in nursing can result in plenty of value.

excited1

561 Posts

Just depends on everyones interpretation of value. I personally don't place salary figures in the same category as value. What i hope to add to patient care and my role as a nurse is what i will value my degree/experience at.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN

102 Articles; 27,612 Posts

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
excited1 said:
What I hope to add to patient care and my role as a nurse is what I will value my degree/experience at.

Then again, I don't work for free. If my employer were to suddenly stop paying me for my contributions to patient care and my role as a nurse, I would look for another job in a heartbeat. My ideals are not lofty and my conscience is not that active. I'm not Mary Martyr. My identity is not wrapped up in my career.

An AA degree in English that has very little demand in the job market is less valuable to me than an AS degree in nursing that enables me to earn a comfortable living.

Specializes in Primary Care; Child Advocacy; Child Abuse; ED.

Where I live there is little difference in the pay of an asn compared to a bsn. We all had equal chances at the same jobs. I received job offers at every hospital I applied to. I think it really matters where you live :)

excited1

561 Posts

Camwill said:
Where I live there is little difference in the pay of an asn compared to a BSN. We all had equal chances at the same jobs. I received job offers at every hospital I applied to. I think it really matters where you live ?

Definitely!

goldenmom321

14 Posts

Really? Well I can now agree that an LPN program is harder than a BSN and a MSN is much harder than a PhD. I have 2 girls and it pained me to say that I will not encouraged them to become nurses. All the bickering and senseless academic competition is really disheartening. PAs and MDs have better working and academic relationships. SAD!

Delicate Flower

207 Posts

I am an ADN nurse and I have never worked anything but acute care, mostly ICU. I do have a BS and MS in other, related fields, but no BSN. I worked full time at my prior career, M-F while I went to ADN school in the evening and on the weekends. I was warned that not having a BSN would hinder my opportunities, but there was no part time or evening/weekend BSN program available at that time in my area. I managed to earn my ADN in less than 2 years while supporting myself on a full time professional salary.

If I were to do it again, I'd do it the same way. Maybe I'll bridge eventually, maybe not.

To the poster who asked if there was any value in a 2 year nursing degree, heck yeah! I think the bigger question is whether the increase in cost and time involved in getting a BSN vs ADN is worth it in your area, for you. You have to consider your background, and where you want to go with your career.

Yes in a perfect world more education and improving yourself is always better, but most people do not have unlimited time and funds to do that.

smudgetool

19 Posts

The times they are a changin', in California, that is.

Folks with a two-year RN degree who now work in a hospital setting can be grand-fathered in and remain employed at their facility. However, in the future, most hospitals are not going to be hiring any RNs without a BSN, leaving folks with a two-year degree to be left working only at nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities. If you crave the hospital setting, go for your BSN. Im lucky enough to be part of a bridge program that will supply my BSN after finishing my community college two-year RN program. Best wishes to everyone on their path.

nwbsoon

23 Posts

How long have you been a nurse? There are no evening or weekend classes where I live which makes it difficult for a single mom to go to school. Was thinking of going for LPN, work for a while then the LPN to RN route, but my community college no longer offers just the LPN.

nwbsoon

23 Posts

Hi mkl8955, I'm 55 and it's very encouraging to see others my age pursuing nursing. Sometimes I think I should give it up because I'm too old.

srvjamz

20 Posts

I have been a nurse 20+ years and times are changing. Remember when we worked (I am an ADN with BS in another field) side by side with LVNs in acute care? no longer.. When there was a REAL nurse shortage they did the same as teachers did to solve their shortage in Texas.. made a fast track with ADN.. Nursing shortage is OVER and the competition means hospitals can choose what they want. Since all hospitals want Magnet status and there is a % BSN quota to obtain it.. BSN is the answer. Nursing has good pay compared to other fields and the fast track did it's job. You see this scenario played out as I said in teaching. In New York you must have a masters to teach.. Nursing will eventually go that way as well. Good bye diploma nurses...good bye LVNs..good bye ADNs... Dont forget the explosion in Advance Nursing degrees.. how often are you seeing a nurse practitioner in any healthcare setting compared to 20 years ago? Stay in school, kids !!