Okay, so I know this question gets tiring...

Nursing Students ADN/BSN

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Specializes in Nursing Student.

I'm going to a community college ten minutes away from my home. When I enrolled there, I just went for the intention of getting my general ed and nursing pre-requisites out of the way so I could enroll in the nursing program at ISU, which is twenty minutes away from where I live, so I could get my BSN. Well, the longer I go to the school I'm at, the more I love it and don't want to leave. I think the reason why I like it so much better is that the classes are smaller than the university's and they're really focused on what you NEED. I'm pretty sure I'm wanting to go into L&D, NICU, or PICU, and they're giving me info on those areas, and ideas.

So, bottom line, is there really a difference in ADN and BSN? If so, what are they?

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

You may work in any of those areas as an RN with an ADN.

There is virtually no difference in ENTRY LEVEL, key words here "entry level" RNs coming from an ADN school vs. a BSN school. Both take the same NCLEX, both become RNs and both start out making the same amount (or very similar) amounts of money.

Why spend all that time and money on a BSN then? The answer lies not in what your immediate goals are but your future goals. You are quite young. 20 or 30 years from now do you still see yourself at the bedside providing direct patient care? Or perhaps by then you might want to move on and become an instructor, go into some sort of leadership role like quality control or safety, public health, research on and on and on. These positions away from the bedside are BSN preferred or required.

Usually I advise young people your age to go ahead and knock the BSN out if you can and get it out of the way. Since seriously you probably don't know what you want to do 20 to 30 years from now, so having it "in the bank" is a good idea.

On the other hand you're also young enough to take advantage of the many RN to BSN programs out there and do it later like many of us ADN graduates have done.

So if you have your grove on there and it's your comfort zone, not to mention cheaper, then there's no harm in staying, as it probably isn't going to affect your immediate goals. Since you are so young, don't write off the BSN, get it at some point and get it soon. Don't do like I did and wait 16 years in between ADN and BSN schools. :)

Good luck in whatever you decide.

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Specializes in Nursing Student.

Thank you so much, for your advice. You really did put a lot of things in perspective for me. I'm still thinking hard about my choice. A lot of it IS the money situation. I'm paying $ 2900 to go to the school I'm at now, including all extra expenses aside from books fees, which my Pell Grant covers. As oppossed to uni where I will pay 4,500 for just tuition. It's a scary thing anymore.

I always planned on getting my BSN, I'm just not sure if the time is now.

Again, thank you for your wisdom and advice.

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I'm not a nurse but I suspect the higher degree may make you more competitive job applicant. There are many many ADN's out there that may apply for the same plum job as yourself, but with the BSN, you have an edge. It never hurts to get the extra training under your belt. Or you can just settle for the ADN, start working in the field and give yourself time after you've contemplated whether or not you want to go back and get the BSN.

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Specializes in Trauma ICU, Surgical ICU, Medical ICU.

There is very little difference as an entry level RN as others have said. I also think you should look at what you want to pursue before getting your BSN. I have my BSN and it made no difference in getting a job as a new grad, all that mattered was having that license. It only helps if I ever wanted to do charge (which I have no desire to do) or go further for an APN degree. I have my own plans for advanced practice so I got my BSN and I'm young and wanted to have a 'college experience'. An RN is an RN in my book though, so look at your goals for the future and do whats right for you.

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Get the ADN. In 2 years you will be making nice money and stability. Then you can enroll in a RN-BSN or even better a RN-MSN program. Many hospitals will pay for you to continue your education as well so that is a significant savings.

A BSN really isnt that different in my opinion, perhaps it will help you obtain management jobs but most instructor and research positions want you to have your Masters. Regardless, you will also need that entry level experience. So kill 2 birds with 1 stone. Get your ADN, start getting experience while getting your BSN.

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical-Ortho-Neuro-Agency.

Hi wearingyourtattoo,

I had the same intentions as you, when I began at my CC years ago. I took my pre-reqs, and intented to apply to their program, if I did not get in into the clinical nursing program. I would have easily transferred into a 4 year BSN program.

I applied, got accepted, did the program in 2 years at my community college,1 1/2 years for pre-reqs. The program cost was very impressive to me, CHEAP.

I continued for my BSN afterward at a private school, and finished it, on full scholarship, grant for semesters. I took 2 summer courses, which I received tuition reimbursement from my job.

Good Luck with your decision!!!:heartbeat

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