Question about BSN vs RN

TeleNurse2010 · Dec 17, 2007

I also have a BA in another field, but I'm going to a local community college due to costs. I debated about doing the BSN as well, but I decided that I didn't want to commit to the accelerated BSN due to the huge time commitment and accelerated pace, and the traditional BSNs have long waits or cost a lot more money than the ADN. So, what I've done was to take all of the general classes that I will need for the ADN and BSN. Next I will get the ADN, work, then enroll in a RN-BSN program in which I'll only have to take nursing classes. This way I can work and have my employer pay for the remaining BSN classes I'll need. On this site the consensus seems to be that the BSN pay is about the same as the RN pay, so it doesn't make sense to me to get the BSN right now since I'm already still paying for another bachelors. I also have plans to get my MSN, but I want work experience first to determine what area I would like to focus on. Good luck with your decision!

buckeye rosie · Dec 19, 2007

I have a B.S. in Education and I'm finishing up my prereqs as well. I plan on applying to a traditional BSN program as well as 2 ADN programs. The 2 ADN programs both have waiting lists and one requires the entrance exam. (eek!) If I don't get into those programs (especially the traditional BSN) I will apply to the accelerated program. I'm just kind of concerned about the 20 credit hours in one semester of the accelerated program.

Best of luck in your choice!

WantAccel.BSN, BSN, RN · Dec 20, 2007

I have a BA in Psychology, and a year of law school. I'm opting for the Accelerated BSN (unless I don't get in, at which point I guess I'll reevaluate my options) because I am only 3 pre-reqs. shy of eligibility for admission, and, I guess, because it makes me feel that my first degree wasn't all for not. However, I think if the ADN is cheaper and doesn't require more pre-reqs., it could be a smarter move. Like you, I've discovered that the consensus is pretty much that there is no difference between the BSN and RN unless you are going for some sort of promotion. That said, my mother, a 25+ year nurse, advised that I not pursue the ADN....she never really said why except that there was once talk about phasing out ADNs (they just can't because of the nursing shortage!).

Good luck!!!!!

TeleNurse2010 · Dec 20, 2007

There have been many of discussions on here about getting the BSN vs. the ADN vs. the LPN, and I have read almost all of them. I think each degree is perfectly acceptable to everyone who decides to pursue them. The ADN will not be phased out any time soon, and it is a perfectly acceptable way for those who wish to enter the field at a low cost. As I said in my response, I will bridge over to a BSN at some point any way, but for those who choose not to, that is fine as well. I have shadowed plenty of nurses who only have their ADN and who have no plans to pursue the BSN, but they are doing pretty well financially, better than I am with my bachelors degree. Good luck to all those are trying to enter into a program, regardless of the type.

I should also say that the ADN programs in my area have some of the highest pass rates for the NCLEX (99-100%). Whichever program you enter, make sure that the pass rates are high.

Sarah Bellum · Dec 20, 2007

I think you need to factor in what you eventually want to do in nursing. If you think you want to become an NP, CRNA, teach, etc. any of that is going to require an advanced degree and if you've gone the ADN route you will need to do a BSN bridge program before you can do an MSN and go forward from there.

I have a bachelor's in another field as well. I am factoring in that I would evetually like to teach nursing and become a nurse practitioner so I have chosen a direct entry MSN program. I do plan to work as a bedside nurse for a good number of years before going on in school but I'll have an MSN already so I can prtty much go any direction I want. I like knowing I will have that flexibility.

dilleweed · Dec 21, 2007

I think you should look closely at your local programs to make the decision. I have a BS in Geology and am entering a 2nd degree BSN program that will take 18 months. When I called the community college to find out how long the ADN would take me, I was told 2 years, despite having had some of the courses already! Totally worth it for me to do the BSN, plus my end goal is to be an NP so I need the BSN to go forward with a DNP.