"Don't waste your time getting your BSN..."

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People are always trying to tell me that I am going to waste my time by not stopping after getting my ASN. They say that getting your BSN just gets you management positions and that it does not pay more. I am going for my masters so I can be a CNM, so I have to have my BSN anyway but, how could it be true that a person with a BSN gets the same as a person with a ASN? (Aside from the fact that working in different dept can make a difference)

I am an RN with an ADN, I have worked M/S, ER, ICU, Charge positions, and supervision and can tell you there is not any difference in ADN and BSN when it comes to staff nursing. In fact ADNs get more hands on during their schooling than BSNs. There are really not that many more nursing oriented classes in the BSN program, but there are more "support" classes. I find the push for BSN entry level ridiculous, we all have to pass the same boards. I do not look down on anyone for pushing for increased education but I do look down on paying BSNs more for doing the same job as ADNs.

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The BSN gives you more theory and will also open doors. Someone told me long ago to get the BSN not a BA becuase if I wanted to move up or out it would offer more opportunities. Get your Masters in Nursing or another field that augments the BSN. This is true today, as I move into new fields. Nursing has afforded me many opportunities, in many different aspects.

I would always encourage going for more education. I was an ADN, and did not understand until I worked to get my BSN, that it rounded off my education.

No, the Hospitals don't really care, as their philosophy is an RN is an RN, but if it make a difference to you then go for it!

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I am an RN with an ADN, I have worked M/S, ER, ICU, Charge positions, and supervision and can tell you there is not any difference in ADN and BSN when it comes to staff nursing. In fact ADNs get more hands on during their schooling than BSNs. There are really not that many more nursing oriented classes in the BSN program, but there are more "support" classes. I find the push for BSN entry level ridiculous, we all have to pass the same boards. I do not look down on anyone for pushing for increased education but I do look down on paying BSNs more for doing the same job as ADNs.

Actually, formal research has shown that AD and BSN students get an equal amount of clinical time. There are programs, on both levels, that offer more clinical time. And the minimum amount of time, spent in each clinical area, is set by each state. I would be happy to post the citations, if asked.

Grannynurse :balloons:

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Actually, formal research has shown that AD and BSN students get an equal amount of clinical time. There are programs, on both levels, that offer more clinical time. And the minimum amount of time, spent in each clinical area, is set by each state. I would be happy to post the citations, if asked.

Grannynurse :balloons:

You are a wealth of info! Please post citations... I would like to read the information.

THanks,

SJ

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ASN = Associate Science Nursing

ADN = Associate Degree Nursing

Used interchangeably

But there is some sort of difference. Couldn't tell you what it is but according to my school's director of nursing, my college had to jump through a lot of different hoops to get that ASN recognition as opposed to the ADN.

Just thought I'd share since this may be a little known fact.:)

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But there is some sort of difference. Couldn't tell you what it is but according to my school's director of nursing, my college had to jump through a lot of different hoops to get that ASN recognition as opposed to the ADN.

Just thought I'd share since this may be a little known fact.:)

I have not heard of any differrence in the degrees. My school referred to the program as both it was listed in the catalog as RN ASN/ADN. One of our instructors said it was more of a political thing between colleges that started years ago so that the science professional was emphasized instead of a generalized degree.

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I really think this is one of those issues that is very personal. It's about your goals, not what anyone else thinks.

While there are advantages to more schooling that include ease of promotion and higher pay in some cases, there are exceptions to every rule.

My mom is a diploma RN. She is the vice president of a multistate health care corporation. There are many who would say that a diploma grad couldn't rise through the ranks like that, but obviously that isn't always true.

I, on the other hand, will graduation with my ADN in September. I plan to get my BSN because my end goal is CRNA school.

When it comes to education beyond attaining your RN, there is no one answer for everyone. However, I would never say that furthering your education (nurse or otherwise) is a waste of time.

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Specializes in Rehab, Corrections, LTC, and Detox Nurse.

It really depends on where you work. At the Dept of Veteran Affairs, Associate degree RN's have a different payscale than BSN's. Starting pay fresh out (in Ga.)is about 38,000 for ASN and 48,000 for BSN fresh out. You can access the pay scale for them on the opm website. Other hospitals don't make much distinction unless you hold a executive or leadership position.

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I find the push for BSN entry level ridiculous, we all have to pass the same boards.

Again, I don't argue that a BSN produces more clinical competence. However, aside from advancing our professional and economic interests, I believe a BSN as entry would eliminate games of classism within the nursing profession. There would no longer be a place for this "professional nurse" vs. "technical nurse" nonsense. ALL nurses are professionals. The nursing profession is becoming very divided, and not to mention, at a very bad time.

People empower themselves through higher education, and we would all empower the profession through higher education as well.

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If you know that your long-term goals require an MSN, then obviously you're going to have to get your BSN, and it won't be a waste. Education is never "wasted", BTW. :)

It is true, however, that an entry-level RN is an entry-level RN, no matter whether their nursing education was a BSN, ADN, or diploma program. Some hospitals pay a nominal amount more to staff RNs who have a BSN, many do not. Many nurse managers do not have BSNs.

Good luck to you as you work toward your long-term goals. :)

Thank you!!!! Education is NEVER wasted. It has to do with what you want out of life. If you goal is an MSN go for it!!

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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.
The nursing profession is becoming very divided, and not to mention, at a very bad time.

BY OTHER NURSES, no doubt.

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You know, I am 49 and will graduate next May with my RN from a two year program in my town. This December I will receive my ASN that is basically core classes that will transfer to the RN-BSN program I will enter next August. I can complete my BSN online, within our university system, in 2 semesters. (We don't have a BSN course that is worth a flip within 45 miles so I am going this route.) When people tell me that I won't make any more money, I tell them that I'm not doing it for the money, I'm doing it for ME. In addition to the fact that I want a BSN degree, I very well may decide that I want my MSN later. That will be much easier to obtain if I've completed the BSN. When a nurse tells me (or a student) that they don't feel like they need anything else, I know that that is probably true. I know many VERY good nurses who do not have their BSN. If they don't want one I am glad they don't have to get it, but I do want one. Go for it!

Pammy--please tell me where you are getting your ASN to BSN in 2 semesters. I have been looking everywhere--I am seeing up to 5 semesters. I have 6 years of college and my ASN--I dont want to go 5 more semesters to get my BSN. Thanks!

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