Associates or Bachelors?

Nursing Students ADN/BSN

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Can anyone tell me the major differences between an associates degree and a bachelors degree? I realize the bachelors requires more schooling and more job opportunities.

Jobwise is what I mean. Can you still aquire a job at a hospital with an associates? Is it better to continue education and earn your bachelors?

Why BSN schools ask us higher higher GPA and more more money if there is nothing different? Why most students who have not accepted in BSN School are going to ADN program? Just don't want to wait?

BSN degree is enough different just as a degree.

Can anyone tell me the major differences between an associates degree and a bachelors degree? I realize the bachelors requires more schooling and more job opportunities.

Jobwise is what I mean. Can you still aquire a job at a hospital with an associates? Is it better to continue education and earn your bachelors?

In my state (Texas), the big difference between BSN and ADN programs is 3 courses in nursing school. BSNs take Management, Research, and Community Health courses, other than that, the curriculum is the same. If your interest lies in one of those 3 areas of nursing, definitely go for your BSN. Otherwise, you just need to weigh the other factors other posters have already discussed as to the best choice for you.

I am a new grad from an ADN program that has a reputation for turning out fine nurses. Our school has new grads in the ER, OR, ICU/CCU, NICU, L&D, and PICUs, so we held our own quite nicely competing this fall against the grads in the multiple BSN programs in the area. :D

Why BSN schools ask us higher higher GPA and more more money if there is nothing different? Why most students who have not accepted in BSN School are going to ADN program? Just don't want to wait?

BSN degree is enough different just as a degree.

The BSN schools do not ask for higher gpa's. In my area it's tougher to get into an ADN program then it is a BSN program because the ADN Is cheaper. They both require high gpa's.

You asked: " Why most students who have not accepted in BSN School are going to ADN program? Just don't want to wait? "

Most students who don't get into the BSN program run straight to the ADN program in hopes of getting in and those that can't get into ADN programs do the same since nursing schools are so competitive due to the LIMITED number of seats. After you've completed your prereqs you just want to get into an accredited school & just start your nursing career. Why should you wait, especially if you are being given an oppt'y to become a nurse, an oppt'y that comes once in a lifetime.

The reality is ADN nurses have to work their tails off to complete their degrees as well as diploma & BSN nurses & Accelerated BSN nurses. They all have to pass the NCLEX. We all know that nursing school is not easy it takes a lot of hard work. Anyone that has successfully completed their nursing degree & passed the NCLEX ia a nurse in my eyes. It takes alot of hard work & dedication in order to be a nurse. Let's not forget that especailly when we are discussing ADN/BSN programs one degree is not easier to obtain than another.

I'm learning that the hard way.

Hi...I just want to hug you and tell you everything will be okay. I have a masters degree in teaching...and have taught for 17 years. After two kids and two bouts of life threatening cancer, I've decided to return to school for my nursing degree. I guess what I'm trying to say is that no matter what steps you take, the thing to remember and be positive about, is that you're taking steps towards your future. Don't worry...it will all fall into place. I'm 38 years old and have had a wonderful career as a teacher but, at this stage in my life I have a desire to help others through nursing. My surviving cancer was hugely influenced by my attitude which I attribute greatly to the love of my family and the fabulous nurses and doctors who cared for me...I would cherish the ability to return that favor. Look to fill your future with a career that brings you great joy. Worrying over what might be will only get in the way of achieving happiness. Best of luck to you!

Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.
In my state (Texas), the big difference between BSN and ADN programs is 3 courses in nursing school. BSNs take Management, Research, and Community Health courses, other than that, the curriculum is the same. If your interest lies in one of those 3 areas of nursing, definitely go for your BSN. Otherwise, you just need to weigh the other factors other posters have already discussed as to the best choice for you.

That's amazing to me that there is only three courses difference between a BSN and an ADN in Texas. I would feel ripped off if I were an ADN nurse and bite the bullet and take those three classes even if I wasn't interested in those areas of nursing.

When I took the ADN to BSN route it was a 15 course difference.

Specializes in ICU, SDU, OR, RR, Ortho, Hospice RN.
The associates degree can definately get you lots of entry level positions in the hospital. In fact that's what it's for to prepare bedside RNs in hospitals. The job opportunities are many and the income is a nice middle income.

The bachelor's degree is helpful depending on your goals. What do you envision your nursing career to hold for you? Do you simply want to be a bedside nurse forever? Or do you envision something else like management, teaching, getting a Masters Degree, working in public health? A BSN will give you more opportunities outside of the hospital away from the bedside.

Good luck. Feel free to ask any questions you'd like to.

Tweety always says it so well :):w00t:

That's amazing to me that there is only three courses difference between a BSN and an ADN in Texas. I would feel ripped off if I were an ADN nurse and bite the bullet and take those three classes even if I wasn't interested in those areas of nursing.

When I took the ADN to BSN route it was a 15 course difference.

I didn't really feel ripped off when I took the ADN program. The reason why is that 1 semester of nursing school in my ADN program was 250 dollars (including fees) per semester for full time study (if even that much), while the cheapest BSN program I could find was easily 4 times that much (the local public university cost about 2500 dollars/semester + fees). Some of the private school BSN programs were even more expensive (12k-16k per semester!!!).

I had NO assistance whatsoever with college tuition (I didn't qualify for federal aid during any of my time in school for various reasons) so I really had to scrimp financially just to gather together the 250 bucks. However, I graduated with no debt under my belt (unlike many of the BSN grads I know). Now that I am employed full time, I can get the hospital to pay for my ADN-BSN bridge year with no out of pocket costs, so I can still remain debt-free. :)

So, like I mentioned, there are a lot of factors that can weigh in on whether you choose the ADN/BSN route. I am very glad for my ADN program because without it, there would have been no way for me to be a nurse.

Aedana

Is it true that ADN's cannot hang IV medication? Someone told me this was the only difference with BSN vs. ADN trained nurses...

Please clarify... thanks!

Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.
Is it true that ADN's cannot hang IV medication? Someone told me this was the only difference with BSN vs. ADN trained nurses...

I think they told you wrong. Any RN can hang IV medications - BSNs and ADNs all have to pass the same exam, and after that, all have RN licenses.

Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.
I didn't really feel ripped off when I took the ADN program. The reason why is that 1 semester of nursing school in my ADN program was 250 dollars (including fees) per semester for full time study (if even that much), while the cheapest BSN program I could find was easily 4 times that much (the local public university cost about 2500 dollars/semester + fees). Some of the private school BSN programs were even more expensive (12k-16k per semester!!!).

I had NO assistance whatsoever with college tuition (I didn't qualify for federal aid during any of my time in school for various reasons) so I really had to scrimp financially just to gather together the 250 bucks. However, I graduated with no debt under my belt (unlike many of the BSN grads I know). Now that I am employed full time, I can get the hospital to pay for my ADN-BSN bridge year with no out of pocket costs, so I can still remain debt-free. :)

So, like I mentioned, there are a lot of factors that can weigh in on whether you choose the ADN/BSN route. I am very glad for my ADN program because without it, there would have been no way for me to be a nurse.

Aedana

I know what you mean, I paid for my ADN by working at Pizza Hut because tuituion was about $27/credit hour. I had to borrow $500 from my parents to buy the books and I graduated without debt otherwise.

My point was ADNs in Texas should be outraged that they are 3 courses shy from a BSN. Like you said there are good reasons to get an ADN, but sheesh only 3 courses shy of a BSN sounds like ADNs are being taken advantage of.

Is it true that ADN's cannot hang IV medication? Someone told me this was the only difference with BSN vs. ADN trained nurses...

Please clarify... thanks!

I just hung 3 bags of LR and Ancef today alone and I graduated from an ADN RN program, so I would say no. :) I believe that depending on the state's practice act, LVN/LPNs may have restrictions on what they can do with IVs like what you are talking about. However, I also believe that they can administer IV medications if they take special certification classes from their hospital. (Maybe a friendly LVN out there can clarify).

Hope this helps!

Specializes in Women's Health, Oncology.

There is absolutely NO difference to what a BSN or ADN can do as an RN anywhere as a bedside nurse.

Both are programs that allow you (once completed and passed) to sit and take the NCLEX. The NCLEX is the test that must be passed for you to obtain your RN license in your state.

One you pass the test and obtain your license then you are an RN. Plain and simple.

I'm an ADN that went into nursing 14 years ago as a second career. I alreay had an undergraduate degree in another field, but at that time there really weren't any decent BSN completion programs. Plus I really didn't want to go thru paying student loans back AGAIN!

I went to a community college, became an RN and have been working steadily since. While BSN's do sometimes have an advantage in the mgmt side of nursing, I don't find that to always be true. I'm in a mgmt position now, and have been for 4 years. There are alot of hospitals that still look at experienced candidate over a BSN candidate without experience.

I'm not knocking the BSN, in fact I will start in June at a local university on the RN-BSN track. I'm doing it now because the hospital I work in just raised their tution reimbursment to $5,000 a year. That will get me thru most of the costs for this year and then the next.

I'm an ADN Chemotherapy outpatient treatment nurse. I hang chemo, transfuse blood, draw blood, access ports, give injections and educate patients on their disease.

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