Can somebody answer my questions!!!

Nursing Students ADN/BSN

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Hi,

I have started my career in a community college for a ADN degree. But i am really confused if i am doing the right thing because I wanted to do bachelors but it takes four years so i dont want to spend that much time. My question is what is the salary difference and work status difference between the two different degree holders. How much do a Associate degree RN earn ?

Specializes in Neuro, phase 2 recovery.

I have been an RN for 2.5 years. I went throught an ADN program because it was the cheapest way to become an RN where I lived. I decided to go straight to get my BSN because I knew if I didn't do it then I never would. The program I went to was for working professionals where we met 1 Saturday each month & the rest was online. I say that nurses should get a BSN if possible because it opens many doors. I do not get paid any better but now I have the option of going into advanced practice programs now instead of having to wait and go back for a BSN. Many ADN & diploma nurses have told me that they don't want to get a BSN because it won't give them any more money & they know the same things. However, I am glad I got mine because it taught me more about my profession & actually made me even more proud to be a nurse. Now when I hear about evidence-based practice, I have a better understanding which I didn't get in my ADN program. The only gripe I really have with the ADN (but it could have just been my program) is not enough clinical hours. I think that diploma nurses seem to be better prepared first starting out but the ADNs & BSNs catch up over time & with practice.

I was wondering if its possible to work full time and go to nursing school part time? Doeas anyone have any advice?

Specializes in Neuro, phase 2 recovery.

Most schools are full time unless you already are an LPN if you're getting a BSN or ADN. Most of the diploma schools have part time night & weekend programs. Part time school takes a little longer than full time.

Hi,

I have started my career in a community college for a ADN degree. But i am really confused if i am doing the right thing because I wanted to do bachelors but it takes four years so i dont want to spend that much time. My question is what is the salary difference and work status difference between the two different degree holders. How much do a Associate degree RN earn ?

Hi Shakshi,

I am a new grad from an ADN program in Texas. When I went to internship fairs, etc., everyone (ADN, BSN, and a couple diploma soon-to-be grads) was offered the exact same starting salary and benefit package. If you are in a fabulous ADN program that has a good reputation in your area that you are comfortable with, I'd second the advice that one bird in the hand is two in the bush. With ADN-BSN bridge programs being mostly online now, it's not as bad to have to go back, and you get tuition reimbursement from a lot of the hospitals these days.

The major difference between ADN and BSN (in Texas) is that BSNs take a community health, research, and a leadership and management course. As you can see, while these courses are important and worthwhile, you can still function quite fine without them in an acute care patient setting (I have no major interest in managing other RNs at this point). If you do have a hunger for community health or management, shoot for your BSN.

But anyways, to me, academic reputation and NCLEX pass rate is most important. My school has new grads in the ER, OR, ICU/CCU, and tele units, so there are really not many career restrictions for us. When I got hired on for my externship, we had to tell the RN orienting our group what nursing school we were from. The RN was polite to the BSN program nurses. But when I told her my ADN school name, she lit up and said, "Oh, we looooove our *ADN school name* nurses here!" :-D

Hope this helps and have fun in nursing school! Congratulations on your acceptance! :balloons:

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