Currently ADN, should I have gone for BSN?

[futurern118]

I'm currently an ADN student (male) at a great community college in the southeast US. I worked hard for the past two years to complete prerequisite courses and apply to the nursing program. On the third try, I finally got in! I am in my first week and I want so badly to be excited and confident in where I am.

Recently, an acquaintance of mine -- who is in a BSN program currently in another state -- asked how my first week was going. I told this person it was going well and a little about what we were learning. Then, this person proceeded to imply that ADN programs were of lesser value than the superior, all-mighty BSN. Normally, I wouldn't let me get this down, but it's beginning to take over my studying time worrying about it, so I have to clear my head.

I hope of becoming a Peds NP one day. In my region, there's an abundance of ADN/RN-MSN program options at various universities with spectacular Peds certificate programs and that is the ultimate goal for me. My original plan was to complete my ADN, work for a little bit and gain experience, then apply for an RN-MSN program and hope to get in. If it doesn't work out, I can always go back and take my RN-BSN (I can get it at the university in my area online in under two years), and leave it at that.

My concern is, as an ADN student who commits intensely to everything he does, will my learning and training be different than that of a BSN student? Will I miss out on certain Peds training that I would have gotten with a BSN education? I feel like I am selling myself short or missing out on certain experiences by not becoming a BSN student. Even though I aim to have my BSN one day, the nagging thought is that I could have already been a BSN student instead of ADN so that if I got to MSN and didn't want to do it, I would have my BSN to fall back on and wouldn't have to go back to get it.

Hospitals in my area take whomever they can get. ADN is the requirement. While most prefer BSN students (it's that whole Magnet status thing), hospitals in my area will hire Associate's students and I've heard from the major hospital in my city that they actually PREFER graduates from my community college.

I'm just at a loss as to what to do. Should I keep going where I am in ADN? Should I go and try to get my BSN, even though it would mean extra semesters, extra pre-requisite classes that I have yet to take for that Uni, and loads of extra money?

I want to enjoy where I am, knowing that one day I will look back on this experience and say, I'm glad I did it. What this person said to me has put me in a tailspin and I can't seem to slow it down. Any advice? I appreciate you taking the time to read all of this if you've made it this far :) Thanks in advance, guys!

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

You are in a program! congrats! Keep working hard, and in two years, when you graduate, you can do an RN-to-BSN program- while letting your employer pay for at least part of it AND making RN wages. Many of these programs can be completed quickly- and I would not be surprised if you have your BSN before the jerk who is lording his/ her alleged superiority over you. Who's the really winner here? You

[frenchtoastwaffles, BSN, RN]

I'm a new grad from an ADN program in the Northeast- where all the hospitals are magnet and BSN is standard. ADN is akin to a diploma program (which are nearly extinct, I think). It's harder to find work up here and finding a position in a hospital will pretty much only happen if you're already working there or know someone very well who can hook you up. In the Southeast, it's a bit different. I considered relocating to FL to find work and was actually offered 4 interviews when I only applied to 6 jobs. Up here I applied to about 160 jobs and had 2 interviews.

You're in a program already. Finish your program and jump into an RN to BSN after. You will likely find work in a hospital and maybe even on a specialized unit where you are. Many hospitals ask that you obtain your BSN within x years of hire, and if it's 5 years, then you work for a year and see if your hospital offers tuition assistance.

Stay in your program, do well, and go about your career path. An ADN will not hinder your opportunity to later become an NP. Don't let the BSN folk turn their nose up at you, they just take a few more liberal arts classes and nursing theory classes. If it were that different, we wouldn't be sitting for the same NCLEX. Also, you might not be able to transfer your nursing credits if you decide to leave your program so just stick it out and do a bridge later.

[tthaker]

Be proud that you are in a program. I am a CNA at a hospital in SoCal and my manager always tells me to remind her when I'm done with the program so she can hire me as an RN. If you already have a hospital job your chances of getting hired quickly are better than someone outside of the hospital applying with a BSN. Once I have a job there as an RN they will pay for a portion of my BSN. I am paying for my ADN out of pocket at $1100 a year. Therefore graduating without any debt. In my opinion it's smarter to got RN-BSN or RN-MSN. Good luck and keep working hard.

[TheCommuterx]

That person is just trying to make you feel inferior which seems like it's working. I'm currently in my first semester at a BSN program and I'm still contemplating the idea of dropping out to attend an ADN program closer to home. To be honest, you attending an ADN program is probably the best decision you could've done -- financially speaking. You won't have as much debt by the time you get into your NP program in the future.

[Tprofitt, BSN]

I see it this way, at the end of the day you're both going to take the SAME Nclex exam. As an ADN you're learning the necessary skills to pass the test, same as the BSN. But they do have more management courses. Ultimately you're wanting to become an MSN so just focus on the end goal and stop worrying about the route at which you're taking to get there. Congrats on your acceptance and just study. ADN programs are still hard lol.

[chris21sn, BSN, RN]

Hello! As someone already mentioned, it really depends on your location. I, also as one of the people stated, live in the Northeast - where bsn is usually a standard if you want to land a job in a hospital. But for your case, especially in the southeast, finding jobs willing to accept and train ADNs are many! We really don't learn more than you. Only difference is we get all of the "fluff" classes which focus a lot on management, bioethics etc (which I used to call the "caring and sharing" topics in school). You learn exactly the same as us, and it's a shame you have that bsn friend of yours pointing their noses high. In fact, I feel like most adns have much better nursing skills than bsn. Just my two cents! Keep pushing forward!

[shibaowner, MSN, RN, NP]

You are doing great and have a great plan! Don't let that jerk get to you. There are many NPs who did exactly what you are doing and are now very successful.

I know a CRNA who did exactly what you did and she is awesome. Everyone has tremendous respect for her.

Good luck and hang in there!