sick of ADN vs BSN! like most of us have a choice anyway!

Euskadi1946 · Jun 17, 2005

SORRY - i have to rant about this. I don't want to start a fight- and I'm not going to generalize about all BSN or ADN programs. They have to be evaluated individually on their own merits but....... The constant arguement over ADN vs BSN is driving me crazy!!!! People act like I've really got a choice- like I can just walk out and "get" either one. ya right.
I am a 36yo pre-nursing student at a CC (in greater OKC metro). I have a previous BS in a science. I still have pre-reqs to do and support course to finish just to be competitive. & believe me- competition is HIGH- even for the lowly ADN Last semester there were 300 applicants for 50 spots. I have loved all my instructors, been impressed with the level of instruction, and feel prepared.
I have never seen an ad for a job that said "ADN need not apply"- all they ask for is the RN current license- yes, I understand that the BSN may be needed to go into higher mangement etc.
NOW, why I'm not doing the BSN. Here in OKC we have a few BSN programs at state & private universities, and even a few BS to BSN accelerated. The tuition ranges from $20,000 to over $50,000. Having loans from a previous degree & a husband that makes a good salary- I don't qualify for financial aid. SO....if anyone expects me to get that degree- hand over the $$$$$$, please. Also, the BSN programs don't accept many students- the smaller universities have only 20-50/ year and the larger major university accepts around 120/year. &That particular program had over 700 applicants last year!!!! YA I can just walk in and "get" my BSN- hahahahah
BTW- compare NCLEX pass rates
major university- 83% my CC - 87%
university#2 - 57% cc#2 - 87%
university #3 - 50% cc#3 - 82%
now, tell me- would I really want to go to a program that only 50% passed?? what good is a BSN if I can't pass boards? I realize there are many factors to it, but come on....50%!
Let me give you an eye opening fact---if OKC (local metro areas) went to "all BSN" this year and did away with ADN--they would lose 248 new nurses! (that's how many passed boards from 3 major ccs last year) WOW- you think we're short on nurses now- try cutting out all those new grads.
I'm just frustrated with the whole discussion. Like I've said, people act like all of us have EVERY option available, or that we can afford it, or that these programs are just waiting for me to come and "get" my degree.
At least around here- all the ADN/ASD are very professional, highly technical, and very competitive. There are no "waiting lists". You have to apply every semester, meet basic requirements, then compete with GPA, preference points, etc. NONE of them simply put you on a list for meeting the requirements.
It may be different in your neck of the woods, but that how it sits here.
Everyone has to make their own choice, evaluate their own needs and the programs available. I'm done- I feel better - thanks for listening:rolleyes:

I hear ya!!! The college I got my ADN at has been around since 1971 and they have a reputation of 100% passing rate on NCLEX while the BSN program across town has an 82% passing rate on NCLEX. Makes you wonder where the people who want the BSN nurse to be entry level RN have their brains stashed!!!!!!!!!! Actually I think we really know where their brains are stashed but I don't really want to be rude!!! :uhoh21:

BoonersmomRN · Jun 17, 2005

Regardless of NCLEX pass rates ( my school has 93%)...I simply cannot afford the University tuitions around here...even at U of MD. I'd love to go to Johns Hopkins but uhhh...I can barely afford my ADN tuition. I don't qualify for much either and the pell grant I got was very small ( and I mean small). I also got a very small ( and again I mean SMALL) state delegate scholarship ( it paid for 1/2 my A+P book..that's how small).When I say I can barely afford it- I mean I can barely afford the tuition + books for ONE class...I am applying for Spring tuition this fall and already am putting $$$ aside for the tuition + books+supplies, etc etc etc. I do plan on appying for the state tuition+ living expenses grant as long as I promise to work for the state for 2 years...BUT I cannot apply for it until I am accepted into the clinical portion AND I won't get any $$$ until that Fall...so for Spring, if I get in, I am on my own. My school does have it's own scholarships but they are not merit based..only need..and they only look at your yearly income - not the gadzillion bills you have to pay with them...so again I was not accepted.

I understand the financial aspect of it all. I do plan on getting my MSN eventually- however, from the looks of it, that will be after I work for awhile and am able to afford more..unless I am granted a nice scholarship eventually.

BTW we don't have a waiting list system either...it's purely GPA.

Fun2, BSN, RN · Jun 17, 2005

Ditto!

I got accepted at UT Arlington right after high school, but never could go. (I was planning on getting my BSN.) I had to be a year older, even with a child, in order to qualify for their financial aid....which is a whole different story. :uhoh3:

So here I am, finally, with an ADN scholarship, and I am proud of it! :)

Pachinko · Jun 17, 2005

I am getting a BSN, but it's mostly due to my being an older student and not having a ton of debt from my first degree. I took a CNA class last year, and several of the nurses with whom I interacted said that ADN is a great way to go because it's cheaper and because you can sometimes find an employer to help you get your BSN, should you wish to go that route. In fact, those who'd gotten BSNs off the bat said that if they could do it over again, they'd go the ADN route.

Both ADN and BSN have advantages and disadvantages, and when I've been asked by friends interested in nursing about the best way to go, I let them know about the advantages and disadvantages of both. I think that eventually I'll want to go to grad school, but perhaps I'll love general nursing care so much that it won't interest me...and then I'll kick myself for having gotten the BSN. I guess you don't know until you get out there.

One question, though--for those who are saying that getting your BSN is too expensive, is it mostly because you don't want to take out loans (as opposed to not being able to get together the money via loans)?

okie2 · Jun 17, 2005

good to hear from everyone- glad I didn't start something ugly :)

I know some are opposed to loans- believe me I wish had been a little more careful the first time around cuz hubby and I still owe a bunch- he has a MS though so it's worth it. I think done responsibly, loans are worth it.

Just a note- some of the hospitals here offer grants for the BSN..BUT you have to be able to work at least 30 hours/ week for them while in school and then sign a 2 or 3 year contract after graduating. I wouldn't mind the job contract but having 2 little kiddos and other obligations, I can't put in that many work hours and full time school. That's another reason I'm at the CC. After these support courses are done...the nursing classes will be part-time. I'm hoping to get in for fall 06.

good luck everyone!

brinley_s · Jun 17, 2005

You do have a choice which degree you choose, where there's a will there is a way... My theory on the whole ADN vs. BSN thing is that you are still eligible to sit for your RN so it doesn't really matter. I am leaning more towards a BSN program now primarly b/c I want my masters degree. I do understand your frustration, it is hard to explain to people the competiveness for the programs.. where I live it is easily a 2-3 year wait after your pre-req's for ANY nursing program. It can be slightly easier to get into a BSN program, mostly b/c they take more time and cost more money. I admire any nursing student- I see the work that goes into the program. I do however find it petty to argue NCLEX passing scores.. while a lot of students take it into consideration when choosing a school, you will only get out of nursing school what you put into it. You do have a choice.. it's YOUR education not anyone elses, I know a lot of people hate to wait (I am one of them) and hate to spend more money then need be (again, one of them) the degree you choose to pursue is entirely up to you.

BoonersmomRN · Jun 17, 2005

It's not that I don't want to take out loans..it's that I can't get approved for them. My credit is in the crapper thanks to some bad decisions me and my EX husband made and until I can get my score back up ( which takes more time then I have on my hands)- I won't be approved w/ out a co-signer and I don't HAVE one...so loan-wise I am totally screwed. So basically...there's a will but there's no way right now lol...but that's OK because I am going to get my ADN and go from there.

Momto3andNurse2B · Jun 17, 2005

Like many of you, I really didn't have a choice either. I'm 37, 3 kids, and thank goodness a husband who has been very supportive of my decision and willing to live on one income until I finish. I have taken out loans, but even so I still didn't really have the choice of pursuing a BSN. The 2 programs that are within an acceptable distance (keeping in mind hours for daycare and such), are $450 and $600 per credit hour! I'm sorry, but no matter how much I'd like to get a BSN first, I can't justify paying $1350 or $1800 for a 3 credit class that costs $175 at my CC! I have no fears about my employability when I'm finished, and I can always pursue my BSN later (on someone else's dime!)

Richele

suzy253, RN · Jun 17, 2005

I'm sorry, but no matter how much I'd like to get a BSN first, I can't justify paying $1350 or $1800 for a 3 credit class that costs $175 at my CC! I have no fears about my employability when I'm finished, and I can always pursue my BSN later (on someone else's dime!)
Richele

Agree with you 100% on that Richele. I'm 52, in a diploma program, will have no problem getting employment afterwards and if I wish to pursue it, I'll go for a degree later on with the hospital paying for it.

Trauma Columnist · Jun 17, 2005

I am a military wife and did the LPN to ADN to BSN to MSN because of constant moving! I've done courses from seven different colleges! There are many different routes to nursing.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jun 17, 2005

The only option I had in my small town was an ADN program. It was very cheap. NLN approved and the toughest thing I've ever done. While I can't say I didn't have a choice to move to a town with a BSN program and try to get into it, it was impractical because I was poor.

I'm proud of my degre, don't feel the need to get defensive about it. The ADN vs. BSN discussion/debate doesn't bother me.