In my estimation there are many differences. When I used to ask this question, some would say "nothing really, just management stuff". Wow was I in for a learning curve in the BSN program.
I don't understand why there aren't real, substantive answers as to why it seems that more hospitals and nursing in general are moving to all BSN status as a minimum.
First, allow me to just say that there are some really GREAT ASNs out there. Their experience, caring and thoughtful nursing skill sets are invaluable. I know of quite a few myself whom I would have care for me or any of my loved ones, due to the fact I know they care and are extremely good at what they do. Secondly, the field of nursing is a great, well respected career path. Any degree in Nursing is indeed a good choice, but why not make a great choice? There are many career paths within the field of nursing and different areas of nursing one can follow or get into. The major two types are the ASN and the BSN. How does it differ from a nurse who has an associate degree in nursing? Are there any differences other than being in school a little longer? Is the pay different? Is it only for a "managers job?".
The associate degree nurse is commonly called the "associate of science in nursing" or ASN degree nurse. An associate degree nurse has commonly completed approximately two years of nursing school training. However before entering any nursing program the student must have completed the prerequisites in order to be accepted into that program. Many times this entails having completed one to two years of education in order to meet the requirements for nursing school. Many students finish much more quickly but not without, arguably, hard work and a lot of time and energy. The latter being true for nursing education in general. ASN nurses take courses in, most obviously, nursing. However, the curriculum includes many other facets of learning. ASNs take courses in psychology, nutrition, microbiology, chemistry, physiology as well as social and behavioral sciences. One thing all nursing schools and curriculums have in common are hours of supervised clinical experience. While the course is technically only two years long, many students, young and old alike say it's one of the toughest programs they have ever encountered.
The baccalaureate in nursing program adds to the educational development of the registered nurse by including several other aspects of nursing. Baccalaureate or commonly called "bachelor" nursing programs contain all of the course work taught in ASN and diploma programs plus a more in-depth treatment of the physical and social sciences, research in the field of nursing, public and community health, nursing management and supervising, as well as the humanities. The additional coursework can continue to enhance the nursing student's professional development It also prepares the new nurse for a broader scope of practice, and provides the nursing student, whether already an ASN or not with a better understanding of the economic, political, cultural, and social issues that affect a patient and influence health care delivery. Throughout the last decade, policymakers and nursing practice leaders have recognized that education makes a difference. One of the major differences is in the area of "people". That is to say, BSNs' learn more on how to deal with people and the dynamics of the people in the workplace as well as effective management and productivity of those people. Also, registered nurses with a BSN possess a substantial chance for advancing their careers. As an example, a bachelor's in nursing degree is needed for acceptance into a master's nursing program, which could result in a career in healthcare administration, health services, or on to specialty nursing roles like nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner or clinical nurse leader. A BSN is also favored and frequently necessitated for military and public health nursing and other more specialized jobs.
Now, with that said. Education is a great way to become enlightened on even more nursing information and for creation of change in the profession. All one has to do is look up Linda Aiken, RN and the information from her years of research on nursing will enlighten and brighten ones' thoughts on this matter -of magnet hospitals and/or facilities. Dr. Aiken and colleagues found (in over a decade of research) that hospitals that employed a higher percentile of BSNs had lower surgical patient mortality rates than hospitals that staffed with fewer BSNs (Hanink, 2014). The study was done in 2003 and other studies are continuing even now. All point to a need in a BSN. The study in 2003 was done on 168 hospitals. In addition, hospitals with RNs holding a bachelor's degree or higher ranged from 0% to 77% across the hospitals. a 10% increase in the proportion of nurses holding a bachelor's degree was associated with a 5% decrease in both the likelihood of patients dying within 30 days of admission and the odds of failure to rescue (JAMA, 2003). I would strongly recommend that any and all nurses read Dr. Aikens' research paper on this. It can be found in the link below.
Everywhere nurses look, other professions are taking on additional responsibilities, given more credibility and even more respect (PTs, OTs, Pharmacists, RTs etc) while nurses are seen as the pill pushers, IV starters etc. We need to educate ourselves and be proactive in all areas of patient care. That would include management, and lobbying congress for better nurse ratios as well.
On a personal note, if you are someone in nursing school or are considering nursing. Consider going for the BSN. The ASN is good if you are considering working and THEN going for your BSN, however as most nurses will tell you. It's hard to stop then start again, and sometimes expensive. Just keep going. Don't stop.
I like to write as you can tell. So what do you think?
I do understand that as well, however, it is known that hospitals are shifting to "only BSN need apply". So with the logic of saving money, how much are you really saving if you have to go back to get your BSN from an ADN? Suppose it takes 3 years for an ADN degree, perhaps more, then having to go back to school for your BSN for another year or two. You may be out of a job with an ADN because of the hospital choice to hire only BSN.
In saturated large urban areas, yes. But a friend of mine got through nursing school before she would have even gotten off the waiting list by moving to a more rural area. She just graduated last week with her associate's and had already been offered a new grad position in a hospital in the same more rural area before she graduated. And we're not talking total boonies here, but an hour from a minor city and about two from a major metro.
In my ADN program, I learned how to be a nurse. In my BSN program, I wrote papers. The benefit of the BSN for me has been that now I get an interview for pretty much every job I apply for, whereas when I had only my ADN, no one would even call. Didn't matter that I had a 4.0. So while the BSN hasn't made much difference in the way I practice, it has opened a lot of doors for me. For that reason, I'm very glad I got it.
You are taking this way too personal. I find it slightly humorous.
My original comment teasing the OP about his vocab was just a joke. Lighten up.
Odd sense of humor, as I also found your comment more patronizing and dismissive than humorous.
Many of us have extensive vocabularies and education. When we were growing up, others made jibes at us and harassed us for it. I suppose one can excuse that behavior in elementary school students. But it is a bit sad to see grown adults behaving in that manner.
But then I suppose NETO or NETS is so much more acceptable that NETY.
Which is why I'm glad I got my ADN and have zero debt from it. People can say what they want - but set yourself up right and you can have someone else oh for the BSN!
I m an ADN.
I have 0 debt at the moment,but my employer does NOT pay for extra schooling.
Many of you graduating now will be very disappointed when you learn that employers are doing away with paying for Bsn Degree
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
Red Kryptonite said:
Some people have good vocabularies. Is that some kind of crime now, to sound intelligent and well-read when you are? I'm merely a CNA and use words like that in everyday speech. Not all the time and not to show off that I can, but when appropriate.
You use "bombastic" in everyday language? I have a very strong vocab, and even I don't use "bombastic" in everyday language.
I had the same reaction to "acrimonious and bombastic" that ICUman did. That they were just really trying hard to sound erudite (see? I can use $.25 words too!).
I have a sign on my wall behind my computer that one of my providers gave me. It says "I am silently judging your grammar."
You use "bombastic" in everyday language? I have a very strong vocab, and even I don't use "bombastic" in everyday language.
I had the same reaction to "acrimonious and bombastic" that ICUman did. That they were just really trying hard to sound erudite (see? I can use $.25 words too!).
I have a sign on my wall behind my computer that one of my providers gave me. It says "I am silently judging your grammar."
I don't say serosanguinous, I say yellow with some blood in it. I also say both instead of bilateral, i.e. Both of her ankles looked like sausages. Ambulate? Heck no, my patients walk, and walk only.
Gotta make sure the lawyers understand my charting when they're trying to sue me.
Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
I say bombastic. If I can't decide whether to call something really good "the bomb" or "fantastic" I split the difference and go bombastic! Maybe I lightened up a little too much there --- :chair:
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
klone said:
You use "bombastic" in everyday language?
Whoa, there. There is no need to be so mendacious. The conflation of a plenitude of topics has transpired in this thread. Honestly, it is rather platitudinous and rebarbative for the weary soul.
Professional nursing seems to sibilate repeatedly with the same superannuated arguments. Conversely, I think that the excogitious wording and heteromorphic phraseology spices things up around here. It is so exhiliratory!
(WARNING: My typical patient's eyes would glaze over with profound confusion if I dared to talk to them in the aforementioned manner).
Whoa, there.There's no need to be so mendacious. The conflation of a plenitude of topics has transpired in this thread. Honestly, it is rather platitudinous and rebarbative for the weary soul.
Professional nursing seems to sibilate repeatedly with the same superannuated arguments. Conversely, I think that the excogitious wording and heteromorphic phraseology spices things up around here. It is so exhiliratory!
(WARNING: My typical patient's eyes would glaze over with profound confusion if I dared to talk to them in the aforementioned manner).
Woah, Commuter! Nobody asked for your sesquipedalian diatribe!
Red Kryptonite
2,212 Posts
In saturated large urban areas, yes. But a friend of mine got through nursing school before she would have even gotten off the waiting list by moving to a more rural area. She just graduated last week with her associate's and had already been offered a new grad position in a hospital in the same more rural area before she graduated. And we're not talking total boonies here, but an hour from a minor city and about two from a major metro.