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'm a CNA, and about to get my associate in science. When I finish the ADN program, I'll be aprox. 2 semesters away from my BSN due to my associate degree. SO for me, the difference will be two extra semesters of whatever they make me do, and that's it. For others, they'll have 4 semesters, or whatever it ends up being.
You left us all with a lot of info, but you are 100% correct! On going education is important as things keep changing and evolving. New finding happen all the time. I am an LPN working and studying for my BSN. Its not easy, but important to me. Thanks for the insight.
I honestly don't understand this debate. Maws this a school project for the OP? I do take offense to don't get me wrong I know some great ASN nurses. Like the majority of ASN nurses are terrible. I have extensively researched this subject and it comes down to a few things plain and simple.
What do they hire in your area?
What is a respected school in your area?
What is their NCLEX pass rates?
What is your financial situation?
What is your end goal in nursing?
These are question each person has to answer for themselves and not listen to what someone on the Internet tells you. I am getting my ASN now, later to get my BSN. The difference in the programs is another writing class, a history class, and a religion class for the prereqs. This is not going to make me a better nurse. Then the nursing classes have to do with research and nursing management. That is it. No more clinical hours because I am already a RN. A RN!! So basically this is to prepare me to be a charge nurse. I really don't want to do that. I only want to do bedside. But the clinical hours between ASN and BSN are the same. We go to the same sites. I worked with BSN students at my last facility. My school actually offers more clinical hours. You need to research your school plain and simple and see which way is best to pass your NCLEX. That is your goal. My school boasts a 100% pass rate.
There shouldn't be a debate. It's a personal decision.
I am simply giving another valid reason why hospitals may prefer BSN's, because they SHOULD have had courses that taught them to be more competent than the average joe at these skills. With ADN programs, it may be hit or miss as all schools are different and not all of them include these types of classes because they are not required to do so. BSN programs on the other hand are required to include them to get approved of educating students to have a Bachelor's in Science degree of Nursing,
However, a Bachelors degree in any field is looked upon as being more knowledgeable than an Associates on the basic level. Not even nursing experience per say, but you have more knowledge about real life situations, not just medical/nursing.
If you can't agree with that then you might as well let any person who has not gone to school take the NCLEX and if they pass, they can be a nurse. After all, if they know just as much as any ADN or BSN about nursing, had education about nursing, what makes them not a nurse?
It would be to invalidate the extra learning it takes to get a Bachelors for everything to say that associate degrees are just as good.Obviously the world and hospitals, don't see it that way.
One of the best posts i have seen in this discussion. I could have not said it any better.
I honestly don't understand this debate. Maws this a school project for the OP? I do take offense to don't get me wrong I know some great ASN nurses. Like the majority of ASN nurses are terrible. I have extensively researched this subject and it comes down to a few things plain and simple.
What do they hire in your area?
What is a respected school in your area?
What is their NCLEX pass rates?
What is your financial situation?
What is your end goal in nursing?
These are question each person has to answer for themselves and not listen to what someone on the Internet tells you. I am getting my ASN now, later to get my BSN. The difference in the programs is another writing class, a history class, and a religion class for the prereqs. This is not going to make me a better nurse. Then the nursing classes have to do with research and nursing management. That is it. No more clinical hours because I am already a RN. A RN!! So basically this is to prepare me to be a charge nurse. I really don't want to do that. I only want to do bedside. But the clinical hours between ASN and BSN are the same. We go to the same sites. I worked with BSN students at my last facility. My school actually offers more clinical hours. You need to research your school plain and simple and see which way is best to pass your NCLEX. That is your goal. My school boasts a 100% pass rate.
There shouldn't be a debate. It's a personal decision.
In nursing/medicine it is always important for an individual to consider their education, experience, and scope when confronted with an issue.
Forgive me if I read this wrong, but you are a current nursing student? Do you think that you are situated to make a determination what will/won't make you a better nurse? Is that within your education, experience, and scope.
I do have to politely differ with you that management and research education don't influence bedside practice. It absolutely does, or rather, it should.
I honestly don't understand this debate. Maws this a school project for the OP? I do take offense to don't get me wrong I know some great ASN nurses. Like the majority of ASN nurses are terrible. I have extensively researched this subject and it comes down to a few things plain and simple.
What do they hire in your area?
What is a respected school in your area?
What is their NCLEX pass rates?
What is your financial situation?
What is your end goal in nursing?
These are question each person has to answer for themselves and not listen to what someone on the Internet tells you. I am getting my ASN now, later to get my BSN. The difference in the programs is another writing class, a history class, and a religion class for the prereqs. This is not going to make me a better nurse. Then the nursing classes have to do with research and nursing management. That is it. No more clinical hours because I am already a RN. A RN!! So basically this is to prepare me to be a charge nurse. I really don't want to do that. I only want to do bedside. But the clinical hours between ASN and BSN are the same. We go to the same sites. I worked with BSN students at my last facility. My school actually offers more clinical hours. You need to research your school plain and simple and see which way is best to pass your NCLEX. That is your goal. My school boasts a 100% pass rate.
There shouldn't be a debate. It's a personal decision.
Really? so those classes are not important and crucial?
Sorry, but in reality, many and many more magnet hospitals are Not seen it as "Thats it". And that is why they only hire BSN nurses.
I don't think Hospitals are keen on waiting for the state bills to pass, even though the fact there are state bills on BSN being the minimal requirement for entry level into nursing is by itself VERY important.
I'm almost done with my rn-bsn which will give me 2 bachelor degrees. That in turn will legitimize my use of the word "craptacular", used to summarize lab results.
Really? so those classes are not important and crucial?
Sorry, but in reality, many and many more magnet hospitals are Not seen it as "Thats it". And that is why they only hire BSN nurses.
I don't think Hospitals are keen on waiting for the state bills to pass, even though the fact there are state bills on BSN being the minimal requirement for entry level into nursing is by itself VERY important.
I didn't say those research and nursing management classes aren't crucial. They are if you want to be a nurse manager or DON. I did my years in management, I don't want to do it again. Magnet hospital status is a title. Nothing more. It's something to attract customers. They can say 80% of our nurses are BSNs as opposed to ASNs so we are better.
First of all 70% of people have no idea what magnet status means. I had never heard the term until I got on here. The few people that do probably have no idea that a BSN nurse and ASN nurse take the exact same test! Same test! It is a marketing strategy, nothing more.
Hospitals are out to make money. The have advertising and marketing depts. the general public just wants a nurse who knows what they are doing and can keep them alive. A research and nursing leadership class won't make me better in that area.
I find this a silly debate. Like I said your education is a personal decision. And the absolute last thing we need is some politician deciding our education. I completely disagree with you there.
In nursing/medicine it is always important for an individual to consider their education, experience, and scope when confronted with an issue.
Forgive me if I read this wrong, but you are a current nursing student? Do you think that you are situated to make a determination what will/won't make you a better nurse? Is that within your education, experience, and scope.
I do have to politely differ with you that management and research education don't influence bedside practice. It absolutely does, or rather, it should.
Sent from my iPhone.
Yes, I am a student. All the questions I posted above are questions I asked myself when deciding my degree in the beginning. I will eventually get my BSN but not now. The school I go I am currently go to boasts a 100% NCLEX pass rate with all 30 passing this past year. It has never been below 97%. It is head and shoulders above the 4 BSN programs in my area. My school is well respected and hospitals in my area hire graduates from my school. That was my consideration. How best will I be able to obtain a job after I graduate. How best will I pass the NCLEX. Is not a job after graduation everyone's goal? That's my goal. So I did my homework on this. I looked at a BSN program that partners with my community college. I looked at the classes I will have to take and those are it. It's 60 extra credit hours with to me a bunch of fluff. I will probably work on that while working. But it is geared toward a charge nurse position. Like I have stated, that's not what I want. I don't want to listen to people complain about their coworkers and how will I fix that. Or this person has too many patients and this hospital sucks and management doesn't care about it's employees. I want to be a nurse and care for people. I want to do bedside.
So yes, I have thoroughly researched it. I have written several papers on it. Until the NCLEX is different and they pay a BSN more money you won't convince me that even management at the hospital believes it either. And just because I'm a student doesn't mean I'm not educated on this.
LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN
8,429 Posts
Oh you mean, engaging in...beguilement! regalement! merriment!!!
Whoopee!!!