two year RN degree programs

I am currently enrolled in an ADN program and now feel GREAT about it. These posts were so encouraging. Thank you so much.

The ADN or 2-year RNs we get are much better prepared clinically than the BSN's, at least around here. The BSN's are better prepared for management titles, but they seem to get less exposure and confidence as far as hands-on nursing skills.

just an observation in this particular area, and may not be true elsewhere.

I've been thinking about going to school for nursing for over a year now and plan to start next fall if i get accepted. I actually just posted a question about whether to start with an ADN or BSN. I think eventually I will get a BSN, but will start with the ADN. Reading your comments makes me feel a lot better about this decision. After reading some other comments I am a little scared about what I am getting into, but I feel nursing is the career for me. I'm thankful for positive comments like yours.

Hello my fellow former vermonter!

This topic has been fought about so many times under this board- you will never get a straight answer. I originally was going to go to Fanny Allen school of nursing for the LPN, then on to UVM.. But then I decided to move to wisconsin. I went to a two year technical college and rec'd my associates in under two years. My total cost 4,000 dollars. As discussion tution fees with a close friend of mine, 98,000 for four years of school. I have no debt, she has a ton. Vermont schools are very expensive for the instate student. Look around. As for the two verus four, generally two years have more clinical experience in the number of hours. They spend less time on theory based nursing as the bachelors do. You just have to go on things that are of importance to you. Like time, money, and completeness of education. If two year nurses were so terrible at clinical skills, then I wouldn't have been asked to be a preceptor for new students with only two years experience. (yes, there are plenty of four year nurses around with more experience than me)

I am an LPN with 11 years experience..Multiple settings over the years...IN MY OPINION...There is no standard mold to make a wonderful nurse...Any type of education is always a plus..from CEU improvment to higher degree...You can go to any state, to any unit,to any faclity...You can take out 10 nurses with the same title and will have an amazing varience of skill, personallity,work ethic,and overall competence...There is no singular solution or answer other than do what you want to do,can afford to do and try to learn the most and do the best you can..May God Bless you and good luck in your choices.....

I just had to add my 2 cents worth! I feel most ADN programs prepare nurses better for the hospital because they don't have to worry about all the other extra classes BSN students have to take(more clinical time)That is not to say that BSN nurses are "useless" as someone mentioned above. I felt I was well prepared when I started on a cardiac stepdown unit as a new grad. It just depends on the nurse and the experiences he/she has and if they make the best of it. Anyone can learn how to do nursing skills (we see that with techs, paramedics etc{they do more than us} ) Critical thinking is the most important skill to learn, the rest will come with practice!

Mopsi you have a very good point about looking at 10 nurses with the same degree and getting a totally different bunch of skill levels.

I was thinking mostly of new grads though, and it seems like the ADN's have been there and done that in nursing school, and they have an easier time assimilating into a unit. But the BSN's catch up quickly enough.

Another thing to consider if you are trying to choose between BSN or ADN, is money. Some hospitals give you 'points' or perks, or even more $$$$ if you have a BSN; and once you work in a unit, if you are competing for a promotion or something, the BSN would probably get it over the ADN. If you are in a hurry and need to start geting a check, do the ADN. If you have a lot of time and can afford it, do the BSN. (But maybe volunteer on the side or during summertime, work as a nursing assistant to get the hang of 'hands-on' comfort.