What are the pros of getting your BSN?

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Hello. I haven't begun my nursing studies yet, but I was wondering if going for BSN after receiving an AA degree in nursing is a good idea. What are the differences between a nurse with a BSN and one with an ADN from a community college? Are they both considered a RN? Is there a salary difference? Does having a BSN make a nurse look more favorable to recruiters? Also, are there materials/experiences that a nurse will never learn if he or she never enters a BSN program that will affect work performance in the real world? Is an ADN not enough???? And would that be a reason why nurses continue their education? Who knows if I may feel that I need more school education later on, but for now I'm planning on enrolling in an ADN program at a near community college and find work right after because I do not want to spend three additional years after graduating from a two year nursing program studing and doing rotations. Is this a bad choice? Will people look down on me or think that I'm not capable of carrying out certain tasks because I do not have a BSN? Are nurses with BSN and ADN basically the same is what I would like to end this post with :) Please help. Thanks.

OH and this is an edit. I'm not a shy person and I love to talk, but I have a fear of public speaking. I totally blank out for no reason at all :p I love to perform in front of an audience, but no public speaking. Would I have to do some oral presentations while in nursing school (ADN and BSN)? If that is the case, I guess I have to deal with it :crying2:

No..I know I won't have any problems communicating with patients and families :rolleyes: I'm talking about doing presentations :chuckle

Is there such a thing as an online ADN program? The ones where you take lecture classes and do homeworks online while you do clinicals at nearby hospitals?

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Specializes in critical care; community health; psych.

Now that I'm close to graduating from my ADN program, the question looms about whether to go on for the BSN. I have noticed in my job searches that some hospitals (usually connected to universities) want a BSN at the minimum. Also, some clinical positions advertise "BSN preferred". Does that mean they'll settle for an ADN? It is good for the profession, no doubt, but I don't want to go down that debate road. I think the one incentive that might make me incur more student loan debt and school stress would be the promise of the possibility of a non-bedside job when my body just won't cooperate anymore.

OP, I believe you would be well served by going the ADN route and then consider the possibility for moving on later down the road a piece. You should also know that ADN programs are diverse in their curriculums. My program requires a separate pharmacology and psychology course. We also have to take three semesters of PE. Others may incorporate the material into other courses. Some require intermediate or college algebra. You should look at prospective programs and compare when you make your decision.

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Also, if you want to be a nurse in the military you are required to have a BSN. Not sure if you were even thinking about military nursing, but that just gives you even more options in the job market.

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Aside from everything else mentioned above.. I one time was looking through classified for nurses and there were 2 ads saying "associates degree nurse with at least 2 years experience or BSN nurse with no experience" or something like that.. So I guess with jobs you can see it does make a difference sometimes..

I just think why NOT get a BSN? If you have the time and resources, why not? I eventually want to get my masters anyway... And like someone else said if you decide nursing is not for you, you will always have your bachelors and that will open SO many doors for you.

As far as public speaking.. like anything else that takes practice. I hate it too but I get up there and assume the role of whatever I am presenting. It helps to get dressed up and look professional. There are people in my class that you can see shaking when they are up there... Eventually you are going to be teaching to your clients.. You make teach to a group of patients on diabetes, labor etc etc.. I think as long as you are PREPARED and know as much as possible about your topic, you will be ok. It is when you are unprepared that you have the chance of looking like you shouldn't be up there.

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Specializes in critical care; community health; psych.

Is there such a thing as an online ADN program? The ones where you take lecture classes and do homeworks online while you do clinicals at nearby hospitals?

Yes, there are but there are accreditation issues and I've heard that clinical isn't always easy to arrange.

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Specializes in Step-down ICU.

Just wanted to add to the topic....

I am a pre-nursing student here in NC, and as far as pay rate ADN v. BSN, there is NO difference. Since I am only 24 years old, I KNOW that I want to go to grad school one day, so the best option for me is to get my BSN. Why not? I feel like I am too young to limit myself....

I am almost done with pre-req's, as it stands now, it's going to take the same amount of time for me to get my ADN, as BSN. In my opinion, it makes sense for me to go for the higher degree, since it will take the same amount of time. With that said, in hindsight, if I had known out of highschool I wanted to be a nurse, then I probably would have gone the ADN, and pursued the BSN later. As an individual, I like options....So if the BSN provides me with many different options, then that is where I am headed. It all just depends on where you are in life.....

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Specializes in Gynecology/Oncology.

About public speaking...

FREAKS me out. One of the reasons I switched my major from surg. tech. to nursing, ST required us to take speech, nursing didn't! LOL That's just one reason.

But anyway, I'm the one who sweats profusely, shakes while I'm talking, can't remember how to talk, and my heart is bounding out of my chest. It has gotten easier, though, since I know everyone. You'll be so close to your classmates it'll be like talking to your friends. Good luck to you! :balloons:

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Specializes in Med-Surg.
Now that I'm close to graduating from my ADN program, the question looms about whether to go on for the BSN. I have noticed in my job searches that some hospitals (usually connected to universities) want a BSN at the minimum. Also, some clinical positions advertise "BSN preferred". Does that mean they'll settle for an ADN? It is good for the profession, no doubt, but I don't want to go down that debate road. I think the one incentive that might make me incur more student loan debt and school stress would be the promise of the possibility of a non-bedside job when my body just won't cooperate anymore.

"BSN preferred" jobs will hire ADNs. But all things being equal between you and a BSN applicant, the BSN gets the edge.

You're last thought is why I'm getting my BSN now. When my body, mind and soul give out from bedside nursing, and I have not guarantee it won't, I'll have options perhaps.

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I am currently a student in an MSN program. I began my education in a diploma program, went to an associate degree program, went on to get my BSN and a MS in Hospital Administration. I advise anyone to atleast get a BSN. Asyou age, your body wears down, and you may find yourself unable to work in bedside nursing. Education has always opened doors, for me.

Grannynurse :balloons:

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I see myself owning a business further down the road. Maybe that is why I'm not looking forward to going into a BSN program. Here, ADN takes two years while BSN takes four years :uhoh21: Also, nursing requires a speech class. I guess it was not required for you :rotfl: Not sweating about it though. I'm taking it during Fall semester :)

Actually, what annoys me more is preparing for the presentation than giving the presentation. If someone would prepare it for me I would have no problem, but things don't work that way :chuckle I don't like doing projects, whether it is by myself or with a group. Research papers and just papers are another big no. Basically, I'm sick and tired of going to school. I just want to get out and start making money and stop depending on my parents. But who would want me to treat them if I don't have the education? :p

I have a question. Are nurses who work in clinics/doctor's offices paid around the same amount as those who work in hospitals?

And does anyone know a user who graduated from Cerritos or Cypress ADN program? Thanks~

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I see myself owning a business further down the road. Maybe that is why I'm not looking forward to going into a BSN program. Here, ADN takes two years while BSN takes four years :uhoh21: Also, nursing requires a speech class. I guess it was not required for you :rotfl: Not sweating about it though. I'm taking it during Fall semester :)

Actually, what annoys me more is preparing for the presentation than giving the presentation. If someone would prepare it for me I would have no problem, but things don't work that way :chuckle I don't like doing projects, whether it is by myself or with a group. Research papers and just papers are another big no. Basically, I'm sick and tired of going to school. I just want to get out and start making money and stop depending on my parents. But who would want me to treat them if I don't have the education? :p

I have a question. Are nurses who work in clinics/doctor's offices paid around the same amount as those who work in hospitals?

And does anyone know a user who graduated from Cerritos or Cypress ADN program? Thanks~

Nurses who work in clinics/doctor's offices typically get paid much less than those who work in hospitals. However, for some people, the benefits (regular hours, no weekends/holidays) and reduced stress level make the pay cut worth it.

In my opinion, go for the BSN! It is more schooling, but there really will be more opportunities in the future. Don't let the thought of giving presentations deter you. I used to be so frightened of public speaking that I would have panic attacks. I recently used a very lose dose of Inderal (10mg) before a presentation. My physician prescribed it for situational anxiety (often used by public speakers and musicians). I couldn't believe the difference that it made! I still felt nervous, but the physical symptoms of shaking, sweating, and uncontrollable heart palpitations disappeared! If speaking really bothers you that much, talk to your health care provider. I wish that I would have sooner!

If it's the actual work that bothers you though, I'm not sure what to tell you. Nursing school is a lot of hard work- research papers, clinical prep, projects, etc. You have to be prepared for that.

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Are the ANY majors in college that dont require writing papers/giving presentations/doing projects? :p I think even computer science and economic business majors have to do them or am I wrong?

I had no clue that nurses who work in clinics are paid a lower salary. I can imagine why though :)

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