Which would you choose???

[Family122910]

Hey all,

So here is my question. I have recently been accepted into a nursing school I'm my area. There are two option that I can pursue, a 2year ADN program or a 3year BSN program. There are pros and cons for both. Here are my thoughts.

ADN 2yrs- I can become a nurse sooner. Once employed most of the hospitals near me where I would hope to work will pay a portion of your tuition to get your BSN, which is all online(saves me from going to campus and allows me to be home). But I would have to juggle being a mom, work and online classes. I would save a good bit of money by doing it this way and I would get some hands on experience before getting my BSN.

BSN 3yrs- I would finish school with the BSN and would be able to get a better position higher pay. I would not have to return to school or do online classes. It would cost quite a bit more for this program. It would be more on campus and less at home but once done, I'm done!

My ultimate goal is to have my nursing career as a pediatric RN, like at a children's hospital. My second choice would be labor and delivery.

Thank you all for the help.

[babysplash, ADN, RN]

I was in this same situation and I chose an ADN program - it sounds like the a BSN in 3 years you may attend classes in the summer? I wanted breaks in between semesters for vacation/lax time. That was important to me to spend time with child and my husband. Also, I considered the cost and affordability of both programs. Of course the ADN is much more affordable. My goal is to graduate with no debt, I also do not want to take out any loans for my education. My ADN completely covered by financial aid and I am looking to get my BSN paid for by my future employer (if that doesn't pan out, then financial aid is a back up option). In Texas (not sure about other states) BSN nurses with no experience start at the same rate as ADN nurses, or, occasionally $1 more per hour. I did not see that as being significant if I have thousands in debt for the 3-4 years of BSN education. Of course it's your choice, just my two cents since I've been in this situation!

[llg, PhD, RN]

What type of jobs will be available to you as a new ADN graduate in your community? Will you be happy with a job like that? If so, then I think the ADN is probably the best way to go -- assuming that the school is properly accredited and has a good reputation within the community, of course.

However, if you live in a community in which new ADN grads have a lot of trouble getting a decent job ... then the BSN option might be better.

[ParaMolly]

I was also in this position, and I chose the ADN program. Not only is it much cheaper (even when factoring in the cost to finish and get my BSN afterwards online, which I plan on doing), but this ADN program is an excellent program with a great reputation in the area. Their graduates actually have a better employment rate than the BSN graduates from the other program. Definitely poke around and talk to people at your local hospitals and medical facilities and see what the general opinions are of both the programs graduates.