Which program? RN or BSN?

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I need opinions! I will be finishing up my pre-requisites to apply to the RN program at the Community College at the end of this month to possibly start in August if accepted... BUT Im also only 1 class away from having all pre-requisites done to apply to a University BSN program. If I wait, I will be finished with that in August. From the perspective of some of you who have already been down this path, which is better? I ultimately would like to have my BSN, which is why I have been taking those pre-requisites as well. My dilema is being out of work for so long. Does it make sense to take the RN program first, get hired, and then go back and take the BSN transition program? Or is that too much to handle once working? Right now I work full time and go to school part time in the evenings, so it wouldnt be out of the ordinary for me to do both at one time. Im just not sure if I could handle it while nursing... Not to mention, the difference in cost. Also, whats the difference in the amount of time? Obviously if I can get a bachelors degree for the sake of a few months, that a no-brainer. So, someone, please, gimme your :twocents:. I would really appreciate it. Im so nervous! Too many decisions, too much on the line. Its driving me crazy! :bugeyes:

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I thought I would do the ADN thing first. That will get me in the workplace faster and I will begin to reap some of the benefits of my education. There are a lot of RN to BSN programs out there and I will take advantage of one of those soon after I graduate (April 26th). It all depends on what you want. You mention being out of work for so long, going to nursing school is nothing like doing a couple of classes and working part time. Nursing school is a big commitment of time and energy. It's a full time job itself. Personally, I will finish my ADN then go back and do the RN to BSN program. Good luck in your decision.

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Specializes in oncology, transplant, OB.

Lynn-

I'm graduating from my local Community College in May w/an associates in nursing. I'm beginning to really regret not going all the way and getting my BSN. I live in Philly, and a lot of the larger hospitals are trying to become magnet hospitals. Because of this, they are only hiring BSN grads. Looking for a job right now, I feel like my options are def. limited which is a horrible feeling. Just keep that in mind!

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Do your BSN now and get it over with. There are many more jobs open and you won't have to be a slave to the bedside.

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Specializes in Medical Surgical.

My advice is to get your BSN. I went the BSN route only because the ADN program was full, but it was a lucky break! If I had become an ADN, I don't know if I would have gone back to school; it sure would have been a lot harder. Because I had my BSN, I got to do some nursing education and research and then went back and got an MSN and now have a job I absolutely love! None of this would have happened if I hadn't started out as a BSN.

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you want to become a competent nurse. go with the better nursing program. a degree does not equal and education! see who else on allnurses went to the schools that you are considering and get multiple opinions about the rn programs.

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Specializes in med/surg.

I agree with the poster above me... pick the school with the better program. If it's not the degree you really want then go back & complete the one you want. I chose an ADN program because it was highly rated & respected in my area and when my son is a little older I plan to do the ADN to MSN program.

As for another poster, it all depends on where you live if having a ADN or BSN will limit your employment possiblities, where I live you'd be hired either way & most nurses in the hospital are ADNs.

In the end you have to look at your life & decide what will work best for you... if you ultimately want a BSN & if you know you may not ever get around to going back go for it now.

I wish you good luck & I'm sure you'll find the program that is right for you.

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Specializes in Adolescent Psych, PICU.

If you want a BSN then you should go for that, don't settle for anything less than what *you* want.

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I would not like to think that the previous post was about calling one type of nurse *less* than another. I am not insinuating that she should not get her BSN. I suggested that she should choose the better program. That is why people go to nursing school-to become a NURSE. There are different routes to reach the same destination. I am currently in a diploma program and I do not regret it at all. I have been accepted into 1 RN-BSN program for me to start when I graduate from my current school. I have an appointment with my 2nd school of choice on Tues. They are both 1 year programs. When I do get my BSN I would have been in school for 4 yrs straight. It seems as though time is an issue to LittleLynn85 and it doesnt have to be if she plans ahead. She can still get her BSN, but her overall goal is to become a nurse. I had my pre- and co-reqs towards a BSN program done before I chose what RN program I would go to. I didnt even consider the BSN programs around because they are not *better* than the 2 yr programs in the state that I am in. If LittleLynn85 decides to choose a 2 yr program, she can also consider that she will be working sooner (better pay) and has a good chance at having her job helping her with paying back the tuition from the 2 yr program as well as the tuition towards her BSN (most likely with a commitment). In the end, she would have less to pay back and will be able to enjoy her money sooner.

She also does not have to be a slave the the bedside. I have had managers that did not have BSNs, and I wish that one in particular was still there or I would not have left that job. My current manager got her position with a diploma, but did go on to get her masters.

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Gonna get a little nitpicky here..........both ADN and BSN grads are RNs. You will not be choosing between an RN program and a BSN program, you will be choosing between ADN and BSN. They both turn out RNs.

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Gonna get a little nitpicky here..........both ADN and BSN grads are RNs. You will not be choosing between an RN program and a BSN program, you will be choosing between ADN and BSN. They both turn out RNs.

It is a proven fact that in studies done in hospitals that BSN nurses are more respected by patients than ADN's due to their degree and wider knowledge base. Get your BSN and you will have more opportunities.

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Thats strange. I know too many people who dont even know that there are different nursing degrees.

When I was a patient, I never got that survey. While I am at work, pts will ask me for the nurse, not the bs nurse or the ad or diploma nurse. While I am at clinical, I've been asked twice what type of program I am in, but I've never been turned away or felt less respected. Most people usually ask if I am in a LPN or RN program. When I tell them RN, they applaude me or tell me in different ways to go for the "top" one (their words, not mine).

What about those who nursing is a 2nd career or degree for? Some people have majored in Chemistry or Biology, Psychology, etc... and then decided to get an associates in nursing--wouldnt that give THEM a wider knowledge base than the BSN nurse who takes 1 or 2 classes in those areas?

I dont understand how that is a fact.

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