WHY does a B.S. + RN not equal BSN

SummitRN, BSN, RN · Jul 20, 2011

RNs meet the qualifications to be an RN regardless of the program they come from.

In theory and IN GENERAL, BSN programs include more prereqs and gen ed. That's why Bachelor holders can shortcut with accelerated programs. Additionally, BSN programs should also include additional nursing content/clinicals and all nursing content should be taught at the 300/400 level versus the 100/200 level.

There's always people eager to point out their exceptional ADN program, a sub-par BSN program, the occasional hospital that prefers NG ADNs when most prefer or even require BSNs, or some other exception. There's always exceptions. These exceptions are not rare, but that doesn't make them the norm.

One thing I have learned from these threads is that many feel RN->BSN programs are not comparable to BSN initial licensure programs in and of themselves as it applies to bedside nursing.

Having a bachelors opens up more shortcuts and opportunities to enter nursing than having no college. Yes, there are some annoying hoops to jump through, but either you want it bad enough, or if none of those options are to your liking, there is no shortage of other people who can do them and want them just as bad.

foreverLaur · Jul 20, 2011

It is quite common for ADN programs to be similar to BSN programs where the programs are in the same city. My ADN program shares curriculum, books, tests, and professors when the major 4 year university's BSN program. Our OB course/clinical is 2nd quarter where the BSN students do it in their 4th year. The tests, professors, book, coursework, and pace are 100% identical. Lemme tell ya - quite a challenge!

KJM-RN, BSN · Jul 20, 2011

Just for future knowledge, what is the difference people speak of between most RN to BSN vs starting with BSN programs?

foreverLaur · Jul 20, 2011

Just for future knowledge, what is the difference people speak of between most RN to BSN vs starting with BSN programs?

IMO, a nurse got did an ADN then RN-BSN should be equal to a nurse that just did a BSN.

jlpsu · Jul 20, 2011

IMO, a nurse got did an ADN then RN-BSN should be equal to a nurse that just did a BSN.

I agree completely. However, even here on AN, there are those who argue that a BSN direct program STILL has more nursing content and sciences than an RN-BSN program. The way I look at it, if the University deems the program worthy of conferring the BSN degree, regardless of whether it's a direct entry or an RN-BSN program, that should be good enough for everyone. There already seems to be so much division amongst nurses regarding ADN vs BSN vs MSN etc...(just read AN for a day to see THAT)....why we'd want to further microscopically dissect the actual BSN programs is beyond me. A BSN is a BSN is a BSN...IMO.

foreverLaur · Jul 20, 2011

I agree completely. However, even here on AN, there are those who argue that a BSN direct program STILL has more nursing content and sciences than an RN-BSN program.

Really? My ADN program as the exact same science coursework (independent, not integrated into nursing classes) than all the are BSN programs and the RN-BSN programs all require that coursework to be completed before admission.

Personally, if we had to pick sides, I would vote that an ADN nurse who later did a RN-BSN would be more educated than a straight BSN... or heck, I'd pick myself eventually, BA, ADN, and RN-BSN. I WIN! :lol2:

OK, back to reality. I agree with you completely. Regardless of how you obtained you BSN, they are all the same. Different schools approached it differently, but in the end, you were awarded an approved BSN and that should make you equal to anyone else with a BSN. Plus, school can only do so much. What is important is what you took for your clinicals and what you have learned as a RN. Clinicals + hands-on experience >>>> any lecture class in the world.

KJM-RN, BSN · Jul 21, 2011

Oh ok, I'm in an ADN program, but after I finish I plan to do RN to BSN. The basic BSN and RN to BSN programs are identical. Whatever needed to be taken for a basic BSN has to be completed for the RN to BSN program as well. Just figured they were all like that.

goingCOASTAL · Jul 22, 2011

A BSN degree really prepares you to be more of a consumer of nursing research than an ADN degree, which just prepares you to perform professional nursing. You do not get Nursing Research, or a holistic in-depth approach to all of the facets of nursing practice, not only to the whole human in all of their age ranges, but within the community as well. I don't speak about this from a point of arrogance ... I was an ADN nurse for 14 years before I went back to school for my BSN ... and yes, I really learned a lot I didn't know before, and the biggest thing was about learning how to improve my practice through evidenced-based research.

bsnanat2 · Jul 22, 2011

oh ok, i'm in an adn program, but after i finish i plan to do rn to bsn. the basic bsn and rn to bsn programs are identical. whatever needed to be taken for a basic bsn has to be completed for the rn to bsn program as well. just figured they were all like that.

no, they are not all like that. does that mean that those programs that differ are bad? no. does the fact that most adn programs are not structured the same as pre-licensure bsn programs mean they are worth less? no. they are in fact different with different foci. adn program focus is different than pre-licensure bsn and rn-bsn program focus is different than the previous two. why? program length and the preparation of the students differ for each. the goal of all these programs is to supply rn's. it amazes me how simple people can be when it comes to the nuances of other people's words. so many here are poised to pounce on and label any statement or viewpoint other than their own as arrogant. if you want a bsn, then get one. if you don't, then don't hate on those who chose to get one. i originally wanted an adn but was directed towards the bsn. my advisor was correct in saying that i would be happier with a bsn. i want a dnp, but will likely only be able to get a msn (if even that). that doesn't mean i'll make it my mission to discount the dnp degree even if there are obvious problems with it. lighten up and smarten up people.

delabeaux, MSN · Jul 27, 2011

I'm not trying to be argumentative here...I'm asking a serious question because I really don't understand. I also didn't post this over in the ADN vs BSN thread because it's not nearly as active. I also searched for answers (so don't skewar me), and while I found others who asked if it's the same and were simply told 'no it's not'...but I couldn't find an answer to WHY it's not. So here it goes...
I have two B.S. degrees..one in Speech Therapy, and the other in Computer Science (don't ask..life detours keep life interesting).
I am now purusuing a nursing career. My mother was a nurse for 40 years. I keep hearing how I really NEED a BSN to move up in the field. But here's the rub - I have no desire to go back for a THIRD BS degree. I have general education coming out the wazoo. At the most I'm willing to go from an RN-MSN program provided I get tuition help from my employer as I've had enough education expenses thankyouverymuch. But another BS degree...Really?
I am also being told, here and in other places, that a B.S. degree in another field, plus an RN license does NOT equal a BSN. I really don't get that. I have the general education from a 4 year degree (and then some), and I will (God willing) have the RN education which basically encompasses the last 2 years of a BSN program (and the program I will be going through actual has MORE clinical hours than the BSN programs locally). So, 2+2 = BSN in my mind. So why doesn't it?
And don't tell me it's because of this elusive Magnet Status either. Because two of our local hospitals have Magnet status and they not only HIRE ADN's, they RUN hospital based diploma programs which spit out wonderfully prepared diploma nurses...who then get hired at said hospitals. So, the theory that Magnet Status hospitals don't hire anything less than BSN's....well, I'm confused on that too because I keep hearing it here - but the reality seems quite different - at least where I live. Feel free to answer that for me too....
So what I am hearing here is...get your BSN. If you get a diploma or ADN first and you already have a BS degree - then you need to do an RN-BSN program which will include your general education...which i ALREADY have! So, what, I take one or two bridge classes and call it a BSN? It not only seems like a money grab from the Universities, but also a semantic technicality by everyone else. What am I missing?
Please, someone - kindly- explain to me the difference between a BS degree in ANYTHING in CONJUNCTION with an RN license...and a BSN. I really want to know.

having a previous science degree...

Let me quantify it for you.

BSN should be call the Bull $%%^ Nursing degree... sorry to those who will get offended, but nursing is NOT a science. How it is a BSN and not a BA degree baffles me when the majority of classes are nursing theory fluff.

Since you have an actual science degree, it doesn't cover the fluff. Nursing theory fluff. You can't escape it.!.!.! argh!

foreverLaur · Jul 27, 2011

having a previous science degree...
Let me quantify it for you.
BSN should be call the Bull $%%^ Nursing degree... sorry to those who will get offended, but nursing is NOT a science. How it is a BSN and not a BA degree baffles me when the majority of classes are nursing theory fluff.
Since you have an actual science degree, it doesn't cover the fluff. Nursing theory fluff. You can't escape it.!.!.! argh!

You aren't the first person I have heard that from. I have never spoken with a RN who did a RN-BSN program and found it useful. They ALL said it was a big waste of time and money.

RN-INC · Jul 27, 2011

BS in other degrees don't earn you a BSN because it doesn't provide you with the necessary courses to claim this status. For years after I became a RN (ADN) I had the misconception that I knew everything I needed to know that a BSN nurse knew, but after completing the BSN program which did not only consist of general education course, I realized how more indept the teaching is. I took 39 credit hours of course strictly nursing outside of what I took through the ADN program to obtain my BSN. This is why BS does not equal BSN mainly because you are not equiped with the necessary knowledge of a BSN nurse. Hope this helps. Good luck in your adventure.