Why Bachelors over Associates?!? is it worth it?

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Hi, I am going to get my associates of nursing, wondering what is so much different with the bachelors degree which i believe takes two more years after the associates rn?

Is it just the pay is a little more? and a better chance of a job????

Nething will help...

All along I was planning to get my ADN from a CC. I've decided this past week that I'm going to go for my BSN. I have a BS in another field and I only have 2 courses that I have to take as pre-reqs in addition to what I would have had to do anyway.

I'm not looking for management, but it's nice to know that there are advancement opportunities. I'd like to go on and get my NP someday as well. I just figured that it's better for me to do it now and get it done than wait another 10+ years to get it going. I have 3 kids and I'm taking my time (right now) until they are all in school so this works out perfect for me.

I've also noticed that a lot of the new grad positions on my hospitals website say BSN required. Whether or not that applies.... I don't know... but I am just going to get it now while I can. HTH's... good luck!

Jennifer

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I have a BA ( plus some post grad work) so going for a BSN over a ADN would make more sense. That being said, I think I will go for the ADN first and then take a bridge program to transition from an RN with a non nursing bachelors to an MSN. THe reason is purely monetary. A BSN will cost $35,000 or more while an RN at the community college is under $10,000. Also, I work per diem at a hospital and can keep my day job while going to school 4 nights a week. I have not found any BSN programs which offer this. I guess it all boils down to your life and what is right for you.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PACU.

I agree with Blee....I'd get the BSN now, I know our hospital is not keen on hiring anything less than a BSN (we are a Magnet facility). We had to fight with upper management to hire on one girl that we all knew from her CA days and is the daughter of one of our nurses! She is back in school right away to get her BSN. I chipped away at mine like Blee did....omg...I really wish I had done it years ago when the brain was not so old and I didn't have kids to run around. Yikes!

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Specializes in SRNA.
...and when I mean more knowledgeable I mean in nursing theory not practice since a ASN has far more clinical time than a BSN.

I strongly disagree with this statement. Any accredited nursing program must meet a minimum number of clinical hours, however many programs exceed this minimum (both Associates and Bachelors programs). Yes, BSN programs require more courses/units to obtain the degree, however this does not mean BSN students receive less clinical exposure. :uhoh3:

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My state has legislation pending that would require all registered nurses to complete a BSN degree within 10 years of initial licensure. I don't know if it will pass but as an ASN grad. I am happy I will soon be completing my BSN degree.

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Here, a 2-year nursing degree doesn't exist, although I think it's hilarious that our community college advertises their program as a 2-year program. It takes at least 4 semesters to finish the prerequisites for the ADN program even if you just took the minimum # of classes.

HAHAHA! I agree! :yeah:

Our "2-year" ASN degree usually takes about 4 years to complete. The pre-req's to the program consist of English/writing, biology, chemistry, math, psychology, social science, nutrition, anatomy/physiology.....and most applicants also have most of their general ed arts & letters requirements complete.

So, in that respect, I have never felt that BSNs have a more "well-rounded" education. At least, not in my program of study. They just have an extra year or so of nursing theory knowledge.

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Specializes in Adolescent Psych, PICU.
I've never seen a higher sign on bonus for BSNs .

Oh believe me there are plenty of hospitals that do!

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Specializes in Adolescent Psych, PICU.
ASN has far more clinical time than a BSN.

.

Not true!

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Specializes in forensic psych, corrections.

I don't think there's ever a situation where more education would be detrimental. Or 'not worth it'. I'm an ADN graduate going back this fall for my BSN simply because I'd like to have a more rounded education and because I think it will be difficult for nurses to demand respect as a profession when the majority of us are attending junior colleges and 'technical' schools.

I remember hearing a DJ suggest to a caller on the radio once to go to a trade school and learn a trade, like nursing. That is the public's perception. And to truly transition from a 'pink collar', task-oriented job to a well-respected profession deserving of tolerable work conditions will require unity and a common ground as far as training and education goes.

Maybe it won't gain you a larger sign on bonus or a bigger hourly rate but you will benefit and so will your future patients and employers.

Just my .02.

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Specializes in Adolescent Psych, PICU.
I strongly disagree with this statement. Any accredited nursing program must meet a minimum number of clinical hours, however many programs exceed this minimum (both Associates and Bachelors programs). Yes, BSN programs require more courses/units to obtain the degree, however this does not mean BSN students receive less clinical exposure. :uhoh3:

Thank you. I get SO TIRED of people thinking BSN students somehow, across the board, get less clinical hours. We have more classes and in some instances more clinical hours to complete our degree! Do I think I am a "better" nurse? No--but I do know that more education is better.

I have never in my life seen a group of professionals downplay more education!

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Specializes in Adolescent Psych, PICU.
HAHAHA! I agree! :yeah:

Our "2-year" ASN degree usually takes about 4 years to complete. The pre-req's to the program consist of English/writing, biology, chemistry, math, psychology, social science, nutrition, anatomy/physiology.....and most applicants also have most of their general ed arts & letters requirements complete.

So, in that respect, I have never felt that BSNs have a more "well-rounded" education. At least, not in my program of study. They just have an extra year or so of nursing theory knowledge.

No offense but your not a nursing student (you said you were applying to start in 2009) and your not a nurse so you really don't completely know what your talking about.

"just an extra year or so of nursing knowledge" is useless????? Wow. That is quite a statement.

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I have never in my life seen a group of professionals downplay more education!

i know, right?

i'm a 3 yr diploma nurse and at one time, became equally as defensive re adn vs bsn.

but the bottom line is that any add'l education, ANY. add'l.education, makes one more rounded, marketable and desirable.

no brainer there.

dang, it's about darned time we started supporting ea other in pursuing academic endeavors, rather than feeling so insecure and competitive.

it needs to stop.

i applaud and support any/all of my sisters/brothers who want to better themselves personally and/or professionally.

more power to you!

and yes.

bsn is the way of the (nsg) future.

leslie

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