Why Not Just Do A Bsn Program???

Published

I'm sure that I am going to get ripped for this one but I am just curious. Whats the point of doing an ADN program? I mean, are you really going to be as competent as a BSN nurse? Considering the fact that I am in a BSN program and I can barely keep up with all of the tons of info that they throw at us, I wonder how you can possible obtain all that info in a ADN program. And further more from what I understand, with all the pre-reqs that you have to take, it ends up taking the average ADN student 3 years to finish anyway. So why not just do a 4 year program???

BE gentle...

Well, I can tell you from my point of view, that I did the BSN because it was going to take me the same amount of time to get my ADN as my BSN. As for the retaining the information, well, I believe I can say for certain that the ADN graduate's don't have any more trouble retaining the information than BSN graduates. It doesn't matter which program you're in, the actual NURSING classes are all two years --- ADN or BSN. I only know of a couple five semester nursing programs in a BSN route, and for all of those, there are five semester nursing programs in an ADN route. Anyway, just thought I would give my opinion since I researched both before I chose my path. The BSN route was the same amount of time, for me, as the ADN route would have been.

-Maggie

Exactly, if they are going to take just about the same amount of time, then why not go ahead and get the higher degree? as far as their competency level, i never said that they WERENT as competent, I was just asking for opinions. Personally, I think they are...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
as far as their competency level, i never said that they WERENT as competent, I was just asking for opinions. Personally, I think they are...

I mean, are you really going to be as competent as a BSN nurse?

I'm sorry, I took that statement to mean you believe an ADN nurse can't POSSIBLY be as competent as a BSN nurse. :rolleyes: After all, why would you think you were going to be "ripped a new one" if you weren't saying or implying that a BSN nurse is somehow *better* than an ADN nurse.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Yes. The additional classes that a BSN must take are electives that have nothing to do with nursing, as well as nursing theory and leadership classes, which will not affect my ability to care for a patient. My clinical experience will be just as thorough as yours.

Because that's one extra year that I would be in school instead of out in the field working. So while you're finishing up your BSN, I'm actually working and gaining hands-on, practical experience. So who will be the more experienced and competent nurse by the time *you* graduate?

Furthermore, the ADN program is about 1/4 the cost as a BSN program at a university. There is a CC with an ADN program 10 miles from my house, whereas the closest school to offer a BSN program is 1 1/2 hours away. Also, once I'm working, I'll be able to do an RN->BSN program that will be paid for by my employer. Why pay out of pocket for something that my employer is willing to pay for as part of my work benefits?

So that's why I am going for an ADN instead of a BSN.

Makes a lot of sense actually. I didnt want to offend anyone. Your reasons seem to be very logical and I hope that works out for you. And as far as those extra leadership classes etc that I have to take, I think that will make me a more well rounded nurse. How does the pay differ for ADN nursesvs BSN nurses? Anyone know?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I'm sorry, I took that statement to mean you believe an ADN nurse can't POSSIBLY be as competent as a BSN nurse. :rolleyes: After all, why would you think you were going to be "ripped a new one" if you weren't saying or implying that a BSN nurse is somehow *better* than an ADN nurse.

*smiles...nurses are a unique group of people. very defensive...:p I just had a feeling...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC/Behavioral/ Hospice.

I agree with klone. It appeared, from your question, that there was doubt in your mind as to the competency level of an ADN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Sounds to me someone wants to start the Ivory Tower discussion AGAIN! The BSN is not for everyone, just as the ADN is not for everyone. Many non-tradional students, as well as students not as economically fortunate as others, cannot go for the BSN. It is just not possible.

The NCLEX-RN is the final measure for all RN graduates, and if you look you will find ADN graduates out score BSN graduates on the NCLECX-RN. Plus, hospitals will tell you both are equally competent, and many ADN graduates hold higher competencies at graduation than their BSN conterparts.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The pay does not differ where I live.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
Makes a lot of sense actually. I didnt want to offend anyone. Your reasons seem to be very logical and I hope that works out for you. And as far as those extra leadership classes etc that I have to take, I think that will make me a more well rounded nurse. How does the pay differ for ADN nursesvs BSN nurses? Anyone know?

IMO, the leadership classes will not benefit you as a floor nurse, caring for patients. They will, however, benefit you if you want to go into nurse leadership. Not all RNs have higher goals beyond being a floor nurse. For those who do, the BSN is a good way to go. MANY MANY of us who are currently pursuing ADNs *DO* have plans to continue on with a BSN. But we're also not 22 anymore. We're married and have children to support. For us, that extra 1-2 years in school when we could be earning a paycheck *is* a big deal.

There is no pay difference where I am between an ADN and a BSN. We're all RNs, with RN pay.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CCU.

OK, here's my $.02,

I think that, and this is JMO, most of the people who do the ADN route are really interested in bedside nursing as an RN, because basically there is NO difference between an ADN and BSN prepared nurse with regard to bedside competence. The decision for getting an ADN vs. BSN is usually made by assesing your long term goals are and what your personal finances are. If you intend on getting an advanced degree in nursing it usually makes more sense to get your BSN, because: you'll need a bachelors (although not necessarily in nursing) to get into the program and in the long run it will cost you less. The only reason that someone who wants an advanced degree would get an ADN first, again JMO, is that either they didn't realize that they wanted to specialize or their financial situation at the time wouldn't let them do the BSN right off the bat.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

Because not everyone's got the money for 4-5 years of school.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

From what I gathered, nursing pay works under unusual rules (socialistic?) from other professions. From what I've been told/read in these forums, BSN grads start off at about the same pay without taking into account many pertinent factors. And frankly, that's something that doesn't happen in many other employment fields.

In almost any other field, graduates are rewarded for: better academics, better attended schools, more difficult degrees, more challenging course loads, etc. It may be part of what is wrong with nursing today. Where is the incentive for new nursing students to acheive higher goals?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

No pay difference here either.

steph

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion