2yr. Assoc. nurse or BSN nurse? Which is better?

neechee · Nov 3, 2003

yes that is correct. It takes the BSN about 1year to 2 years to catch up to the AD. Once the BSN gets there, he/she bypasses the AD due to the diversified management and thinking skills taught in school. Of course, some BSN's stink and some AD's are exceptional. The BSN will get the promotion if both are equal in tech, people skills, leadership etc. Pay does not differ in my area for BSN. Both start at the same.

cannoli · Nov 3, 2003

If you have the money and the time go for the BSN.

chad75 · Nov 3, 2003

We really need a FAQ on this board stickyed up top, this question gets asked about q12 hours, no offence will.

iliel · Nov 3, 2003

Originally posted by chad75
We really need a FAQ on this board stickyed up top, this question gets asked about q12 hours, no offence will.

I already asked for one a about a week ago but the moderators haven't responded.

The problem isn't with the question....it's really a very good question...the problem is with the ppl who get angry about it and make snide remarks instead of just ignoring the post or asking the mods to do something productive like post a sticky.

I think you need to look into every options. There are going to be times when a 4 yr uni is not going to be a solid as a 2 yr. Ask former students if you can.

At the same time, IMO, I think everyone should work their way up to the BSN (not because it makes you better), just do it at your pace. Sometimes, with ADN's you get smaller classes and the average age is a little older (not always), just see what works for you!

Good luck! and if you want to know more, in the upper right hand conner are some small blue buttons, one is for search, just type in ADN vs BSN and you'll find TONS of info!

chad75 · Nov 3, 2003

The problem isn't with the question....it's really a very good question...the problem is with the ppl who get angry about it and make snide remarks instead of just ignoring the post or asking the mods to post a sticky.

Not angry iliel :) just making a suggestions. The posts come in so fast around here that they fall to the second and third pages so new members end up asking the same question that has been asked 100+ times, hence my suggestion of faq. I was not trying to be snide and thought I presented my though free of anger/sarcasm :)

Dayray, RN · Nov 3, 2003

You will get a million different answers to this question.

here is mine.

ADN - in most cases get more clinical and on the job type training. because of this they start out better able to handle floor nursing.

BSN - a little less clinical time and usually a little slower to start when they hit the floor.

ADN - gets very little "nursing theory" and paper work type training.

BSN - gets allot of theory and have to write allot of long reports. they also have allot more prerequisites ie.. statistics, English comp 2, chemistry, electives etc..

In the end I would recommend the BSN route. Not because they are better but because it gives you more options later in your career.

It's different from state to state but here ADN's are in school for about 8-9 semesters and BSN's are in school for about 9 - 10.

As an ADN (graduated in May) I feel that I started out with solid clinical skills and have noticed that many of my peers who are BSN graduates have a harder time at first. But if I were to do it over again I would have gone for my BSN. The reason is that after a few months or a year the BSN's will catch up to me and have just as good of clinical skills (if they choose too work on them) and I'll still be an ADN. Not that a BSN means anything when working on the floor but it does help if you later want to go into management or like me would like to get a masters someday.

I have talked to all the nursing programs in my area and it will take at least 4 semesters for me to earn a BSN. So that puts me at 6 years of education to have a BS degree. if I had gone the BSN route I would have had it done in 4 1/2 years.

Lots of people will try to tell you that BSN's are more educated or better at critical thinking in my area and in my experience this isn't true. They learn the same skills and concepts as ADN's do but in the class room as opposed to on the floor.

Also in my area BSN's aren't payed any differently and no one will ever ask you where you got your degree or what kind it is. However, I've started seeing BSN as a job requirement for some positions.

So to sum this all up if you want options in the future, BSN is the better and only slightly more time consuming way to go. If you don't care about going into management or continuing to a masters degree then an ADN is fine.

iliel · Nov 3, 2003

Originally posted by chad75
Not angry iliel :) just making a suggestions. The posts come in so fast around here that they fall to the second and third pages so new members end up asking the same question that has been asked 100+ times, hence my suggestion of faq. I was not trying to be snide and thought I presented my though free of anger/sarcasm :)

Oh no no no no!! I didn't mean you're angry. No, I ment some other who have posted snide remarks about it and I was agreeing with you that we need a sticky! So sorry about that!

I'm in total agreement with you:kiss

I just went back and re read and saw where the prob was, I fixed it LOL

majrn · Nov 4, 2003

Originally posted by cannoli
If you have the money and the time go for the BSN.

I agree with cannoli........down the road if you want to do management or have career advancement pick the BSN and then you wont have to do it later. I also agree that some BSNs stink and some ADs are exceptional. Good luck.

Katnip, RN · Nov 4, 2003

I said it on another post, and I'll say it again here for the last time.

I graduated with a BSN. I started work at the same time with a new ADN grad.

She felt as unprepared as I did. She'd never insterted a Foley. I had done dozens of them. I never had a patient with an ostomy. She had dozens of them. Neither of us had ever dropped an NG tube. I suctioned kids, no adults, she'd never suctioned anyone.

Over all, skill wise we're about the same. We're both learning routine, we're both learning how to organize ourselves in the critical care setting.

We both have a lot to learn as far as skills go.

SmilingBluEyes · Nov 4, 2003

someone, oh someone, puuuhleeze put up a sticky regarding ADN/BSN/Diploma debates, etc.

this is getting old now.

the arguments are the same, the attitudes the same...people think what they think........time to help newcomers find these NUMEROUS threads and see this for themselves versus re-igniting this old flame over and over and over again...

another subject to "sticky" would be union versus non-union debates....

stickies pointing out how to research archives to find what they want on these hotly debated topics would be helpful to newcomers, I think....just a suggestion....

thank you.

mattsmom81 · Nov 4, 2003

Will, this subject touches some hot buttons around here as you see.

I think you are wise to ask the local nurses, as schools vary in the quality of their education. Some BSN programs offer little in clinical, others do a better job. The locals know which is the best school.

There is also the consideration of time...$$$...can you afford to go to school longer or must you work sooner?

There is absolutely nothing wrong with starting with ADN...you can always work on the BSN part time if you wish. Many of my coworkers have or are currently doing this. All depends on your particular situation and needs.

If you have the time and and $$$ and your local BSN program is a good one, consider this, as it will save you some time and energy later if you wish to advance your credentials. Good luck to you.

And I agree with a FAQ section so we don't have to repeat ourselves so often....moderators???:roll