Nursing - which way to go

[ReneeA]

I find this difficult to believe unless of course you have more years at that facility or years experience. then of course you could be making more or less than anyone bsn or adn.

Depends on the area you live in and the programs in the area (like everyone else has stated).

We have a few University programs that don't have ANY clinical experience until their Jr. year - they are just starting to do bed baths halfway through their 3rd year. The program I'm in, you have to have ALL your pre-req's done prior to being admitted. Our 1st semester of nursing school we are on the floor doing bed baths, vitals, etc. We end up with almost twice as many clinical, hands on hours than a BSN degree.

We also make more money right out of school (from what I've been told by my manager) than those graduating with a BSN from other universities in the area.

 

[lsyorke]

While the BSN's had a better knowledge of phyiology and WHY of everything we do, but could barely start IV's.

My Anatomy and Physiology requirements, as an ADN, were exactly the same courses as BSN.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Touchy are we?

You never have an never will see me trash an ADN nurse or program. Ever.

Unfortunately, that's not the same courtesy that some of the ADN nurses on this thread have given to others (and I really have to wonder why?)

I could have made some generalizations based on MY experiences but I didn't.

When someone asks for an opinion, I'm going to give it, even if it's not the popular one with any group of people. And I will do it by stating my point without trashing anyone else.

If you want to continue to take the low road, then go ahead. Your posts speak volumes.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I merely advocate the BSN because that extra piece of paper gives you more credibility.

While I agree with your basic premise, I'd disagree it's just about a piece of paper. It's about a broader range of study, an increased knowledge base, and a better ability to think critically. It's not just about the technical stuff.

I suppose I could look up the cirriculums of the two types of programs and list them here for all to see the different number and types of classes in each program. I don't have time today to do that, but anyone else is welcome to on their own.

I'm not going to get into the "I've done this" and "I've done that" because I'm sure nobody here cares what I've done. Suffice it to say I've trained many, many nurses on the job. When I talk of a concept, I know who gets it, and who doesn't. There is either an understanding - or not. Talk about the technique of putting in a foley, and sure, just about everyone gets it. Talk about exactly what to look for in a cardiac patient's ECG when started on a new antiarrythmic and that's when you see the BSN shine.

These types of conversations have been going on in the nursing profession for decades. It behooves anyone looking into a program to educate themselves about the history of nursing education, current issues about complexities in patient care (read some nursing journals) and make a decision from there.

Nurses are usually good people who want to help others so it really is all good. Many roads will get you to your destination, find the one that works for you.

 

[ReneeA]

You never have an never will see me trash an ADN nurse or program. Ever.

Unfortunately, that's not the same courtesy that some of the ADN nurses on this thread have given to others (and I really have to wonder why?)

I could have made some generalizations based on MY experiences but I didn't.

When someone asks for an opinion, I'm going to give it, even if it's not the popular one with any group of people. And I will do it by stating my point without trashing anyone else.

If you want to continue to take the low road, then go ahead. Your posts speak volumes.

I don't think that anyone is trashing the BSN programs. I would love to get a BSN. The fact is, it would have cost me an addition 2 years and $65,000. We have 2 kids to support and considering I live in Detroit, I need a degree with a job ASAP. The ADN program works FOR ME...and I have never had anyone in the field tell me that there was a better route.

Of course, EVERY RN should get an advanced degree, especially in this day and age. I didn't see anyone dispute that fact at all.

 

[wdw.dreamer]

You never have an never will see me trash an ADN nurse or program. Ever.

Unfortunately, that's not the same courtesy that some of the ADN nurses on this thread have given to others (and I really have to wonder why?)

I could have made some generalizations based on MY experiences but I didn't.

When someone asks for an opinion, I'm going to give it, even if it's not the popular one with any group of people. And I will do it by stating my point without trashing anyone else.

If you want to continue to take the low road, then go ahead. Your posts speak volumes.

I guess I fail to see where I ever trashed a BSN program.

I merely made a snarky comment to you because you took MY opinion in such a wrong way.

There is a reason that I lurk and sometimes post AWAY from the community boards. Because this is the place where noone seems to be able to post ANYTHING without it turning into some sort of battle.

Let me exit before I say something that can be twisted again.

To the OP
Nursing is a wonderful career no matter which way you choose to go. If time and money are issues than an ADN program cannot be beat. If you end up having the time and extra money than by all means go for the BSN or MSN.

 

[Disney Doll]

I'm not going to get into the "I've done this" and "I've done that" because I'm sure nobody here cares what I've done. Suffice it to say I've trained many, many nurses on the job. When I talk of a concept, I know who gets it, and who doesn't. There is either an understanding - or not. Talk about the technique of putting in a foley, and sure, just about everyone gets it. Talk about exactly what to look for in a cardiac patient's ECG when started on a new antiarrythmic and that's when you see the BSN shine.

You know Pea, I don't know if I agree with you with regard to the BSN being the reason that some nurses "shine" and others don't.

Not to go all "Florence" here (as in Nightingale ), but I think some people have a natural "knack" for nursing and some don't. I, too, have mentored hundreds of nurses in my day...both RNs and LPNs...and I do understand what you mean by "gets it" in reference to a new nurse. I'm just not sure that the BSN is the reason behind it. Certainly it doesn't hurt, but I see a BSN as a way to improve marketability more than anything.

 

[maps]

Nursing is great because there are so many options available.

As to what would be the best route for you, it all depends on what your end point will be. If you plan to work as a staff nurse and such, and money is tight now, go for the ADN. You can always advance later on and possibly have your employer pay for it.

This is what I did:

18--started college
19--became on LNA
While working at this hospital, I was given a scholarship that paid for my last 2 yrs of my BSN in exchange for 2 yrs of service after graduation.
22--graduated with BSN
23--started NP school while continuing to work full time at above hospital.
They gave me some stipends for my masters with no strings attached.
25--graduated as FNP and have been working for the last 13yrs

Now granted, I wasn't married with kids at the time so this was much easier.

Thank goodness I'm being grandfathered in for the DPN since I can't imagine going back to school now with my full time job, husband and 2 kids!

 

[castleview]

Just thought I'd let everyone know where I'm at. I'll be starting my science pre-reqs this summer which are necessary whether I go ADN or accelerated BSN. My science and psychology credits are too old to count toward whatever degree I pursue, but they will get me past basic intro classes and right into A&P and Lifespan.

Some of the admissions officers were rather negative when I called for information - maybe I'm calling at a busy time. Either way, I'm admittedly kind of judging the schools by how helpful their people were.

I met with an advisor at the local CC who was wonderful and gave me this great plan that could help me sustain my family life throughout most of theprogram. Although she was an advisor to an ADN program, ironically she had taught clinicals for the accelerated BSN that I'm looking into (she said she found it stressful as a teacher ).

The nursing advisor for the BSN (private college) was very nice also. It's definitely a "coming up for air" program that takes 12 months. I would love to be done with the BSN and DH is supportive, but this would be extremely intense. I still haven't decided against it, though.

Money factor - getting an ADN at the CC slowly over the next few years not including pre-reqs or books, would be about $8,000. At the private college, the accelerated BSN is about $54,000. The only state school offering the accelerated BSN is about $25,000 and this is a school that I don't want to deal with.

So, I'm still going forward with my options open. Thanks again for the information everyone and for referencing certain web sites. I've learned quite a bit this past week. Right now, I'm just getting myself back into school mode. Reviewing math, chemistry and studying A&P on my own right now is actually quite enjoyable - kids have hijacked my brain these past few years, so I feel like I'm challenging myself!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Good luck, castleview!

 

[castleview]

Good luck, castleview!

Thanks Pea, may I beckon you when my brain fries?

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Thanks Pea, may I beckon you when my brain fries?

Of course- anytime. (Hopefully my brain will be functional. )