Choosing the right Nursing Degree Adn or Bsn
Deciding whether to choose an associate degree program or a bachelor of science nursing degree program is a big decision. From past experience, it is always easier if you are able to finish nursing school with the BSN and not have to return to complete your degree. If you choose the ADN program, the amount of total hours in the end to obtain the BSN will be significantly more in terms of time. That decision needs to be based on what you can handle and how much you can afford. Getting the BSN right away is the obvious choice but personal circumstances have a significant impact of whether that is possible.
Making the decision to have a career in Nursing is just the first step. How you are going to get there and get the degree is another topic for discussion. Whether you should go after the Associate degree in nursing or go for a 4 Year University degree to get a BSN in nursing is a big decision. The bottom line is that everyone takes the same test for the state boards to obtain your license as an RN. There are reasons why an individual might choose to go and obtain an Associate degree instead of going to a University and get the BSN. Are you looking to be a nurse working at the bedside or would you like to have the opportunity to advance in Nursing?
The associate degree program is really focused on training the individual for being a bedside nurse. For many nurses this is where their heart is and an ADN program may be the best choice for them. The BSN programs includes courses in Public Health, Nursing research, Nursing leadership and some other Nursing theory courses. The BSN is geared toward moving the nurse away from the bedside and having careers in Public health, management, and teaching. The BSN opens many more doors for a nurse to have the opportunity for advancement.
At the beginning of a career as a nurse most nurses ( Both ADN & BSN ) start out at the bedside. In terms pf pay, the starting rate for ADN and BSN nurses is usually the same. There are a few hospitals that add a slight increase in pay if you have graduated from a 4 year degree program with a BSN. The ADN graduates from a two year program that usually takes at least three years because of additional courses that are needed to get in the nursing program.
If cost is a factor in obtaining a nursing degree, than the associate degree may be the best choice for you. ADN degrees are received from Community Colleges and the cheaper price tag in comparison to a four year degree at a University is significant. Once you obtain your ADN degree and have been hired by a hospital system, most have tuition reimbursement that will pay for a large percentage of the cost of finishing your degree to get a BSN. In terms of time, it is a much easier path get a BSN and not have to go back to school while you are working to finish your degree to get your BSN. Often it was the only choice for many individuals because they could not afford to attend a 4 year University or had family obligations that made it impossible to obtain the 4 year degree first.
Nursing is a field that has many career paths to choose from. The career path you choose has to be based on what you want and what opportunities you are looking for. If you have your BSN you may choose to continue your degree and become a Nurse Practitioner or Nurse anesthetist. or even obtain a PHD and become a Professor at a University. Nursing is an exciting field and has room for you whether you are an ADN or a BSN, the path you choose is your decision.
