ADN vs BSN | Which Nursing Degree Is Right For You?

ADN vs BSN | Which Is Right For You? In Today’s video we look at just that! We will break down the differences and similarities between the Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). I’ll share some of the limitations and benefits of going the ADN route, offer my personal recommendation for your end goal, and offer my insight on some common myth’s about ADN nursing programs. Remember, both the ADN and BSN nursing programs provide you the opportunity to sit for the NCLEX which makes you a registered nurse, so you really can’t lose either way!

If you are new here, Hello! I’m Liz, a Family Nurse practitioner, former pediatric nurse, and new(ish) mom. I’m about to start my new career, and plan to share it with all of you!

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[efilon]

“Don’t ever believe the internet.”... except Nurse Liz, always believe Nurse Liz.

[RedPaintRedRose]

I work in admissions at a nursing college and I highly suggest, for anybody who is a non traditional student, to get their ADN first and then go for their BSN. I feel that it makes more sense to go that route (and it’s cheaper!).

[HI-xtdi]

I’m so glad I got my ADN through a nationally accredited program. It was only like $5, 000 a year for school for the same license. I can get my BSN paid for by my employer, which is a magnet status hospital that hires ADN nurses and requires a BSN within five years after hire. I didn’t want to spend the first two years of my nursing career feeling like I was working only to pay off student debt from a university. I considered a university education for nursing a luxury experience and not a necessity. Still starting off at $36 an hour for base pay as a new grad, just like all the other new grad nurses from The University of Washington. I can always get that university experience when I’m able to pay for it later and I’m ready for my masters.

[kayaybeehhhhgfdsaaaAsdg]

I have a bachelor’s in another field, I’m going back to get my ADN in the fall. The drive is REAL. I’m retaking my core classes to get my GPA sky high to give myself the best chance of getting into the program. I have more drive, focus, and passion than I EVER had in my first degree. When you want it, you WANT it.

[DrAdnan]

It’s cool how there are so many options in nursing, and nurses have mobility so they can move on to other types of nursing jobs or other departments.

[katieschwartz]

Was in a BSN program and couldn’t stand it, i switched to ADN and now love it!! In my experience I have much more clinical time in my new program than I did in the BSN route. Also I have my LPN now because my program allows you to take your LPN NCLEX after completing certain classes. So now Im working as an LPN while finishing my RN!

[TheKagedd]

I’m a ADN student who graduates in March of 2019. Extremely proud of my choice. My goal is the BSN and it’s a 3 semester journey from my ADN. My area is all about BSNs but they’re plenty of job opportunities for ADNs. My school doesn’t think highly of their ADNs students. They put their BSNs on pedestals. It’s rather sad, but I’m working on my own timeline and I’m not letting them deter me. I’m this close to graduation 🎓.

[cherylann]

I have had my ADN for 30 years, I took the last 10 years off to raise my family, but maintained my license. I recently wanted to go back to work but most acute care facilities in my area are hiring BSNs because they have Magnet status. That being said I am in an accelerated RN to BSN hybrid program and it’s basically the “fluff” classes but I am learning even through its theory, especially after 30 years. I also find being an older nurse with experience helps with the classes. This spring I will be applying to a DNP program to become and FNP. I find that I am excited about learning again. When I became an ADN I was already an LPN. I became an LPN right out of high school because the ADN program would not except me because I was only 17. I think being an LPN first definitely helped with the clinical aspects of nursing. I know I have taken the long road in nursing, but every experience is valuable and you just have to figure out what is going to work for you.

[nataliem.]

Im in school for my associates degree in nursing now! I'm so excited as a mom of 3, I've tried multiple times to get through school but there was always something stopping me. Now I'm completely devoted to accomplish my dream and someday become a nurse practioner! Slowly but surely I will get there! Your videos have been SO helpful!

[PrettyRyanTravels]

Its very important to remember that PCP offices, SNFs, and clinics aren't held to magnet status so they DO hire ADNs. You will get hired as an ADN in multiple areas, it just might not be in the main hospital bedside position.

[mackenziemoreau]

Currently in the ADN program at my school and I graduate in December, woo!!! I completely agree with the whole competitive thing, it was super hard to get into this program and it’s just as challenging as a regular BSN program. Personally from my own experience ADN nurses kick butt and know their skills because in clinical we are forced to go out there and do our skills (even though it’s scary sometimes lol) but it prepares you for the real world. I have so much respect for ADN and BSN nurses. They all kick butt!!!

[legendlykke]

I did my ADN first and graduated with it in Fall 2019. I started my RN-to-BSN program in June 2020, and my employer is paying for a big chunk of it. I recommend doing what works best for you and your current situation... if you can get your traditional BSN from the beginning, I recommend doing that to not have to go back to school until grad school if you choose to. but either route work depending on your area.

[annasinclair]

My goal was always to get my bachelors but i decided to get my ADN first to A) save tons of money and B) that program has a great reputation in surrounding hospitals. And honestly in central Maine, the starting pay is not significantly different between the two degrees. I really enjoyed going to community college to become a nurse because my class was SO diverse in age range, and this gave me great opportunities to learn from some wiser and older classmates. There was a student that was a paramedic for 20 years, a few medical assistants, phlebotomists, etc. It took me a total of 3 years at my community college! Now I'm working full time and taking online classes for my BSN part time. My employer is reimbursing part of my tuition. A big thing when I was interviewing was that employers wanted to hear that my 5 year goal was to have my bachelor's degree.

[quiclarke]

I happened upon your videos by googling "how to prepare for nursing school". I am so happy I did. Your videos are very informative and real. I will be starting the ADN program at my local community college. I am a 45 year old wife and mother of 5 older children. My husband pushed me to go back to school after being a phlebotomist/Medical Assistant for 25+ years and I endured an injury that caused me to lose my position. After watching several of your videos, I am even more excited about this journey and the possibilities that lie ahead. Thank you for being so personable, that I feel like I'm listening to a good friend. Keep the videos coming I won't be finished until 2021 and I still have the BSN program to do afterwards so... I'll be needing you around for awhile.

[jamesspivey]

I am in my last semester of an ADN program. It was extremely difficult to get in and even more so to get out of my program. I am looking to do a bridge program and work in the ER directly after graduation. Thanks for a great video!

[BlueMolly]

A friend is getting her BSN as an RN. She's currently working as a nurse in a nursing home. She's already has her ASN Degree.

[kandacehunter]

Thank you for this video. I was feeling some discouragement for choosing the ADN program. Now after watching this video, I will continue my path because it’s exactly what works best for me .

[kingdomtakeover]

This video made me feel so much better about my choice to go the ADN route. I need to work asap!! Class of 2023 will be me😍

[tieiatalks]

This information has changed so much since the pandemic

[Jordale]

I’ll be getting my Associates drying nursing. I have a fluff bachelors degree. Masters program allow you to be admitted that’s a blessing! Great info!