Obtaining your BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) will open many doors in your nursing career. A BSN makes nurses more attractive to employers who prefer candidates with advanced education. Many nurses, after working the floors for years, experience burnout and seek a change of pace. With a BSN, transitioning into management is possible, a role that is highly respected and often accompanied by a significant salary increase. You’ll earn respect from colleagues and develop leadership skills.
An ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) provides students with the fundamentals of nursing, including care plan development and basic nursing skills. A BSN, however, encourages more innovative thinking through credible research, leadership training, theory, and public health knowledge, enhancing critical thinking skills that improve patient safety and everyday nursing practices, thereby reducing the risk of critical errors.
It is advisable to pursue a BSN directly after high school. However, many adult learners prefer to work and earn money first. The key advice for them is to maintain momentum in their education. Starting a nursing role can lead to comfort and complacency, making it difficult to return to academic studies. Avoid being the nurse who perpetually plans to return to school—take action and enroll!
Job Security with a BSN
While there was a significant shortage of nurses in the past, the demand has decreased, making the BSN more crucial for employment. This degree is increasingly becoming a requirement for specialized roles such as teaching, specialty areas, and school nursing positions. If retirement is not imminent, be aware that many institutions will require a BSN in the future.
In anticipation of these changes, nurses with an ADN are often already enrolled or planning to complete their BSN. Remaining in an ADN-level position may be comfortable now, but the future demands more, with many hospitals aiming for Magnet status—a recognition that prioritizes hiring nurses with a BSN.
Magnet Recognition Program
This program recognizes healthcare organizations for quality patient care, nursing excellence, and innovations in nursing practice. The Magnet designation, developed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), is a leading indicator of successful nursing practices globally, signaling to consumers that a hospital provides top-tier nursing care.
The Benefits of the BSN
Most educational institutions require a BSN for enrollment in an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) program, necessary for nurse practitioners. A BSN opens doors to management positions and roles in insurance companies, pharmaceuticals, and research. It also qualifies nurses to be clinical instructors at local colleges, offering opportunities for additional income.
Financial Considerations
While the initial pay increase for a BSN over an ADN may not be substantial, advancement opportunities, particularly in management, can lead to higher earnings. However, compensation for staff nurses with a BSN is generally comparable to those with an ADN, depending largely on the employer’s policies.
Societal Perception
Nurses with a four-year degree are often held to a higher standard than those with a two-year degree. Patients and the public tend to have more confidence in nurses who have undergone longer training, perceiving them as more knowledgeable.
ADN vs. BSN by the numbers
| ADN | BSN | |
| Length | 2 to 3 years (about 70 credit hours) | 4 to 5 years (about 120 credit hours) |
| State Approved programs | 1275 | 777 |
| The total number of approved programs is based on our database; however, the actual number of approved programs may differ. This discrepancy allows you to see the variation. | ||
| Cost of education |
|
|
| The cost of education varies depending on the type of school, whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student, among other factors. The figures mentioned above are based on the tuition costs published on each university or college’s website in 2013. | ||
| Degree advancement options | RN to BSN, RN to MSN | BSN to MSN, BSN to PhD/DNP |
Yeah, not so much.
Very offensive to think that ASN are not critical thinkers and not as good as BSN. I have BSN and MSN prepared nurses asking me what to do in critical situations in the ER. Patients care about your skill set and how compassionate you are not what letters are after your name. This mentality is what is destroying the nursing profession. One degree is not better or safer then another. The safety factor is in the willingness to learn and the mentorship the new grads are provided. It all comes down to the support of a new nurse in their first year.
I am laughing at that nonsense. She is basically calling ADN nurses dumb, while struggling to form complete sentences.
You can be critical thinkers but by definition, you aren't as trained. You did 2 years at community college vs 4 years ago university and you've only done basic nursing skills vs science.
You're wrong. The clinical and pathology components are the same. The BSN people are taking more college courses that don't pertain to nursing. If you want to learn skills, become an LPN. RNs are not skill based. Also, not all four year schools are universities. Some are colleges. You are proving my point that BSN nurses are truly ruining a lot of what nursing has to offer.
Judging from your run on sentences and terrible grammar, you must be right.
I did 2 years in nursing school and 4 years of prerequisites. The credit units I have are close to that of a 4 year degree. I work with ADN and BSN nurses. The ADN nurses are better at the bedside.
It is normal to have that reaction. I have had LPNs argue their skill set because it was a means of validation. However, many studies demonstrate the advantages of BSN over ADN. It is unfortunate that the author says that ADNs are not critical thinkers, but the fact is that BSN nurses have advance skills compared to ADN. The diligence and tenacity that is needed to obtain a BSN degree is a feat in and of itself. It isn't rocket science but it is more advanced than ADN nursing. I wouldn't call an ADN nurse dumb. I was one too. I saw the reality of trends in practice and felt that the BSN would be invaluable. Of course, experience is everything and there are many very good ADNs and LPNs. But rather than argue how there is no difference, go back to school and obtain your BSN and see if you feel the same upon completion.
I went to BSN school online. The courses in management and community health were interesting but not essential in nursing school. New graduates as ADNs are better nurses than BSN ones. It's fact.
I agree ! I didn't learn enough to make that big of a difference in BEDSIDE nursing ! They want BSN nurses at the bedside but the BSN program teaches community health and Management of other employees not patients! I work in a hospital. Supposedly, it supposed to help me to be a better bedside nurse! I'm a RN if it's such a big difference why is there still ONE NCLEX! All prudent RN's critically think on a daily basis ! We have ALL learned the same skills for a hospital! I just want that question answered. If the NCLEX is a measurement or the basic skill set and safety to become a RN , why if a BSN nurse if statistically safer and leads to better patient outcomes to the point where they won't hire a ADN , why hasn't the governing body made 2 separate NCLEX?? Probably because is all marketing charge more for the higher degree nurses .... I'll wait
You are absolutely right!
I am currently exploring the option of getting my nursing degree after I finish my BA in psychology. I already have my Associates in Science but I thought to become an RN you had to have your BSN. But I guess they aren't the same thing. I am glad I am finding this out now vs later. I think that after reading this I will stick to pursing my BSN over the ADN. Thank you
Since you already have your BSN in psychology I think there is some sort of fast track BSN program you can take. Look into that and it will save you time!!!
I meant bachelors in psychology. Tired! Look into BSN fast track since you will have a bachelors degree!
I have an Associate Degree in Nursing. I have been told all of my career that I do not have the credentials to meet my goals. I am highly trained, have excellent critical thinking skills and leadership skills. I work at a corporate level as a senior director in the field of Care Management. I lead MSNs. I have learned that you are only limited by your mindset.
I'm one of those anachronisms, a Diploma RN. I graduated in one of the last Diploma programs in the country in 2007. We are not ADN or BSN, we are a different creature altogether, oh wait! I have an RN after my name also. A program completely based in the hospital from day one. This whole discussion about BSN vs ADN is tiresome, insulting and Magnet status is simply a boondoggle to make the ANA money and create a false tier system and bragging rights for wealthy healthcare systems. Been through magnet twice. Magnet is one of the reasons that the ADN RN is now considered "less than" the BSN. Magnet stipulates a certain percentage of BSN's for each Magnet designated institution. The Educational system also benefits greatly from the rush to BSN,MSN and the great and mighty Nursing PHD. We also see the denigration of women in the rush to elevate advanced nursing degrees. You may ask why this is true? Nursing has been and continues to be a female dominated position. The ANA has bought into the rationale that nurses (read women) are somehow less if they work at the bedside. So the result is a rush to push RN's into advanced degree programs so as to increase self esteem and make nursing more powerful and enrich advanced degree programs. In the end what this has done is relegate the bedside nurse to a position of less importance. Another result is the rush of young eager BSN's and accelerated MSN's to nursing who soon find out that working the bedside is not glamorous and is hard work. Thus the migration of said young nurses w/ advanced degrees to management and non-clinical positions. If you see where I am going here you will realize that we will never be able to do without the folks working in the trenches. Who are those folks? The ADN and even some of us last remaining RN Diploma nurses. We can't move into management in Magnet Institutions. So the ANA is creating a class system within nursing. Welcome to the new age of tiered nursing, brought to you by the ANA and the great new Magnet world!
I also find it offensive that ADN nurses are thought to be less intelligent and unable to critically think. I have been an ADN nurse for 12 years now. I am a primary nurse for critical care units and have been a trauma life flight nurse for 7 years as well. My patient population consists of adults, pediatrics, neonates, maternal and trauma just to mention a few. I also charge, teach & precept. Now please explain to me how, in your eyes, I am not competent and am unable to critically think? Heather
DO NOT be offended. I am proud of you.
I agree Magnet is going to ruin nursing. I have my ADN and have trained many BSN nurses in the critical care setting. Magnet will lead to a shortage of nurses. I also wanted to mention that a while back the BSN programs in our area were only passing about 65% for licensure and the ADNs were 96% what's that all about? ADN programs put people to work without amassing a huge amount of debt. I don't feel that having my ADN has made me any less of a critical thinker than any BSN.
Although I have a MSN, was a very successfull ADN nurse for 20 years before even obtaining my BSN. It is best not to generalize members the nursing community, and let each individual be evaluated on their own merit. Some of the worst nurses I have ever met had BSN's and MSN's RN MSN, CEN, CCRN
ASN nurses have more hospital experience than BSN nurses. The ADN program brings you to the patients right away. This is why you wanted to be a nurse. As for patients wanting nurses with BSNs, that's more nonsense. Anyone thinking about being a manager while in nursing school is not a nurse in their heart. For year nursing degrees are nice to have after you start working. I had an administrator tell me she was looking for experienced nurses but with BSNs only. "If you only have your ADN, go work in a nursing home". I told her, nobody I know would ever work here. I'm only here as an agency nurse". This is a classic example of why the bullying, backstabbing, and professionalism will never change. Everyone is lashing out at everyone. Be who you want to be and forget what others think.
Nurses have done this to themselves in an effort to make themselves feel better, more important. Colleges have promoted this idea in an effort t to make more money. If we could just entice and retain GOOD bedside nurses, no matter their education, we would be better off. I asked a supervisor once why she was so keen on me leaving her department, to go on to get a BSN/Masters. She was dumbfounded but in essence that was what she was asking. The hospital I'm at now lost 14 bedside nurses to their master's degrees last year. They are no longer nursing at that hospital's bedside and the kicker is that we paid for them to leave with tuition reimbursement. My calling was to bedside nursing. That is where I have been for 30 years and GOD willing I'll be there another 15. I truly believe that my patients need me. My ER does not need another new grad, ASN, Diploma or BSN. It needs experienced, critical thinking, devoted nurses. Nan, 30yr ASN, RN - ER, Critical Care Transport, Clinical Nurse Educator, PALS instructor - #1 Best Selling Author on Amazon in Western Science Fiction for the novel Post Grid.
Bravo. You hit the nail right in the head.
Can someone please explain this to me- how is it equivalent for someone with an unrelated bachelors degree to complete an accelerated BSN degree in less than 2 years, while other BSN's were RN's prior? is it really possible to accelerate a year of ASN and a year of BSN ?
Stupid as fuck. I know ADNs even LVNs that can run circles around a BSN nurse. The ones I've met are terrible and incompetent. Once in a while i encounter a good one. Try as you might the difference between a ADN and BSN is nothing much. It's all about status and money at this point. Get of your fucking high horse cus there's no difference. There's only ONE NCLEX for RNs, BSN or not. Maybe that should tell you something.
People get so butt hurt they can not see what the author means. Speaking in general, since that is what the author intends, more training equals a safer nursing. To say otherwise is futile. Higher education leads to more knowledge. Higher trained nurses are able to make changes in hospitals that when initiated by an ADN may be ignored. It is not a fair world out there. Take it for what it is. Errors occur in poorly designed health systems. BSN trained nurses have a better chance of making changes and affecting the system to build a better design. They are trained in research, paper writing, management, and exactly how to go about making changes. ADN nurses, like I was, doesn't mean you make more mistakes. It means you may find yourself in a system that is poorly designed. There is a difference. It is not on the individual level and skill of bedside care. Do not take everything so personally. Sheesh.