You have always wanted to help people. So, you thought that nursing would be the best career for you. Not only would you get to help others, but you would also get to earn money. However, there are several ways to become a nurse. And there are so many specialties within the field. Things can get a little overwhelming when choosing your career. You might already be getting anxious about the correct choice.
When it comes to entering the field, there are two choices. You can either get an associate degree or graduate with a bachelor’s degree to become an RN. Specialization comes after you become an RN. So, which one is right for you?
Both these programs have their pros and cons. Students should consider these differences before making a choice. Not only do the length of the programs vary, but the salaries and job prospects are different. There are also other differences between both programs. Following are ten surprising unknown facts.
Fact 1: What do these words mean?
While nurses know the lingo, newbies may get confused with the acronyms. These innocuous abbreviations are perplexing. So, we will explain the meanings to help you navigate things. Both ADN and BSN are abbreviations for nursing degrees. An ADN is an Associate Degree in Nursing. People also call them ASN or AASN. The ASN is for Associate of Science in Nursing, while AASN is for Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. Both these programs are similar, but there are slight differences in the syllabus. Comparatively, a BSN is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Fact 2: What do these degrees do?
People often ask, what can I do with a bsn? The short answer is that you can become a Registered Nurse or RN. Both degrees help you become a practicing nurse. However, the salaries and job outlooks are different. You can also get an entry-level job in nursing without a degree. These positions are excellent to gain in-field experience.
Fact 3: How long before I can become an RN?
The fundamental difference between the ADN and BSN program is the time either degree requires. While every institution has its estimates, there are several variables. For example, full-time students may have shorter durations compared to part-time learners. Generally, an ADN degree may take up to 24 months. Comparatively, BSN programs take three years. Learners can also opt for accelerated BSN programs if they have a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Fact 4: What is the scope of practice?
BSN nurses may work in leadership roles. As they have a broader skillset, they work in administration and management roles to focus on the big picture. Some BSN nurses also work in research or education.
Comparatively, ADN nurses focus on technical tasks. They are in charge of direct care, monitoring, and updating patient information. Their scope is limited compared to BSN nurses.
ADN nurses are technical, while BSN nurses are professionals. BSN nurses don’t just know about the fundamentals of nursing, but they also focus on leadership and management. They study informatics, cultural determinants of health, and disease prevention. Comparatively, ADN programs train clinical skills.
Fact 5: How do ADN and BSN affect patient outcomes?
BSN nurses usually have better patient outcomes. They provide quality care compared to other graduates. According to one study, patients of BSN graduates had fewer accidents. They also got quality care. BSN nurses reduce preventable deaths and medical errors by improving patient outcomes. Since BSN graduates have leadership skills, they provide better care. So, BSN nurses are prepared to tackle complex care jobs because of their background. They have to put in clinical hours to meet diverse patient needs.
Fact 6: Whom do hospitals prefer?
Most employers primarily focus on the education level of potential employees when hiring them. BSN graduates are better at their job since they have a broad skill set. They are also more likely to prevent deaths through better quality care. Therefore, hospitals are keen to hire BSN graduates because they improve patient outcomes. And the better the hospital, the more BSN graduates work there. For example, Model patient care facilities employ more than 80 percent of BSN graduates.
Fact 7: Who does better at the NCLEX?
Nursing graduates have to pass the National Council Licensure Examination to become a registered nurse. This exam measures the competencies of graduates to determine if they can work as a nurse. The exam covers several topics, such as critical thinking and technical skills. But, it is not easy to pass the examination. So, graduates may have many attempts before they are successful. According to one research, BSN graduates are more likely to pass the licensing exam on their first go compared to others. While ADN graduates may pass on the first try, they have a lower chance of success.
Fact 8: How much do graduates earn?
BSN graduates earn a higher salary than ADN because they are more likely to move up the career ladder. Since BSN degrees offer advanced education compared to ADN programs, they qualify for more jobs. They can also pursue unique specialties. However, the demand for ADN nurses will increase in the next few years. But, ADN nurses have a slower growth rate because employers prefer to hire BSN graduates.
Fact 9: How does the curriculum differ?
Both degrees prepare nurses for patient care. The core course is the same. However, there is a difference in curriculum. BSN graduates learn management, leadership, and social sciences. They also cover nursing theory to help them teach technology in the workplace. Some BSN programs also offer topics such as newborn care and adult nursing.
Fact 10: What about career advancement?
A BSN degree can improve your chances of advancement. BSN graduates can pursue nursing specialties in terms of care or patient population. They can also get a Master of Science in Nursing to become clinical nurse specialists to opt for higher-paying roles. A nurse with an ADN may face some issues in climbing the career ladder. They can opt for accelerated programs to reach the next level.
Conclusion
Should you enroll in an ADN or BSN program? While there is no correct answer, most people opt for a BSN degree. BSN graduates have better career prospects, and employers prefer them over ADN graduates. Furthermore, BSN nurses provide better care to patients. Higher education can open doors to a better job and excellent prospects. Fortunately, several universities are offering online programs for working students. So, you can juggle your work and school. Our advice is to opt for a BSN degree because of the perks.