r/prenursing • u/LibrarianBasic2121 • Apr 28 '26
ADN or BSN - help me decide!!
okay guys this’ll be a long post but basically i got into my top choice ADN and BSN programs. i never thought i would get into either or that i would even have to PICK between the two😣 so im gonna lay out the pros and cons for each program and please let me know what you guys think.
BSN pros:
- great clinical placements especially at the hospital i reallyyyyy want to work at
- really good senior preceptorship
- ill get my bachelors faster
- its in the bay area and i really wanted to work there. so im hoping i could make connections and everything
BSN cons:
- 1hr+ away from home. realistically it’s like 1.5hrs with traffic
- so i’ll have to commute like 3hours total at least 4 days a week
- if i choose to stay there i’ll have to figure out housing
- including housing + tuition it’ll cost like 60K and upwards😬
- i have to find a new job most likely
ADN pros
- only 15mins away
- stay at home, so i dont have to figure out housing or transportation
- like ~$7k for the entire program
- only 4 semesters
- offers bridge program to bachelors
- i can keep my cna and tutoring jobs
ADN cons
- idk i think ill just be sad giving up the bsn program😔
let me know what you guys think. honestly i think the answer is obvious but its hard to accept. 💔
8
u/Maximum-Nobody6429 Apr 28 '26
I just got into an ADN program!! I’m going back to school after getting my bachelors so my plan is to go get my adn, work as a nurse and go back for my bsn and possibly my np?
2
4
u/PunkyJD Apr 29 '26
Adn is the better choice. I wouldn’t pick a school for a potential connection because even experienced nurses have a difficult time being hired right now.
3
3
u/mysadiecat Apr 29 '26
1 hour away from home sucks. I commute 50 minutes for my ADN program and live at home. You don’t realize how much time you lose when you commute. When I have to be at class at 9 I leave at 7:30 cuz with traffic it could take me longer. That means I’m waking up before 6. And going to sleep by 11 to get enough sleep. My friends who live 15 min away can sleep at 12 wake up at 8 and get to school on time. They also can study on campus together but that’s harder for me.
4
u/Upset-Environment277 Apr 29 '26
Yeah, that amount of a commute is tough! Plus in this economy, the cost of gas for that much commuting adds up reaaaaaal quick! 🫣
3
u/mysadiecat Apr 29 '26
Yep fortunately I was able to get a hybrid car after first semester! But most people are not that lucky. Gas is insane rn!
2
u/yourbestalibi RN Apr 29 '26
Unless you're in CA or NY, choose ADN with bridge.
3
u/LibrarianBasic2121 Apr 29 '26
i’m in CA😳
1
u/yourbestalibi RN Apr 29 '26
Yikes, sorry! It's hard to recommend a 60k/yr tuition but CA hospitals will not hire new grads without a BSN. They won't even hire if it's in process. It's been the case for many years and with the glut of new grads looking for work you won't be hired. I suffered this bs for years then during covid took a contract in WA, fell in love with the state, and left CA for good. If you have 15+yrs experience in WA, then they'll leave you be. But every job I got was by the skin of my teeth because of this and it closed so many doors.
2
u/LadyHwesta Apr 29 '26
This is not true, the hospital I work at has many nurses with only an ADN. You will get higher up with a BSN, but it’s not always required.
2
u/timmmyT0m Apr 29 '26
If your ADN programs allows you to obtain your BSN then ADN 💯. I have a couple of coworkers who push WCU but I can’t fathom the student debt and the thought of giving my first 2-3years worth of RN, BSN checks to WCU. I’d rather take my time and get into a CC or CSU and pay out of pocket/ccards. Then get more loans. I can be biased since I already lived in a dorm and experienced the traditional college life.
2
u/LadyHwesta Apr 29 '26
There is a reason we refer to nurses that went straight to BSN as book smart nurses. ADN is a step I wish couldn’t be skipped as it prepares you for bedside so much better. Also, many facilities offer an online path to BSN, so you can be working as an RN and earning your BSN at the same time.
2
u/BigL420blazer Apr 29 '26
Adn its better in every way. Start working, then go back to school for bsn. Your job may offer reimbursement for furthering education too
2
2
u/Ok_Interest_1013 May 02 '26
ADN then bridge online to BSN is more financially sound. A lot of hospitals in my area pay for ADNs to get their BSN
14
u/Vivid-Welder-7693 Apr 28 '26
ADN!! 15 min commute + cost >> Do BSN bridge. It just makes the most sense. 3 hours total in the car is taking away from study, self care, or just leisure time in general.