Attn: All ADN nurses!

U.S.A. California

Published

Specializes in Med-Surg/DOU/Ortho/Onc/Rehab/ER/.

For those of you (particularly in the socal area) with an ADN, was it hard to get a job after graduation?

I am just wondering because I want to be in NS so bad and I am qualified for ADN programs this June but then in Jan I will be qualified for BSN programs too. I just dont want to wait another year to get into a BSN program, then do the 3 years and graduate when I can do a 2 yr ADN, [hopefully] get a job and work while doing a RN-BSN (hoping they'll pay for it too)

So, basically my question is whether the BSN-only rumor is true? I really hope not cause if you do the calculations, there are a hell of a lot more ADN nurses than BSN nurses....

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Specializes in Ortho / Nuro / ICU Step Down.

I'm not sure what part of CA you are in but, I can tell you that in my experience in Orange County and LA County that a BSN doesn't give you any more help than having an ADN. I seems that now a days, It's all in who you know.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

What do you mean by qualified? Are you guaranteed acceptance in January? I would hold out and get the BSN. I just graduated with my ADN and am immediately going for RN-BSN, but that's going to take another 1 1/2 years totaling 3 1/2 years of full time nursing school altogether when you could get it done in 3 years. I don't think most hospitals completely pay for your BSN either. Some of them, if you do get hired, will give you $1000-2000 either per semester or year, I forgot.

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Specializes in Med-Surg/ Tele/ DOU.

I'd go with getting the BSN. It's true that it's more who you know, but if you don't know anyone, a large number of the new grad programs are wanting BSN's. I got a job with a BSN without knowing anyone. And so did about 40 out 45 of my graduating class.

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Specializes in Med-Surg/ Tele/ DOU.

Cal State Long Beach also as a 2 year BSN program so you get done just as fast as the ADN.

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If you can start an ADN program sooner than the BSN program, I say go ahead and start. At least you're moving forward. You'll be able to sit for the NCLEX sooner and potentially start earning and income while you complete your BSN. For the record I have my ADN. I did not have any connections when I was first hired as a new grad. I just put myself out there and got all the certifications possible for my specialty to make myself marketable; and I know for a fact that I was hired over a BSN candidate.

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I don't know about BSN rumor. I would suggest to start your nursing school ASAP. Don't wait for BSN. You can always do RN-BSN later.

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Specializes in Neurosciences, cardiac, critical care.

BSNs DEFINITELY help!! I have an ADN and have gotten very far in the hiring process, only to not be given the job because the particular hospital was only hiring BSNs. I've also spoken with a few managers who are friends of friends and they've told me that they can't hire me b/c I'm an ADN but wish they could. I'd try to find a job while pursuing an RN-BSN, because it can only help, BUT not working as an RN at all for 18mos seems like it'll hurt your chances at a job even further. Maybe volunteer as an RN to keep your skills sharp?

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