I graduated in December with an ADN here in California. Finally got licensed in April after the huge backlog with the BRN and have been job hunting ever since (2 months). I have no significant volunteer experience and no healthcare experience outside of nursing school. I was initially happy about a few calls I got from a teaching hospital in TX, but now I am starting to get mixed feelings. Here's why:
I really want to get my BSN. I am currently enrolled to begin an intensive ADN-BSN program at a state university in late September that would allow me to have my degree in 10 months (June 2015). Nobody in my family has a Bachelor; I would be the first. I understand that online degrees are also available, but they exclude me from the chance of graduating with distinction (Cum Laude+). You only get a chance at this once and it is something that I value. My plan was to go to school, commit 1 year to volunteer at a local hospital, and try to get my foot in the door.
On the other hand, we all know the difficulty of landing that first interview, let alone that first hospital job! I am awaiting to finalize my interview appointments with the 1) Stroke/Telemetry, 2) Oncology, and 3) Cardiac Stepdown Unit. Each director that I spoke with described the units as a 1:5 to 1:6, including the CSU. Regardless of which department I choose, I know I would gain invaluable experience. I see the CSU as having the highest potential for learning, but I believe that the Stroke/Telemetry and Oncology units would allow for the most development. I am particularly excited and nervous about the 1:6 ratio on the CSU unit, which would include drips, post-op CABG patients, etc. During my preceptorship in the Float Pool, the ratio was capped at 1:4. I know that I can be passionate about any of these units and will put in hours outside of work to learn more about my craft. However, this would mean that I postpone my BSN for who knows how long (I'm thinking I could opt for the online degree and gradually complete my courses in 3 years).
So, BSN now or later? Sorry if I seem lost, I kind of am.
