Are BSN prepared Nurses having a tough time as well?

netglow, ASN, RN · Mar 28, 2011

Yes, both are having difficulties. I know a few BSNs (did prereqs with them) they have not found a job, now it's been more than a year since graduating. But I say this, you will hear a lot pro/con different degrees on this board. Do what you have the money for, but know no matter what you do, it's your contacts/powerful connections that will get you the job. You will be surprised that it often is a student who had to retake the boards and dragged through school that is the very first to be hired. Now that is the truth across the board.

pnmia10 · Mar 28, 2011

You are ABSOLUTELY right. It's all about connections....

Heidi the nurse, BSN, RN · Mar 28, 2011

But on the other hand a BSN is more likely to have additional opportunities in the future. You probably won't see a monetary difference - at least at first. Until I started doing school nursing no one cared what degree I had, just if I had my license. That might have changed - I have been here for 5 years, but the places I worked before here didn't pay more for BSN's. Think 5 or 10 years down the line too, especially if total school time for both is similar.

MouseMichelle · Mar 28, 2011

Get a BSN there are more oppurtunities

Dalla · Mar 28, 2011

If you want to be in hospital work, definitely go for BSN - it will be required more and more. If you are into doing LTC, just your ADN is all you need, unless you have hopes of becoming a DON someday. Clinic work - usually an ADN is okay, but I interviewed for a wound clinic once and they only wanted BSNs.

evolvingrn, BSN, RN · Mar 28, 2011

I have no regrets about getting my bsn. I really think if there is any chance you think you want to move away from the beside its the way to go. Good luck!

akanini, MSN, RN · Mar 28, 2011

A BSN I know personally looked for over a year here in NYC. It's rough.

JulieCVICURN, BSN, RN · Mar 28, 2011

1. As others have said, it's absolutely true that it's who you know that matters in order to get a job.

2. However, there are jobs to be had for those who are not connected, and a BSN will probably give you a leg up on others going for the same job with a lesser degree.

Based on what I've seen in my facility lately, I think the hiring has got to start opening up soon. There's just too few people carrying too much work and something, somewhere is going to give.

quietpatty · Mar 28, 2011

If you decide to get your ASN, find a bridge program that will allow you to transfer to a university to get your BSN right away. I graduated with an ASN in Dec. 2010 and I am still unemployed. Most job posting either require BSN or prefer it. If I had to do it over, I would have gone straight for the BSN.

opossum · Mar 29, 2011

In my experience, it was very difficult to get into nursing school a few years ago in 2007 and I was applying to both ADN and BSN programs. The ADN was a lottery system and my number didn't get drawn; but I did get into the BSN program. At that point, I was ready to say 'yes' to whatever program accepted me. It seems like the career change to nursing has been a gigantic uphill battle, but one that I'm hoping is well worth the stress!

After graduating in June 2010, I had a hell of a time finding a job, even with the BSN, a prominent connection within a local hospital system (which didn't pan out...) and a diverse life experience. I have come to the conclusion that the whole thing is a crapshoot and there are many variables that have the potential to work in your favor, but do not guarantee anything. Those variables are:

Having connections

BSN degree

High GPA

Varied work/life experience

CNA experience or previous hospital volunteer work

Luck/happenstance

Of these factors, I think the last two have had the most influence over new grads finding their first nursing job. Had I known how helpful being a CNA would have been to both being a nurse and landing that first job, I would have done it!

So I guess that's my advice to you - shoot for the BSN program, but take what you can get. And if you're not a CNA already, do that! Again, there are no guarantees but you might as well increase your knowledge and value by being one. I sure wish I was one before becoming an RN... :nurse:

pnmia10 · Mar 29, 2011

Thank you everyone for the helpful posts :) Quiet patty were almost on the same boat, received my pn license Dec. '10 still nothing. Something is bound to open up for us! Where are you looking for jobs? (cities)