Just accepted into adn program! Should i accept or decline?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hey guys,

I just recently found at that I have been accepted into a ADN two year program for nursing school. When I found out I was stoked because I know how hard it is to get into a program these days when its seems like everyone is applying. My dilemma is whether or not to accept the offer and start this fall. I also feel as though I should go straight for my bsn and not waste any time with doing the adn program.I am actually almost done taking my pre-reqs for the bsn program. And would do the uta academic partnership offered through my hospital.

What would you guys do? I hear a lot that it is very hard for new graduates to find jobs in clustered cities like Houston (where I am from). I can't imagine completing the adn program and not being able to find a job. Should I accept or decline. What do you think?

This is coming from a 19 year old, not to say that I am not knowledgeable. I think that there are others out there who are in the field already who can offer great advice.

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Weeeel, these days it really doesn't matter what your degree in nursing. I'm sure you've read up on the overpopulation of new nurses in this country. I've told a few HS seniors to choose career B. They are taking their prereq sciences as electives for some year to come should this country need nurses again and if they feel like a change of career. Think hard on this grasshopper! A nusing degree only gets a nursing job until you can get years under your belt in acute care as well as advanced certifications. If you don't get that due to this economy, you have a worthless degree. Business won't take you. Best to have a 4yr degree that will allow you more employment options these days.

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There's no reason you can't do the ADN program and then immediately transfer to a BSN program. Due to the competitive nature of getting in and/or the lengthy wait lists, I'd be inclined to accept the offer in hand and then transfer. It would be cheaper too.

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Specializes in Cardiology and ER Nursing.

Most BSN programs also offer RN to BSN programs. No reason to turn down the ADN program as you wouldn't be wasting your time. Basically you'd be completing the first 2 or 3 years of the BSN program. After getting your ADN and passing the NCLEX you'd be able to either work as an RN, continue on to an RN to BSN program and earn your BSN, or do both work and complete your BSN at the same time. Many employers will even offer tuition assistance.

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I would accept as you will be an RN in two versus 4 years. You can continue on and get your BSN while you are working as an RN and probably have it paid for by the hospital you are working for. Start working at a local hospital while you are still in nursing school. This makes it alot easier to secure a position once you are finished. Many hospitals in the Midwest are actively hiring graduate nurses and it will only continue to get better as the economy approves.

If finances are not an issue and you do not need to work while in school have some fun and go for the BSN.

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Accept it. You will have an easier time entering a BSN program with an RN license and an ASN, than people who are starting from scratch (the category you would fit into when applying in the future). My BSN program gave preference to RNs in the admissions process.

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The acceptance into the BSN programs don't guarantee acceptance into the clinical portion of it in the 3rd year. I am doing my ADN and then will bridge to BSN in the same amount of time it would take to get the complete BSN.

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The acceptance into the BSN programs don't guarantee acceptance into the clinical portion of it in the 3rd year. I am doing my ADN and then will bridge to BSN in the same amount of time it would take to get the complete BSN.

This must be school specific. Acceptance to all BSN programs in my area guarantees acceptance to clinicals. I can't see how it could operate any other way. :confused:

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Specializes in CVICU.

You say you've almost completed the prereqs for the BSN - are they the same at the school you're considering for the ADN? Because if you have to take prereq for that too, you'll take about 4 years to get the 2 year degree anyway. It took me 6 years to get my ADN, because I took one class per semester of my prereqs so that I could focus on my kids before I entered the full time 2 year ADN program.

If you are able to do so, I recommend going straight to the BSN. I used to give different advice, but in the 4 years since I finished school, the job market has changed dramatically. I got a sign on bonus. I don't think any new grads get those anymore. Nobody is desperate for RN's right now.

I would still not discourage you from entering the profession. If it's what you want, it will work out. I see a lot on here people talking about the glut of new nurses, but it's even harder to get jobs in most other professions right now because of the economy.

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Yep, that is exactly how it is in several of the state school nursing programs here in Kentucky. Here is a link to EKU

http://www.bsn-gn.eku.edu/docs/TradBSNadmissionScaleSpring2010.pdf

This must be school specific. Acceptance to all BSN programs in my area guarantees acceptance to clinicals. I can't see how it could operate any other way. :confused:
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Specializes in LTC, medsurg.

ACCEPT! Do you know how many people would love to be in your shoes? Do the smart thing and accept, it's cheaper and you can always bridge to your BSN shortly after you graduate!

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Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.

UTA has an RN to BSN transition as part of the Partnership. HCA hospitals will pay for most of it. Tenet probably will too. I would absolutely take the ADN assignment and run with it.

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