Need advice. ADN or BSN. Pls help!

[Vines812]

Hi All,

I'm in a bit of a dilemma and would like some advice. :) So, I've applied to numerous schools since 2008 and have been rejected time after time to RN programs. Out of nowhere this year, I have two options! I've got into an RN program at a well known city college with a nursing department with a good reputation. The problem is, I have my AA and I've always wanted my bachelors! A CC will not grant me a bachelors. The upside is that it's close to home (about 15 minutes) and very cheap. I got into this school totally unexpectedly (lottery with about 1000 applicants and I pretty much had NO hope of being selected and did!)

At the SAME time, I was already planning to move out of state for a BSN program that contacted me for an interview. My interview is coming up the SAME WEEK as the DEADLINE for me to make a decision for the CC. (I've been told by someone on the interview panel that the interview is a breeze and you really need to mess up in order to not get in.) The upside to the BSN program is that its a year and a half (verses the city college one at 2 years.) and I would get my bachelors! (finally!) The downfall is that tution is $45,000 plus living expenses (rent, food, transportation, bills, etc.) They can cover my tuition in a loan but I'd have to carry out a private loan for living expenses. I've had a roomate set up and was mentally preparing myself for the move!

I'm so confused. I know that I can do an RN to BSN program if i decided to go to the city college. However, does anybody know if these are just as impacted as all programs? Are there online programs that are legit? And , has anybody tried this while working? Was it difficult to work and do an RN to BSN concurrently? i want my BSN because I would like to eventually work in leadership. :)

I think the most practical thing for me to do is to go to the city college since I live close to it and it's cheap. But that BSN i want soo badly! Is it worth the $45,000+ @ the other program? Anyone input from any current RNs with ADNs or BSNs? Are you happy with what you have? If you took large loans, do you regret that?

ALSO, I'D REALLY LOVE to find out if this is true- I've heard that hospitals will eventually only hire RNs with BSNs. Does anybody know about this or has anyone heard anything about this?

Any answers or advice help. I have only a week to decide and need to make a decision soon ...so I know whether i should cancel my flight out of state or not. Help? Thank you!

[Katie82, RN]

Congrats on having both options at the same time. I have an adn and have never had a problem getting a job or changing jobs. I don't however work in " leadership". If that is the route you want to take you will need the b s n . You will still hopefully want nursing experience before you head into management. The hospitals and agencies I have worked for in the past twelve years haven't paid more hourly for the b s n. It is part of the puzzle if you know you will get your masters. Good luck with what ever you decide. Keep us posted. You sound like you want the b s n program more. I always excelled when I wanted something badly . ( just my experience, hope it helps)

I also worked for many years with an ADN and never had a problem getting a job. I did eventually go back to school and get a BBA in Healthcare Admin and a MBA in Healthcare Management. Certainly don't regret doing that, in the current healthcare enviornment I am considered an asset. Just be aware that BSN and MSN are not the only way to go anymore. Having an ADN might give you a little time to think about which path to take if you're not sure, and perhaps at your employer's expense.