Are BSNs grads preferred over ADNs grads in MD area?

U.S.A. Maryland

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After graduating college in a field I've come to despise, I've recently decided to go to nursing school. I'm taking the necessary pre-reqs right now and hope to begin by next fall.

My question is, do ADN grads have a harder time getting jobs in the Baltimore/DC market than BSB grads? I want to minimize my debt load since I already have a lot from my previous degree and the difference between an ADN and a BSN in terms of cost would be great. But I also don't want to have any trouble looking for employment and moving to a different area is not an option. I plan on immediately bridging over to an RN-BSN or even an RN-MSN program when I finish my ADN.

Thanks for the insight.

I am getting ready to begin NS. I don't have firsthand experiance but have ask the question myself. What I have heard is a resounding NO! ADN grads do not have a problem getting a job. Where it varies is that some have told me that the BSN might help you get into a specialty fellowships or areas of nursing/units that are typically closed to new grads. (especially if you are completing your BSN at a school affiliated with a med center and can make connections that way)

I weighed this out myself. My goal is to do MSN work and so since I will need the BSN, my first choice is to do the BSN. I am however, very happy to do the ADN and believe will get a great education but it means I have another year of coursework somewhere to get where I want to go. (Either RN-BSN or RN-MSN)

If you're major goal is to be employable, then I have been told go for the route which is faster and less expensive.

Is it possible to get into an ICU as an ADN newgrad? Are you aware of local hospitals that hire ADN newgrades into the ICU?

Specializes in Medical/Surgical.

Definitely not. I graduate in May 2009 and already have a job lined up and I'm going to start right away on my BSN. The hospital has a program where the college comes to you. I have a bachelors in another field so I was really torn about which program to go with. Now I'm so glad I went ADN. I saved so much money in tuition and parking. It might take me a little bit longer to get my BSN, but I'm ok with that. I'm still doing the job I want to do in the meantime.

Thanks for the input Amanda! I also have a BA already (not to mention the debt as well) and I would really like to forgo any unnecessary debt if possible if it doesn't effect my employability.

That is really affirming too. I am currently deciding between a spot in a BSN program and a scholarship paid ADN spot. Duh? Why I am confluxed is beyond me. I understand that it will take longer for the BSN but in the end, it will cost me next to nothing conmpared to the BSN route...where I might end up 20k in debt. Yes, I prefer the shorter time frame, but not for 20k in debt. At this stage of my life, I just can't justify it.

I have an ASN, with a BA in a healthcare related field. There was actually 1 hospital that refused my application because I didn't have my BSN as a new grad. At the time they were pursuing Magnet status, so I feel like it was related to that (I'm pretty sure they need a certain percentage of BSNs to qualify). However they suggested I reapply after 6mos once I had some experience. Ummm, ok? 1)I'm not taking a job with the intention of staying only 6mos so I can reapply at this hospital, and 2)if you don't want me now, I don't want you later!

(and no, I wasn't denied based on being a new grad. I was specifically told it was because I didn't have my BSN)

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