more questions!

[chimes]

Hi all,

In recent months I have fianlly buckled down and accepted my calling to the nursing profession. I currently attend classes at CCBC-Catonsville. I am working on my pre-clinical requirements. This semester I am taking Statistics and in the Summer I will do Biology 110 and then A&P and then the Micro--so I have a little way to go. However, I actually live in HOCO! it was cheaper for me to go to school at CCBC then HCC. So with the Nursing programs, are they covered by finacial aid ? I really just like CCBC and was intent on their Nursing program. But now I have found out about the Acclerated Program at HCC! That sounds like a winner. So would HCC accept my prerequisites from CCBC? Also what is the difference betweeb an ADN and RN? My understanding is that CCBC has the RN program and HCC has the ADN? Is there a differnce? My goal is to go for the BSN after I complete the RN or ADN and then work toward a Masters--but like most I need to also work, raise a family so I will need to be earning money in the mean time! Lastly, what has been the salary for those just graduating from RN & ADN programs? Thanks!

:heartbeat

[*ac*]

ADN is the degree you get from a commmunity college. RN is the license you get after passing the NCLEX. The NCLEX (nationalized exam) is the same whether you complete an ADN, BSN or diploma program. Everyone takes the same test and, if they pass, gets to put RN after their name. In Maryland, I don't know of any hospitals who pay differently based on ADN vs BSN. Some will not hire ADNs (Sinai is one that I know of). But honestly, there are very few jobs for new grads right now, period.

[Agrippa]

Well im sure that the job market isn't as good as it was say 2 years ago, but i don't know how you can say that there are very few jobs period. Every hospital's employment site I look at are all hiring nurses and not just experienced ones. Im curious what you're basing your assessment of the nursing job market on.

As for the original poster, Im actually doing the opposite you are. Although I live in baltimore county, ive taken most of my prereqs at hcc. I think that their faculty and facilities are just better. HCC does have an accelerated RN option, but keep in mind that you can't even apply to the program unless you are finished ALL of your pre-reqs.

[Jules A, MSN]

Well im sure that the job market isn't as good as it was say 2 years ago, but i don't know how you can say that there are very few jobs period. Every hospital's employment site I look at are all hiring nurses and not just experienced ones. Im curious what you're basing your assessment of the nursing job market on.

I agree. This area has got to be one of the better spots in the country for pay and opportunities, imo.

[sewnew]

ADN is the degree you get from a commmunity college. RN is the license you get after passing the NCLEX. The NCLEX (nationalized exam) is the same whether you complete an ADN, BSN or diploma program. Everyone takes the same test and, if they pass, gets to put RN after their name. In Maryland, I don't know of any hospitals who pay differently based on ADN vs BSN. Some will not hire ADNs (Sinai is one that I know of). But honestly, there are very few jobs for new grads right now, period.

That's interesting that Sinai does not hire ADNs. I was not aware of this. Maybe this is because Sinai is a magnet hospital, but this is just my guess.

Anyone have more info. about this???

[*ac*]

My comments were based on the students coming through our unit doing clinicals/practicums saying that they can't even get hospital interviews as new grads - that they are being told that the only jobs are in high-need areas and those are for experienced only. Their only opitions seems to be rehab or nursing homes.

I've been told by Sinai nurses and our students that the BSN requirement is a Magnet status issue. They do hire very experienced ADN's though.

[Rook]

I work at Sinai and have a BS. They'll hire a ADN but they want experience. Even w/ the recession you'll get a job offer though.