Recent ADN Grad : Should I pursue an RN job while working on getting my BSN?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

I graduated with my ADN in December, passed my NCLEX-RN in March, and am currently working on completing my RN-BSN program, which I will graduate from in December of this year. I am in the process of endorsing my license out-of-state to which I plan on practicing as a permanent RN. The reason why I didn't just take the initial test in the state I wish to practice permanently is because of the RN-BSN requirements. I also see myself becoming a traveling nurse in the future so I would have to get a license in both states any way.

My question is, what should I do for work while I am obtaining my BSN (June - December). Should I pursue a RN position to get experience and to avoid a gap in my resume? Or hold off until I graduate from my BSN and move out of state to prevent burning bridges and looking like a job hopper at future employers?

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Dear Graduated,

Congrats, RN!! You made it :) What an accomplishment.

Apologies- I'm not understanding the reason for not taking your NCLEX in the state you wish to practice in because of the RN-BSN requirements”. Some employers prefer to hire BSN candidates, but state licensing boards (BONs) do not require a BSN in order to take the NCLEX. They do require graduation from an accredited school of nursing.

Becoming a traveling nurse is an option once you have at least one year experience, but it is not an option for an inexperienced nurse.

But, regardless, your real question is should you work as an RN in your post-graduation, pre-BSN completion period of about 6 months? Yes.

The concern is not a gap in your resume per se, it's that your new grad” eligibility clock starts ticking when you graduate as an RN. You have about 12 months to claim new grad” status after you graduate. New grad” status qualifies you for transition to practice or new grad residency programs.

Some recent residency program postings even specify must have graduated May 2016 -August 2016” to be eligible for the new grad program starting September 2016.

I would prioritize gaining job experience along with completing your BSN. Are you able to remain in your current state of residence for a year in order to gain one year of nursing experience? You will be much more marketable when you do move.

You're right, you don't want to job-hop, and it takes the better part of a year to start being an independent practitioner. You would owe your first employer that much.

Best,

Nurse Beth

[SouthernizedRN, ASN, RN]

First off, Congratulations on passing the NCLEX!!!

Second, absolutely you should be looking for positions that will hire ADN's, especially New Grad programs. I've been nursing 4 years under my ADN. I have just a few classes left and I'll have my BSN. Anywhere you can start to get experience is important to springboard you into where you want to be. Searching for jobs with ADN's can be difficult and daunting but keep your head up and perservere. Good luck!!!!

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Apply for positions. Do not risk becoming a "stale" new grad who is applying far past graduation.

[crok63]

Having a BSN is something the government wants nurses to have, but reality says employers want working experienced professional nurses.

Mainly it is simply a waste of time having a BSN, sure you might earn an extra dollar an hour for having it; but given the time, effort and cost of going that extra 25 yards; why bother.

Always work for the experience and then take a small break to recharge your life's batteries while you work on your BSN...

I will always take a professional experienced nurse over a professional educated nurse, every single time...

So; go get a job...

[JayHanig]

I have always advocated what you are doing. Here's my thinking: When you graduate with your BSN, you will have 4+ years of actual experience and 4+ years of salary in your pocket. That is money I doubt a new BSN will ever regain via higher salaries, since they pay you for your license, not your degree. Not to forget the connections you will make within your own organization as a working RN.

The alternative is to start working as a new BSN with zero experience and zero money in your pocket. That doesn't sound like a very tough choice to me.

[ekat09]

If you are eligible to work as an ADN, do it. You will gain valuable experience and open the door for jobs in the future. If you are interested in travel, experience is experience. If you are wanting a "new grad" job/residency, you would still eligible. In my new grad program we had experienced nurses that were transition to a new specialty.