Hurting my chances of being hired? Help

Nurses Career Support

Published

First off, I just want to thank anyone and everyone who replies to this thread in advance and also I would like to throw a disclaimer out there, this topic has been discussed previoulsy on different threads, but I am hoping for advice specific to my circumstances.

Currently, I will be finishing up my senior year of college with a bachelor's degree in biology and I plan to enroll in a nursing program next fall after I graduate. Originally, I planned on obtaining a second bachelor's degree in nursing through an accelerated program. However, the price is close to $50,000 for 15 months and with already $80,000 worth of student loans from my first undergrad degree, that price tag is pretty steep.

A few nursing students and family members have suggested entering an ADN program close to home (without a waiting list) to become an RN. In the long run I will save close to $40,000. In some point in time I may want to specialize, but I really have no desire to enter into nursing administration or supervisor role (however, I am all for continuing education : ). With the economy being so cruel to new RN grads, am I making myself a less competitive canidate by not obtaining my bachelors in science of nursing? (Just to be clear, I am not trying to make a debate about which will make me a more competent nurse, because I know both programs will produce equally skilled nurses).

Thank you again : )

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in private-duty, hospital, LTC, clinic.

Save the money, unless you want to get into public health, teaching or a top supervisor type job, you don't need a BSN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I was almost in ur same situation, I had a bachelor's in biology and I opted to do the accelerated program (I had little debt from first degree but yes the accelerated program put me in a lot of debt). When I think back, I kinda think I should have just saved my money and done a ADN but I have to say during my interviews (in interviewing process now) a lot of the managers and recruiters like that I have my BSN and I think that coupled with a high gpa definetly helps me to stand out. However, I really think that if you get your ADN and have a high gpa, then you can say that you are interested in continuing your education at job interviews and if they prefer BSN's I think it's cheaper/easier to get your BSN in one of those RN to BSN programs. I have a friend that got her ADN and she said, that if she is asked, she mentions in interviews that she is going back to school for her BSN. She didn't have a hard time finding work though with her ADN. (she is going to school now for her BSN but in the meantime she is working and gaining experience as RN)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you for sharing. I also considered doing a traditional bsn, but you are right with so many schools having rn-bsn online programs, it makes much more sense just to get my ADN and then take a couple of courses each semester. If you don't mind me asking, which school did you attend?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Fairleigh Dickinson University, my friend went to Christ Hospital school of nursing for ADN

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in being a Credible Source.

I went for an entry-level MSN program since I had a science BS already. I did it partly for the degree but primarily for the cost and speed-to-entry since it was a competitive admissions rather than waitlist or lottery.

Some new-grad jobs say BSN preferred but most of 'em don't seem to care.

I'd say be prudent and go the (far) cheaper route. That debt can kill you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment