Job Outlook ADN vs BSN

U.S.A. Pennsylvania

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Hi eveyrone! I'm a student from out of state going back home and am about to start off at a community college. My initial major was Nutrition as I am EXTREMLEY passionate about hollistic and preventative medicine. I have a fairly low gpa here though and so I'm starting off at a community college. I've decided that if I go transfer into a 4 year college for Nutrition I will then continue on to an ABSN program(or atleast apply to). Im very very passionate about taking care of people and really think that nursing is a better path for me as I want more patient interaction than is available as a dietician.

SO.... I'm wondering whether or not I should just go into a four year degree or first get my associates in nursing at a community college... I"m not sure what to do. I know that I may want to be a nurse practitioner in the future (especially in oncology) but I could always continue to a RN - BSN program couldnt I?

I'm trying to cut down years in school and money spent, I'm just wondering if it would be more beneficial to just go straight for BSN instead of starting at ADN. Ive heard from many nurses that you cant get hired anymore if you just have an associates in nursing. I'd really like the experience of doing ADN and working while getting my BSN. But im still undecided ... any advice???

BTW I'm located in Philli area in outlying towns (bryn mawr/villanova/kingofprussia area)

also. I know that I will be able to complete any science related courses with flying colors because my science gpa is high and all of my required silly courses like politics and history are the ones that have brought my gpa down

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

The job market in many areas has become saturated. Combined with the Institute of Medicine's recommendation for 80% of RNs to hold a BSN by 2020, many facilities are either "BSN preferred" or "BSN required" for all job postings. Look into facilities in your area and what their requirements are. Philly has a lot of hospitals, but they also have a lot of schools, pumping out lots of new grads every 6 months. Many of those hospitals won't even glance at an application that doesn't mention having a BSN.

As for what you should do as far as school and nutrition, if you want to be a nurse, why go to school for 4 years for nutrition followed by MORE school for the ABSN? You talk about cutting down on years of school, and quite frankly that plan is not going to accomplish it.

P.S. Those "silly" required courses like history and politics are what make you a more well rounded educated person. Believe it or not, some of those do have relevance in nursing. Politics = legislation, and there is quite a bit of legislation regarding healthcare.

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I can say here in Colorado Springs, the BSN nurse is the wanted option in the hospitals.

So if you want to work in a hospital, definitely BSN.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

In the Philly area, it's best to get the BSN...it gets you more opportunities and a foot in the door everywhere. :yes:

SweetWildRose is spot on; the market in the Philly area is saturated with nurses, experienced, new grad, BSNs even; however, if you want to be a nurse, it's best you check out your local area BSN programs, even the ones in Philly if you have to; there are several part time accelerated programs in the area-perfect for people who worked, such as myself; I went to a great program that was a fir for me.

Once you get your pre-req's you are taking nursing courses for two years in ANY traditional program; some also have preceptorships, which could help to place a foot in the door for future employment as a nurse.

Do your research, find out what programs can be a fit for you, get to know the market-if you are willing to cast your net wide, then you will be good to go.

Best wishes.

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Thank you all, your responses have seriously helped me. I'm thinking about doing a program at delaware or montgomery community college in my area that both have a partnership with to get a bsn online. Now i just need to figure out how to start haha!

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Definitely BSN. I have a relative who has trouble finding a hospital position with an ADN even in the more rural areas of Lancaster where he lives.

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