Little Freaked Out About My Degree Goal

[Annabelle78]

I was just accepted into nursing school here in California and I'm running around like a chicken with my head cut off (they have given us ONE MONTH to complete all of our pre-nursing program obstacles like vaccinations, fire dept training, CPR training, etc.)

As part of my CPR training, I met with several folks who were re-certifying (so they're already in the healthcare field), and one CNA mentioned how RN's have to have a bachelors now rather than just an associates.

I decided to go into nursing after being laid off so many times from customer service positions (when the economy tanked, so did the companies I worked for). I'd be a 3rd generation nurse and it's a late-in-life calling for me.

The initial idea was to go to school, become an RN with an associates degree, get back to working, then continue on until I achieved my bachelors and eventually maybe a masters.

However, the idea that I wouldn't be able to find work with just an associates degree scares me. Are there any California nurses that work with just an AS degree???

[RunBabyRN]

The job prospects for new grads in CA are dismal, even in remote, rural areas. Because there are literally HUNDREDS of applicants for every position, most prefer or require a BSN. ADN nurses generally find work in long term care or home health, depending on the company.

You'll likely want to go straight through to your bachelor's.

Where in CA are you? I'm in the Bay Area, and almost every positions requires a BSN. I have a friend who graduated in December with her ADN, and she's waitressing.

[Annabelle78]

Thank you for the info! I'm in the Los Angeles area, so I'm sure it's just as bad as up north.

I don't mind working in long-term care, as long as I'm working (I cared for my mother after she suffered a stroke when I was 16, and at certain points she'd take us to entertain the elderly at the nursing homes/hospitals she worked in). I can continue working on my bachelor's in the meantime.

It's just discouraging to know that schools are still offering associates when the job market is so tough and require at least a bachelor's.

[RunBabyRN]

Thank you for the info! I'm in the Los Angeles area, so I'm sure it's just as bad as up north.

I don't mind working in long-term care, as long as I'm working (I cared for my mother after she suffered a stroke when I was 16, and at certain points she'd take us to entertain the elderly at the nursing homes/hospitals she worked in). I can continue working on my bachelor's in the meantime.

It's just discouraging to know that schools are still offering associates when the job market is so tough and require at least a bachelor's.

There will always be a need for ADN nurses, just as there is still a need for LVN nurses, even though hospitals rarely hire them anymore. Also, in other states, the markets are very different, and the market may well change here over the coming years. Who knows.

Being open to LTC will be a good thing for sure! The more you're willing to do, the better your prospects. Network, network, network!!