A brand new ASN in BSN world

Nursing Students ADN/BSN

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I've not been a nurse for very long at all, and already I've had a figurative door slammed in my face more times than I can count. Being a brand new RN is bad enough, but only having an ASN as well? Then consider yourself unemployable, at least in my area.

I've worked in a hospital for a few years now as an aide, with several ASN nurses, and to me they are equally as competent as BSN nurses. So I don't get the big fuss, and how, within 6 months, the state I live in has gone BSN/magnet crazy. Even nursing homes require either experience or a BSN.

It's not like I'm stupid or incompetent, and I already have a bachelor's in a related field, and I've been an aide for 3 years. You would think that makes me more well rounded and more marketable, but alas, these restrictions are black and white.

I just wanted to vent, and welcome others who share my frustration to comment

Specializes in Nurse Scientist-Research.

I'm so sorry, things have not always been like this, but the fact is, now they are. My biggest frustration is listening to pre-nursing students that come here wanting us to pat them on the back and tell them "Sure, an RN is an RN; go for that ADN".

If you are trying to decide, you must know your area's hiring practices, and somehow have psychic abilities to know what the hiring climate will be in 2-3 years. If unsure, and you are committed to nursing, BSN needs to be the path.

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