Is an Associate's degree a waste of time?

Nursing Students ADN/BSN

Published

Hi,

I have read many posts from working nurses telling about how their employers are almost mandating that all 2-yr nurses have their BSN and the employer will even pay for the schooling. This leads me to belive that the days of getting a job with a 2-yr degree in nursing are quickly coming to an end.

I am set to start a 2-yr program Fall of 2013 and will graduate Dec 2015. In your opinion, am I going to be able to get a job with that or will a BSN be required for mostly all entry level positions in nursing?

I have other degrees and I know that there are many Accelerated programs that award a 2nd degree/career BSN in as little as 11-12 months, but right now that is not an option for me. (I have to stay employed during school)

Please advice!:)

Specializes in Psych Nursing.

I graduated in May with an ADN, and like many others have mentioned found employment in the acute care setting. My hospital is Magnet, and therefore has a push for BSNs, but they will do tuition reimbursement and have worked out discounts for local and online schools. The hiring committees are just looking for a "good fit" and don't care whether you are ADN or BSN when it comes to bedside nursing, as long as you passed the NCLEX. Closer to DC I know those hospitals are offering a vast majority of interviews to BSNs, but there are still jobs being offered to and occupied by ADN RNs.

Thanks for all the feedback!!!

Specializes in ICU / PCU / Telemetry / Oncology.

Depends where in the country you live. I am in the NYC metro area, and the BSN is overwhelmingly preferred. I bit the bullet and went for the accelerated BSN (and quit my job to attend it). Many many many sacrifices later, I have my BSN and was hired by graduation. Did consider the ADN route but in this area it's a wrong move especially if you qualify for an accelerated BSN. To think I would be starting my 2nd year in an ADN right about now and I have already made 2 month's worth of nursing wages by going BSN. No regrets here!

How were you able to cover the cost of living and tuition without a job? I am really considering it but am scared to quit my current job with bills, ect.

Depends where in the country you live. I am in the NYC metro area, and the BSN is overwhelmingly preferred. I bit the bullet and went for the accelerated BSN (and quit my job to attend it). Many many many sacrifices later, I have my BSN and was hired by graduation. Did consider the ADN route but in this area it's a wrong move especially if you qualify for an accelerated BSN. To think I would be starting my 2nd year in an ADN right about now and I have already made 2 month's worth of nursing wages by going BSN. No regrets here!
Specializes in ICU / PCU / Telemetry / Oncology.
How were you able to cover the cost of living and tuition without a job? I am really considering it but am scared to quit my current job with bills, ect.

Mostly loans and savings (and a small scholarship), that's it. Thankfully, I went to a state school so it was much cheaper. I could not have attended a private school like NYU or Columbia otherwise! Ironically, I budgeted myself through the end of July (program ended in June) and my first payday was at the beginning of August. Talk about dodging a bullet! :p I cut corners everywhere. Made it through the program without new books (meaning, I bought all older editions of nursing textbooks for pennies on the dollar, still graduated with honors, lol). It was only a year but it can be done!

That sounds awesome!! I am consider doing the same. Such a huge step (i'm a chicken). Thanks for sharing your story with me!!!:)

Mostly loans and savings (and a small scholarship), that's it. Thankfully, I went to a state school so it was much cheaper. I could not have attended a private school like NYU or Columbia otherwise! Ironically, I budgeted myself through the end of July (program ended in June) and my first payday was at the beginning of August. Talk about dodging a bullet! :p I cut corners everywhere. Made it through the program without new books (meaning, I bought all older editions of nursing textbooks for pennies on the dollar, still graduated with honors, lol). It was only a year but it can be done!
Specializes in Cardiac Care.

Once upon a time I would have said NO... but after looking at all of the BSN only, BSN preferred, Don't even think of applying here if you don't have a BSN... ads... well... it is very disheartening.

I would hope that there is something for a new grad ASN/ADN nurse out there somewhere, but if you can get into a BSN program right away... I say DO IT. Save yourself the drama.

Here's what I think:

I think the letters after your name are only one small piece of the hiring puzzle. I think you need to evaluate your networking skills, your professional skills, your customer service skills, and your overall job history. I am in an ADN program in my second semester and have already been told to come see "so and so" when I graduate. I intend to enroll in a BSN program during my last semester because that shows I am thinking ahead, and really want to take on a leadership role.

Of course if someone had told me it would have taken the same amount of time I might have gone straight into a BSN program.

If you are financially capable, you should take the BSN program. It may be a 4 year program, but it's worth it.

Specializes in long-term-care, LTAC, PCU.

It all depends on what area of the country you're in and the nursing demand of that area. Here in the Pittsburgh area, RNs with a diploma or ADN are encouraged to go back for the BSN and employers are paying for it. I'm currently enrolled in an online RN-BSN program myself. I'm interested in working for the Department of Health and it seems they are requiring a BSN. I graduated in 2009 with a diploma and had no problem getting a job, and still have no issues.

I hear that out in the eastern part of the state, however, ADN and diploma RNs are having a problem getting a jobs. Like I said, it all depends on where you're at and the nursing demand.

I'm personally glad that I only spent 2 years getting my diploma in nursing. Now I'm working and making good money, while I can go back to school online, and get that BSN.

Thanks everyone!!

I just received my RN/ADN license August 16, 2012 and work in a magnet facility. You would think I would be jumping up and down in excitement, only until I get to work. I'm currently still working as a LVN and receiving LVN pay. I have talked to my nurse manager who nonchalantly states, "Well, you just have to work as an LVN until you find an RN position." WOW!! So for the past month, I have been searching and talking to nurse managers in different departments and no luck. Seems like they only want BSN nurses. I have made it through my program thru blood, sweat and tears, just to be treated as if my ADN license is not good enough. The sad thing about it, is that I want to stay in the hospital where I currently work because I love working with veterans, but how long do I have to work on a unit, not being recognized as an RN? Some people are saying "just be patient, a job will soon come." But at the same time, when I go to work, my eyes start to fill with tears because I'm still considered an LVN with a RN license and getting LVN pay. Sorry my comment is so wordy, just venting.:(

+ Add a Comment