Are Hospitals hiring RN's with an Associates?

sbostonRN · May 11, 2014

I would not go to a for profit school when there are so many BSN programs out now.

I got a hospital job with my ASN but I'm enrolled in a BSN program and I had 2.5 years experience.

AlishaW · May 11, 2014

Did the hospital require you to go back for your BSN?

sbostonRN · May 11, 2014

They do have a policy that you must obtain your BSN within 5 years of hire. But I was already enrolled in a BSN program, which probably did help me get hired. Soon after I got hired, they instituted a policy to not hire anymore ASN nurses. This has been heavily discussed on these boards and is hugely dependent on the area of the country. I live in Massachusetts and hospitals have been moving away from ASN nurses for the past decade. There are many more rural areas of the country that are more willing to hire ASN nurses, and also many care settings, such as home health, rehab, LTC, dialysis, etc. Acute care tends to be very focused on the BSN education.

Basically, you don't want to pigeon hole yourself into a degree that can not be transferrable anywhere. Look at state schools and work on your RN slowly. Many offer a lot of their programs online, though you'll still have clinicals in-person. My point is, you never know where life will take you and if you want a Masters or a Bachelors down the line, you'll have to start all over again. Also, there are many people who worked very hard at for-profit schools only to find that they aren't even accredited and their state won't issue them an RN license! Do your research and make sure it's a good school.

AlishaW · May 12, 2014

Good morning and thank you for your advice. My Mother was an RN then an Administrator of Nursing homes so grew up in them. She is no longer here to guide me so your input is cherished. I took your advice and did hours of research. The school that is for profit, is for profit considering the RN program is 47,000 for an ASN. They are listed on the BON website as "Initial" since they are new. I feel like that's a terrible decision.

So with your advice I enrolled at my local county college and the ASN RN program is 9,000 total and some courses being online is a plus. I feel like this route is the most intelligent option. Then I can go back when I want and get my BSN.

rnhope2b · May 12, 2014

So, if I go to a cc that has a ADN/RN program, then I will not be able to be hired at a major hospital because I do not have a BSN. I do have a prior BS degree. I am also considering an LPN just to get in the door. Any advice would be beneficial as I am a non-grad student looking to make a career change at 50.

CSTtoRN · May 12, 2014

Have you considered trying for one of the 2nd degree BSN programs? A lot of schools have those and accelerated BSN programs. Good luck with whichever you decide!

AlishaW · May 12, 2014

Hi what City/State are you located? It is different everywhere and i have heard a lot of different advice.

OrganizedChaos, LVN · May 12, 2014

Some places hire ADNs but require BSN after a certain amount of time.

rnhope2b · May 12, 2014

North Texas

OrganizedChaos, LVN · May 12, 2014

You'll probably have better luck getting a job with an ADN in smaller cities.

allnurses Guide · May 16, 2014

DFW requires BSN for the most part upon hire unless you are already connected to the hospital. If you do get hired BSN will be required within 3 years.