ADN to BSN or ADN to work

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jan 17, 2005

Both routes are good. Depends on your personal situation and what you want to do. I got my ADN, finished up a few co-reqs part time while working and am now in a part-time RN to BSN program. There are lots of RN to BSN programs designed for the working RN.

I wouldn't recommend waiting very long. If you have to opportunity why not take it and get it out of the way ASAP.

Good luck in whatever you do.

*PICURN* · Jan 17, 2005

I would recommend getting the ADN and then you can always do the BSN (there are a lot of online programs as well). That way you can work and make RN $$$$ while working on your BSN!

Danelle · Jan 17, 2005

Where I live, the local University offers an accelerated ADN to MSN program in which you can enter as long as you have a BS or BA in anything and a valid RN license. A friend of mine is doing that as soon as she finishes her adn (she already has a BS in education). From what I understand, it is geared to where you can work as well. Maybe there is a program like this in your area. Also, the ADN to BSN programs here are set up so that you can work full time, which is what I plan to do. Here, you can take all of the nursing classes online, or go to school every other weekend. Have you found out how the programs are set up at your chosen school so that maybe working is possible while you get your BSN?

joli · Jan 18, 2005

Hi and thanks for all of your responses! :) There IS an accelerated associate degree to master's degree program in my area. I have just contacted them for more information. This is definitely something I want to consider.

Joy

BETSRN · Jan 18, 2005

A part of me is considering on spending another two years in school and applying to 4-year colleges (maybe go back to Cal State Fullerton where I got my BA in psychology) to get a BSN (bachelor's in nursing) after I graduate with my ADN (associates degree nursing) this May. There is just more job opportunities for promotions and management positions. The other part of me says to start working, get my feet wet in nursing, make some money and get engaged/married within the next two years. I spoke to this RN briefly last night, he has only an ADN and has been working happily as an RN for 17 years. So, both routes sound good. I already have a BA in psychology but what they teach in the BSN for nursing is different, so I would have to get yet another bachelors degree. I'm not sure which route to take at this point. Any advice?
Joy (just turned 30)
ADN/May 2005
BA/June 1998

You are like me. I had a non-nursing BS (was a teacher) and then got my RN in a diploma program. I say go for the job and then spend the time on the rest of the degree later on. The work experience is invaluable and you may find that your thoughts on what you want to do and what you want to pursue change as you have nursing experience. I did just that. I thought I wanted a Masters, but found I love the bedside, got my RNC and sat for the Lactation Consultant board exam. Those are far more useable than a Masters would have been for what I want. I do not regreat going for my masters at all. I'm older now (55) and have no desire for the advanced degree.

joli · Jan 18, 2005

Oh, your response is so very much welcomed! My parents (especially my mother) and my long time boyfriend are not thrilled that I want to continue school right away. My mother and my boyfriend are more concerned about when I'm going to get married. :uhoh3: On the other hand, I wanted to focus on having a good, stable career. So, I might have to start working first and later take out a loan and go back to school. I'll put my foot down if they want me to have children right away!!

chip193 · Jan 18, 2005

A part of me is considering on spending another two years in school and applying to 4-year colleges (maybe go back to Cal State Fullerton where I got my BA in psychology) to get a BSN (bachelor's in nursing) after I graduate with my ADN (associates degree nursing) this May. There is just more job opportunities for promotions and management positions. The other part of me says to start working, get my feet wet in nursing, make some money and get engaged/married within the next two years. I spoke to this RN briefly last night, he has only an ADN and has been working happily as an RN for 17 years. So, both routes sound good. I already have a BA in psychology but what they teach in the BSN for nursing is different, so I would have to get yet another bachelors degree. I'm not sure which route to take at this point. Any advice?
Joy (just turned 30)
ADN/May 2005
BA/June 1998

Some places will permit you to enroll in their MSN program without a BSN (obviously, so long as you another Bachelor's Degree). Look around and you may find one locally!

Chip

DDRN4me · Jan 19, 2005

Even better, find an employer that will help fund your BSN program.....earn whille you learn, both at work and in school!

skqb · Jan 22, 2005

I am in a similiar situation. I have a BA and I went to an ADN program which I will finish in May. The major hospitals in Boston said BSN preferred 6 months ago- now they are BSN minimum. I am absolutely distraught. I am applying preemptively into an RN to MSN program with the hopes that I can get a job with that understanding. I was hoping to work fulltime and pay off my school loans but it looks like I am only going to incur more debt.

joli · Jan 22, 2005

I am in a similiar situation. I have a BA and I went to an ADN program which I will finish in May. The major hospitals in Boston said BSN preferred 6 months ago- now they are BSN minimum. I am absolutely distraught. I am applying preemptively into an RN to MSN program with the hopes that I can get a job with that understanding. I was hoping to work fulltime and pay off my school loans but it looks like I am only going to incur more debt.

Hi skgb,

BSN minimum over there?! Wow, that is tough. If you want to start working with an ADN, you would have to relocate. However, in the long run, having a BSN or MSN would be beneficial to your nursing career.

chip193 · Jan 23, 2005

I am in a similiar situation. I have a BA and I went to an ADN program which I will finish in May. The major hospitals in Boston said BSN preferred 6 months ago- now they are BSN minimum. I am absolutely distraught. I am applying preemptively into an RN to MSN program with the hopes that I can get a job with that understanding. I was hoping to work fulltime and pay off my school loans but it looks like I am only going to incur more debt.

Wait for May. You don't know what the market will be like then!

Where I work, the ER used to be posted - and actually still is posted - for BSN, ALCS, TNCC, PALS, two years Med-Surg required with one year ICU preferred. There is now a disclaimer on the posting that says something to the effect of "due to the nationwide nursing shortage, applicants who do not meet the posted minimum requirement are encouraced to apply."

I teach ACLS and PALS, had PHTLS (but not TNCC), and had just graduated from ADN school (and it was a non-traditional school at that!) and was hired on the spot.

It all matter what the needs are at the given moment. If I'm a manager with 10 openings and I've got to get my budget back in line, you never know what I might do! But, you need to have something to separate you from all the other ADN grads that will hit the street in May - so look at what you can bring to an employer that your competition can't.

Good luck!

Chip