ADN to BSN, work or not work as an RN?

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Hello all!

I am finishing my ADN program this June, and will be continuing my BSN program Fall 2020. I am trying to get into a nurse residency program, and majority if not all programs all require you have your BSN where I am from (Portland, OR). What are your thoughts on not working as an RN yet, and finishing the BSN program in 9 months, and then applying to a residency program? Thoughts on if I should work at an outpatient center as an RN until I am done with school and then apply to a residency program? My parents would prefer I just finish the BSN as soon as possible, and they would help me out until I graduated... thoughts?

thank you

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First off, good job on being almost finished! Someone mentioned this earlier this week I believe. I suppose it depends on your work ethics and situation in life. Is it going to be an all online program? I would just recommend finishing the BSN first, from what my nursing colleagues have told me. 9 months is not so bad. You could work if you would want to, since it is definitely possible. But if the work load will be too much, then I would give it a break until you are completely finished. Hope this helps, and good luck with your endeavors!

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Most residency programs are for those in their first year after graduation. We look at when you got your RN, not when you got your degree. You can't get into the RN to BSN program without passing NCLEX. Your plan is a risky one.

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18 hours ago, Yokohama said:
18 hours ago, Yokohama said:

First off, good job on being almost finished! Someone mentioned this earlier this week I believe. I suppose it depends on your work ethics and situation in life. Is it going to be an all online program? I would just recommend finishing the BSN first, from what my nursing colleagues have told me. 9 months is not so bad. You could work if you would want to, since it is definitely possible. But if the work load will be too much, then I would give it a break until you are completely finished. Hope this helps, and good luck with your endeavors!

Thank you!! Yes it is going to be an all online program. I think finishing my BSN quickly wouldn't be a bad idea and then working! lots of options!

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5 hours ago, Nurse SMS said:

Most residency programs are for those in their first year after graduation. We look at when you got your RN, not when you got your degree. You can't get into the RN to BSN program without passing NCLEX. Your plan is a risky one.

I will be planning to take NCLEX (this Summer) before I start my BSN program in the fall. Many hospitals where I am from (Portland, Oregon) require a BSN for a residency program, sadly. It is highly competitive. And most protocols for a residency program are less than a year from when you graduated, and less than a year of work experience as an RN.

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