ADN in 2016 completely useless?

[Mr.Care]

Is it me, or is an associates degree completely useless in 2016?? I live in NYC and graduated with my ADN and passed the nclex on the first try in late July. It seems like not having a BSN along with no experience gives me virtually zero chance of landing a job. Im applying everywhere, networking, calling, faxing, dropping off, you name it. Almost everywhere requires a BSN and 2 years of RN experience. I have about 1 year of volunteer experience at a local hospital, and am currently enrolled in a BSN program. The job market is so over-saturated. Nursing is just not the same as it was 10-15 years ago. Whenever I tell people i'm an RN, they always look shocked, slap hifives with me, tell me congratulations and that I have a great career ahead of me. But even after all that hard work in nursing school, I still can't see any light at the end of this tunnel. I truly hope that all that hard work and the $20,000+ in loans for nursing school will actually turn into a career someday. This is my 3rd degree (the other 2 are in different fields) but hopefully I didn't waste my time and money AGAIN. Any advice?

How long did it take to get your first job?

[Mr.Care]

Thanks guys. Unfortunately I am unable to relocate right now due to school and current my financial situation. I got a nursing home job which I left because I felt like I was putting my license at risk too much. I managed to get a per diem homecare job with an agency, but only get about 5 hrs/week. Not a single callback or interview yet from any hospital (or clinic) despite applying to more than 150 jobs. I can't even find an externship that doesn't require a BSN. I think I'll start applying to hospital CNA positions soon just to get my foot in a door somewhere. Everyone told me that I was making a great decision on going to nursing school, but now I see the reality. Without a BSN and 2-3 years of hospital experience, your license has no value to 99% of employers (and that's not a exaggeration). It's a very hopeless situation but I'll just accept it and plan my life accordingly.

[Mr.Care]

What year and which hospital? If you don't mind me asking.

[guest769224]

Thanks guys. Unfortunately I am unable to relocate right now due to school and current my financial situation.

Just so you know, there are some hospitals that will provide relocation assistance (even without acute care experience). I know a hospital that I could almost guarantee you'd get hired at.

It's in the Intermountain west area.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Without a BSN and 2-3 years of hospital experience, your license has no value to 99% of employers (and that's not a exaggeration).

Your statement applies to the NYC nursing employment market, but not necessarily many other job markets in the U.S. Associate degree nurses with no experience are still being hired, just not where you are located.