ADN -> RN-BSN with no work experience?

Published

Specializes in Acute Care Psych, DNP Student.

I am in the typical position of so many - trying to get into a nursing program. I have an idea and I need opinions from you all. I found a school that I could get into next Fall. It is an ADN program. Here's my question. If I do the ADN program starting next Fall, I'd want to immediately start an RN-BSN program right away after graduating from the ADN. In fact, I found out that I could take a few of the RN-BSN courses via internet, concurrently during the last portion of the ADN program.

I don't want to start working as an RN until I graduate from the RN-BSN program. I just don't want to get out of the 'student mode.' I can see it now - if I start working right after graduating from the ADN program I probably will never go back for the BSN. I tend to do well focusing on one thing. For example, I'm fine working hard at a job 55-60 hours per week. But if I try to work 25 hours per week and be a student for 40 hours a week, I self-implode. I have a really hard time with the divided focus.

I am wondering if my clinical skills from the ADN portion would atrophy during the one year it would take me to complete the RN-BSN? The RN-BSN program is 95% online. Just a little bit as far as community/public health clinicals. Or would I just be like most other BSN grads when I'm done? Would this unusual sequence make it harder for me to get a job?

I appreciate any thoughts.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, ER and ICU!!!.

IMO, I think you could do it. Think of all the nurses who go immediately thru for BSN. They are ok. Good luck in you decision.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac.
IMO, I think you could do it. Think of all the nurses who go immediately thru for BSN. They are ok. Good luck in you decision.

But they are in clinicals throughout the program. They didn't go through the last year without them.

Multi, I responded to your PM.....

Oh, and so far, I haven't gotten out of the student mode! You won't lose that in a year. If it's not ACLS, then it's Critical care class, then studying for my CCRN....there is always something to keep your student mode alive and kicking.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nurse Scientist-Research.

Sounds like a good plan. I know once I graduated I tried to go back even for one course at a time and I couldn't make myself stick to it. I started and withdrew from 3 or 4 courses before I figured out I just couldn't make myself do it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Acute Care Psych, DNP Student.

Here's the thing. Besides my mental defect of having a hard time with divided focus (school and work) there are really compelling financial reasons for me to stay in school without the break between ADN and BSN. It would take too long to explain. Cardiac is correct, that the traditional BSN programs have much more clinical time during that last year compared to the online RN-BSN program that I would do. So. Would I have a hard time getting a job as a new grad from RN-BSN with the typical student inexperience, PLUS rusty skills a year old?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac.

No, you'd still be able to get a job, LOL!

I bet you could do it. Look at how determined you've been in finding the ever elusive seat in an Arizona nursing program!

Most of the programs are online or only 1 day a week (RN-BSN). You can do that! I'd just hate to see you uproot your life and then put it on hold for another year. Your baby javalina at your home would miss you...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg.

Yes you could do it and your skills won't atrophy.

Most RN to BSN programs are not full time (they understand most RNs want to/need to work) and you might be bored doing just that. Unless there are co-req courses, or they let you double up.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

Go for it!! Your skills will not atrophy.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If it's only a year or two I think you could do it. You may have to sharpen a few skills when you do start working, but I think it would come back quickly enough. You would have a lot less to explain than a new grad who didn't start work right away for family reasons.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Public Health, OB/Peds, Public Health.

I am a Nursing school professor and I am basing my opinion on knowledge of students who have no basic nursing knowledge and continue in school. All nurses need to hone their skills once they complete the ADN program. They need to work in a Med-Surg setting to learn what actually happens in nursing AND take RN to BSN course(s). You will not fall out of student mode if you continue in that manner.

A nurse coming from the BSN program needs to hone their skills also prior to advancing. Practice, practice, practice.

Continue on iin school, but gain experience at the same time. It truly helps.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

I have the same game plan. While I have waited for accpetance into my ADN program, I took and completed BSN pre-reqs. I was encouraged by the counselor of the local RN-BSN program.

I will complete all of my pre-reqs (which can be considered co-reqs at some schools) before I graduate. This way the only courses I will have left will be non-clinical nursing courses. My nursing courses I will complete online part-time while I work full-time as a Registered Nurse!! To top it off, I can either pay cash for those four courses or I can have my employer pay for me. ;) With this game plan I will not lose my skills because I will be working as a Registered Nurse while attending school. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Acute Care Psych, DNP Student.
Yes you could do it and your skills won't atrophy.

Most RN to BSN programs are not full time (they understand most RNs want to/need to work) and you might be bored doing just that. Unless there are co-req courses, or they let you double up.

This RN-BSN would be full-time for one year. I'd be taking about 15 credits for 2 semesters.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion