ADN: Is it worth it?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hello all.. I'm a long time lurker, but first time poster and need some advice :D

I'm a recent college graduate with tons (and tons and tons) of student loans. I'm considering going to get my ADN from the local community college (Westchester Community College in NY). I understand the testing and hoopla involved in going for that.. what I really want to know is: Is it worth it to have an ADN? I cannot afford a BSN right now. There is just no way I can swing it financially or find the time. The ADN I can do part time while working full time AND pay for it as I go. I just don't want to spend all this time and money working on a degree that wont benefit me.

Thank you guys!! :redbeathe

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Specializes in pediatric critical care.

I have an ADN, and I'm perfectly content with it. I don't make any less than a BSN in my position with the same experience, although if you want to teach or seek a management position, you'll need a BSN. I'm not really into either. You should check into the Allnurses forums that are state-based, those nurses could give you a better idea of what will work for you. Good luck!

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An ADN will get you to sit for the NCLEX RN so that you can start working and earn money for your future BSN. If need be, you can stop at that point. But it is a good starting point for anyone who can not afford to start out with a BSN.

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Love my ADN! I went to a local CC to get it and am working on my BSN - on the hospital's dime. I would check with facilities in your area to see what they are hiring. In my area (upstate NY) they are still hiring ADNs - BSNs only get $1/hr. But I have heard other areas are being pickier because of the economy.

Good luck whatever you decide to do !

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Specializes in ER, Trauma.

The RN license is the same no matter what degree you get. ADN has worked just fine for me for the past 24 years. Quite honestly, I'd be asking is a BSN worth it?

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I am a new grad.. and I would say definitely yes. I don't know of any place that has said they wouldn't hire me because I have ADN and not BSN

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ADN makes the same as BSN==RN. Down the road you can look at it again if you want to move into management. Go out and get some RN experience. DO IT!!

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).

CNY:

I concur.

Dave

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To be a staff RN an ADN really is sufficient. The only situations that I've come across that require a BSN are if you want to work in certain specialties, become a charge nurse, and go into management. Also, if you want to go into advanced practice, of course you will need a BSN but there are bridge programs so it wouldn't completely inhibit you if you don't have a BSN.

As far as pay, here there is literally less than twenty-five cents difference per hour for ADNs and BSNs. That being said, I would encourage you to go into the BSN program. If you don't have your prereqs done yet, you'll have to do all of that before you can even apply and by the time you apply and you actually start your program, most likely 2 years will have passed. Then you will take your 2 year ADN program. It still comes out to 3-4 years, and you only get an ADN. If you go straight into a BSN program, it'll take 4 years and you'll have your BSN too. Actually, it will most likely take less than that if you are able to apply some of your previous classes towards all the other graduation requirements (electives).

So, no, you don't have to have a BSN to get a job. But, it does seem more time efficient.

And just out of curiosity, what is your current degree in?

One more alternative, you could just do the ADN and it would still come to 3-4 years if you have to do prereqs, but afterwards you could do a 1 year accelerated BSN program since you already have another degree. I'm assuming you have a BA or BS in something? I guess this would be the best option if you really need to watch your finances.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Check your local job market. Some employers are preferring to hire BSN's these days rather then ADN's. It varies among different geographic locations: what is true in one region is not true in another. You'll need to check out the preferences of YOUR local employers to find out whether or not they hire many ADN's. Look at their job ads and maybe give a few a call.

A little investigation won't take much time -- but it will be worth it.

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Yes it is. I have a ADN on top of another 4year degree. I'm made over 6 figures my first year in nursing while working in bay area. Makes no difference for me.

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Check your local job market. Some employers are preferring to hire BSN's these days rather then ADN's. It varies among different geographic locations: what is true in one region is not true in another. You'll need to check out the preferences of YOUR local employers to find out whether or not they hire many ADN's. Look at their job ads and maybe give a few a call.

A little investigation won't take much time -- but it will be worth it.

Good point. We're all giving opinions based on our area and what we've encountered but it really can vary from place place. Don't take our word for it, make sure to check out what your area specifically requires.

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