ADN vs. ABSN program in Oregon

[Loco-Bonita, BSN, RN]

Hello,

I currently have a bachelors degree that is within the medical field, but obviously not nursing. I have been accepted into both Linfields ABSN program that begins this June (ending Aug 2017), as well as Chemeketas ADN program. Chemeketas program begins in September and ends June 2018, at which point graduates are able to transition into an RN to BSN bridge through either OHSU or Linfield.

I live in the Salem area and would really love to stay. I've done a lot of looking at job posts, and with the exception of WHMC, it appears that most hospitals want someone with a BSN.

I am hoping to get some feedback on if it is worth it to do the ABSN program. It is $30,000-40,000 more expensive than Linfield just with tuition alone..(factoring in the cost of a bridge program). And a good chunk of that difference would need to be filled via private loan.

Oh! And the NCLEX pass rates are actually higher for the ADN program. I would just hate to take all that extra time to graduate with me ADN only to not be able to find a job.

Are there any new/recent grads out there that could give some feedback? I appreciate any help! I have to make a decision this week.

[eyeseeyounurse]

I did the PCC to OHSU ADN to BSN track - didn't work just went straight through - took my NCLEX and passed in 75 questions after my PCC graduation, and I have to say I'm so glad I did it that way. I would recommend that to anyone asking your same question. the nice thing about Linfields RN to BSN is that they count your work as your clinical - so you don't have to do extra clinical hours. OHSU doesn't. I end up with an OHSU BSN, I have experience in many hospital systems instead of just one, and I saved a ton of money. the transition to the last year at OHSU was alit bumpy at first, but it has been an great experience for me. I would highly recommend the ADN - BSN track, just keep going until its done. And if you already have a bachelors you won't have to do all the upper division credits again.