ADN vs. BSN (degrees in different fields)

[Bg1053]

Hello,

I have a interest in Mental Health/Psychiatric nursing. I currently have a counseling degree. I am interested in pursuing a ADN or BSN. However with mental health experience already and having to pay out of pocket (maxed out student loans) I would prefer to complete the ADN part time. I am worried however about being able to get a nursing job while I am saving for nurse practitioner. Do hospitals and facilities hire ADN nurses still or only BSN?

[verene, MSN]

This is very dependent on the job market where you live or are trying to get a job. In general psych (and related field like corrections and addictions) tend to be less competitive, and thus more open to hiring ASN prepared RNs, but this is not always the case. To get a sense of the job market in your area check out some job listings on employers you might be interested in working for - what are the requirements they list?

[llg, PhD, RN]

A lot depends on where you live and the type of facility you will be applying to. In some regions of the country, you have to get extremely lucky to get a job in a hospital without a BSN (and a BS in another field is not a satisfactory equivalent). However, in other areas of the country, there are still plenty of jobs in reputable hospitals for people with the credentials you will have.

However ... your degree in counseling might count more if you apply to mental health facilities and/or departments. But once again, I am sure that will vary by region and facility.

There is just no substitute for checking on the hiring preferences of the specific places where you will be seeking employment. A national smattering of what is happening throughout different regions of the country won't help you much. You need to know the status of the specific job market in which you will be seeking employment.

[forevernursem]

Hi, I'm doing an ADN program in Michigan, and the hospitals here still hire ADNs, but you have to get your BSN degree in a 3 year period (sometimes more, sometimes less). You could always do an RN to BSN bridge program which are usually a lot cheaper then just going straight for the BSN degree. Also, a lot of times if you have an ADN degree and are going for your BSN, the hospital you're working at will pay some of your school tuition. It just depends where you live and what are the requirements there.