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Discussion

ADN vs. BSN

I am a 44 year old woman with a BA degree who is (finally) trying to get into a Nursing program. I have narrowed it down to two options: 20 month ADN program at CNI College; or a Accelerated BSN program at Concordia University. I will graduate June 2016 with the ADN, or December 2016 with the BSN. I have experience in the medical field only as a Registration Rep, a Spanish Medical Interpreter, and a school Health Aide. Which option would work best for me when it comes to finding a job as a new grad? How can I gain experience before graduating? I am only getting older and would like to make the right choice since time is of the essence. Any suggestions are welcome :)

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    The BSN route really seems to be the way to go these days. I wish I had done BSN first. I also have a previous BA and I did the adn degree first. Big mistake because then I immediately had to continue on for the BSN. I just want to be done with school already!!

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    • Experts

    Many hospital systems in the US are expressing a strong preference for hiring candidates with BSN degrees. Therefore, you should aim for the BSN degree if you aspire to work in the acute care hospital setting.

    However, the ADN degree will suffice for an array of stable nursing jobs outside the acute care hospital setting.

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    • Author

    Thank you for the input, it confirms that the BSN route is the way to go. But what about gaining experience? Will I be able to find a job with no experience? Has anyone participated in a Residency Program? Ugh! I hear so many negative comments about people who graduate and are unable to find jobs. I am so glad I found this site! :)

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    • Experts
    But what about gaining experience? Will I be able to find a job with no experience? Has anyone participated in a Residency Program? Ugh! I hear so many negative comments about people who graduate and are unable to find jobs.
    Job availability depends heavily on location. New grads in California, NYC, Philadelphia, Boston, New Jersey, and other major Northeast locales are having difficulty finding employment due to oversupply and heavy competition.

    However, new grads in places like North Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and certain Midwestern or Southeastern locations are finding jobs in the specialties they desire. Of course, your options will be wide open if you are willing to relocate for the first job.

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    If it's only going to take 6 months more to get your BSN then I would get it!!!

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    If both routes are available to you, I would suggest taking the "extra" semester and go for the ABSN. You'll be a bit more competitive in the Job Market with the BSN than you would with the ADN. Also, if you can relocate, you will have a much easier time of getting that first job.

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