ADN...is it worth the time?

HeartRN13 · Mar 18, 2012

I was wondering the same thing. I just graduated from an ADN program and I am moving from MA to NY and I'm hoping that the ADN isn't going to make it difficult for me to find a job, we will see though.

jmcc · Mar 18, 2012

Personally I think it makes more sense financially to do an ADN program at a community college, find a job, and then have them pay for the RN to BSN program.

Katie71275 · Mar 18, 2012

I agree with the above poster.

I am post bachelors degree(Sociology) and worked for 5 years for child protection. I am currently in an ADN program. My school accepts about 65-70 people per year to the program. So far from what I am hearing, a lot of the students are getting jobs after graduation. My step sister is also a nursing supervisor and says that here in Louisiana it makes little difference between BSN and ADN. i will in the future go for my BSN as well through the online program.

ginaw623 · Mar 18, 2012

Thanks both of you! I keep getting so discouraged by people telling me "you won't get a job without the BSN...you'll have too much competition blabla"

maccheese · Mar 18, 2012

You definitely want to be sure about the job prospects in your area. I know in my area, some hospitals are still hiring ADNs (some being the biggest hirers of my school's alumni), so I know me pursuing my ADN won't be that bad of an idea. A lot of the hospitals though are highly preferring BSNs because of the whole magnet thing.

Community colleges are usually cheaper than private schools, but what about 4 year state schools in your area? They are usually more affordable as well.

mc0306 · Mar 18, 2012

Great question! Something I have been wanting to ask also!

I live in Washington and have heard from some that BSN is the way to go. I spoke with an RN a few weeks ago (I work at a hospital), and I asked her the same question. She said "They are still hiring ADNs. They have said that about BSN for a while but ADNs are still getting hired".

For me, I am going wherever I can get in. Financiall ADN would be ideal, but BSN is where I want to be in the end.

LuvPug23 · Mar 18, 2012

I'm in the same predicament. I live in TX and have been looking at the job postings for hospitals, clinics, and anywhere else I can come up with to see the hiring requirements. Most here just want an RN but will say BSN preferred. I will get my BSN but am going to talk with an advisor at the comm college to see what they recommend.

cayenne06, MSN, CNM · Mar 18, 2012

I definitely think ADN is the way to go. New grads (ADN or BSN) are not in high demand right now. So it makes sense to get your ADN, find a job, and then do your BSN.

rubato, ASN, RN · Mar 18, 2012

I'm going the ADN route. Hospitals in my area hire ADNs for certain positions, not the one I want. But, I'll get my ADN, get a job in the hospital I want to work in, get my BSN paid for by them, and then, get the job I want.

RN Zeke · Mar 18, 2012

When ADN schools close, start worrying about hospitals not wanting to hire them. Some won't, (or they claim), stay away from them. Remember it is the same NCLEX for everyone to pass, some need a couple of years to do this some need 4....Working along side ADN, BSN, MSN, is not detectable...same work and usually the same pay....More education only helps advance your career and gives you something to talk about and be proud of too! Getting your foot in the door is the main thing!

NeoNatMom · Mar 18, 2012

Hello there Gina,

I do not currently have a degree but I was hoping you might want insight wherever you can get it. I have been to the children's ER 3 times for my infant. Since I am*pursuing*the career * *myself I thought it would be wise for me to get as much quick opinions that I could while I was there ( didn't bother the nurses who were extremely busy, btw). Many of them told me to just go straight for the BSN and I was really convinced that the BSN route was calling my name at that point. However, I never mentioned in my questions that the nearest school for a BSN was about an hour away in downtown ATLANTA!!!! This is obviously not very practical for me, and that was without mentioning the horrific traffic and it being an unsafe area for*defenseless*young women.... The irony to all of this is that there is a school with an ADN program not even 5 minutes away from my house, which for me screamed my name, lol. Now, considering that you feel that the ADN route may be your only option, the same case for me(for now), I kept asking on this blogging site and included all of these parts of my situation to get better feedback from other nurses and students. Many told me that if I was concerned about getting a job, to check all of the possible hospitals or other facilities I would*pursue*a job in and check what their graduate/experience requirements are to get a better idea. Many mentioned that a BS was "preferred", but not required. Along with that is the years of experience and so forth, and many ADN/ASN nurses have been deemed really good caregivers for bedside. Other places, RN=RN. I think that you should have a good shot at getting a job if you can even make it through the program. I have yet to hear of a nursing program that is 'easy'. Make a good impression in your clinicals, and wherever you did them, they might just offer you a position for after graduation. Good Luck to you and I hope this was of some help!