Am I making a mistake by enrolling in an ADN program?

olivia28 · Dec 1, 2011

Jacky-

The job market is so shaky, getting a BSN would not guarantee you a job anywhere. There are hospitals that hire ADN candidates, it is usually the larger Manhattan hospitals that prefer BSN candidates, but even then, competition today is tight. Focus on your ADN now, especially if nursing is your calling. I graduated with my ADN in 2009 found a job and completed my BSN while working. Out of 40 ADN graduates, 30 of us found jobs in 3-6 months. Many who started in LTC found acute care positions within a year. Jobs are coming back now, I am noticing more postings as I am looking for a position now. By the time you graduate, we should be coming through the worst part of it. Many who would retire cannot because of the economy. You have not gone wrong if this is what you want to dedicate your life to. Consider it a blessing that you were accepted. I remember how many people that did not get into the ADN program I went to, still get people who say "Oh, I wanted to be a nurse but did not get in". Being in nursing school is a day to day process, so focus on that, you will be fine. Get over that NCLEX monster and you will have all the confidence in the world :nurse:

Good Luck

Olivia

jacky8168 · Dec 2, 2011

I hope so Olivia and that's what I'm planning to do, get my BSN while working. Hopefully it'll work out. It's just discouraging to see "BSN required" on many hospital websites.

vitaminwater · Dec 2, 2011

Don't go into Nursing is what i would say if you were just planing to and haven't got into the nursing program, but now, you can either change your plan, or work very hard to be the best nursing student in your school. There are some lucky people who get hired fresh out of school, and there are way too many of us don't know when we gonna get a job.

Lovely_RN, MSN · Dec 4, 2011

Stick with the CC for the cheaper tuition and take on no debt! After you graduate if you can't find a job enroll in a CUNY BSN program. You will find a job eventually and you won't be in a financially desperate situation like those who took out loans to get their RN. It's rough out here but with perseverance you will find a job. I'm a second career RN with an ADN and I found a job after 9 months of searching in the city. If at all possible try to start networking right now. Use every opportunity you have during clinicals to make connections during your time on the hospital floors. Good luck!

qcc2011grad · Dec 30, 2011

I just graduated from a CUNY CC with A.S.N and I feel grateful I am schedule to take the Nclex exam in February. In my opinion cc train you to excel and after you get your RN licensure then you can continue to RN-to BSN pathway.

prettymica, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN, APRN, NP · Dec 30, 2011

Starting LPN to RN,ASN program march 2012 and I have no fear :)! Keep going and don't look back!!

optimistic_newgrad · Dec 30, 2011

I obtained my BSN and was hired by the first hospital I applied too. I know ADN RNs who obtained jobs in hospitals as well. I know BSN and ADN RNs who have not found jobs. I really think it depends on the individual. People can tell who loves being a nurse and has a true passion for this career. While I was in school, I signed up for various job searching sites and I would look at the job positing requirements. Some had specific certifications/ courses they wanted. For example, some job would say BLS required, ACLS preferred. Good luck!!! It is very exciting.