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

BellasMommyOBRN · Nov 29, 2011

Depends largely on your area. Here in my part of NY, ADN students have no problem finding jobs. I graduated from a cc and got a job on the exact floor that I wanted. But that is my story, I have read many experiences from ADNs across the states that havent been so good. Research your area and get a feel for their requirements and then make a decision from there. Since you have already started a program, I would continue with the anticipation of continuing on at the most. Not really a whole lot of changing around that you can do.

Good Luck!!

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · Nov 30, 2011

I don't feel like my ADN education is a waste. I'm just grateful to be able to say that I have a degree in something. I complete my ADN program next week and I couldn't be any more happier. I'm proud of my soon to be accomplishment. I plan to get my BSN too, but I'm taking baby steps and there is nothing wrong with that.

Nurse Kyles, BSN, RN · Nov 30, 2011

The thing about an ADN is that it isn't an absolute end. You can continue on to get your BSN. There are many ADN-BSN programs out there. Also... in my area of Wisconsin, ADNs are readily hired.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Nov 30, 2011

I do not believe it wrong to go the ADN route first. You can be earning money while you work on BSN. You might have better chance to get into BSN program once you have ADN and license.

BrooklynRN11201 · Nov 30, 2011

I thought it was ASN, not ADN? Anywho, I feel you... not so much with the ADN/ASN vs. BSN thing, but more because I'm going to a CC and hoping to transfer after my ADN/ASN and RN to Hunter for my BSN while working in the field and I just feel like the level of education I'm getting at my CC is sub par... so yeah, I worry about that. Mostly more about providing excellent patient care and being able to "keep up" when I do the BSN thing next.

wait, Stony Brook? you don't go to BMCC do you? LOL

pathoismyfav · Dec 1, 2011

There are a lot of us with this concern I think. Truth be told, what I understand of ASN/ADN to BSN progression is not a monumental leap. We might not get the kind of RN job we want after the associate but that job will provide an opportunity to grow that we might not get with a bachelors. I have a BS already and I'm working as an NA for 1/4 of the pay I made before I started back to school. I'm on the associate route and I pray that the job opportunities will be there at the end next year. Best of luck to you and all of us!

onyx77 · Dec 1, 2011

ADN - BSN ...... we all take the same NCLEX! If you are looking to get a management position then getting your BSN is a plus. But I know MANY ADNs who have nursing manager positions.

I also know a few docs that will hire an ADN before a BSN simply because they were doing the clinical skills right of the bat and had more practice with clinical skills. It all really depends on the school you go to. I went to a local Tech College and our ADN program is very difficult. But, we got an excellent education! On the other hand - I've worked with some nurses (did not go to the same school I did) that I (and others) have wondered how they ever made it through school without doing a dressing change or even practicing foley catheter insertions. If your CC has a good reputation or even a reputation of being difficult - its prabably a good program. You can also ask what their percentage of students passing the NCLEX on the first try is - a very good indicator! My school had a 97% pass rate.

Whatever you choose has to fit you best. Certainly having your ADN doesn't limit you, you can always go for the BSN. Good luck in your desicion!

jacky8168 · Dec 2, 2011

I actually go to SCCC.

jacky8168 · Dec 2, 2011

The passing rate from suffolk is actually one of the highest in NYS so I am confident that this is a good program.

I mean I guess it's true I can always continue to get my BSN which I planned to do anyway. But seeing "BSN required" on many hospital websites is just plain discouraging.

jacky8168 · Dec 2, 2011

ADN - BSN ...... we all take the same NCLEX! If you are looking to get a management position then getting your BSN is a plus. But I know MANY ADNs who have nursing manager positions.
I also know a few docs that will hire an ADN before a BSN simply because they were doing the clinical skills right of the bat and had more practice with clinical skills. It all really depends on the school you go to. I went to a local Tech College and our ADN program is very difficult. But, we got an excellent education! On the other hand - I've worked with some nurses (did not go to the same school I did) that I (and others) have wondered how they ever made it through school without doing a dressing change or even practicing foley catheter insertions. If your CC has a good reputation or even a reputation of being difficult - its prabably a good program. You can also ask what their percentage of students passing the NCLEX on the first try is - a very good indicator! My school had a 97% pass rate.
Whatever you choose has to fit you best. Certainly having your ADN doesn't limit you, you can always go for the BSN. Good luck in your desicion!

And I didnt know that about ADN BSN students? I thought BSN students would also have clinicals as soon as they take nursing classes?

juliaann · Dec 2, 2011

And I didnt know that about ADN BSN students? I thought BSN students would also have clinicals as soon as they take nursing classes?

In my BSN program we had skills lab starting the first week of the first semester and we were in the hospital doing our first med-surg rotation at the end of the first month of our program. I'd say we've had as much skills practice as possible - both in the lab and in the hospital. I guess things must be different wherever onyx77 is, but I can assure you in my area BSN and ADNs all do plenty of foleys, dressing changes, IV starts, and everything else.