Any difficulties finding a job?

[hdd55146]

I have applied to a couple nursing schools locally; one for a 12 month ABSN program and the other is a 22 month ADN program. (I know, I know...definitely some differences between the two). Part of me thinks the ADN program is the way to go because it's a slower program and will not cover as much so I would have more time to absorb the information. Plus, the ADN program is at a community college so it's less expensive. The ABSN is much more expensive but I like the idea of getting it done quickly and have a bachelor's degree. I've read some other posts on here and I'm wondering if a ABSN program is too difficult. I'm a hard worker and not afraid of a challenge but I have three kids and I HAVE to work....at least part time. But, I'm also concerned about being able to find a job after completing either program. I know there has been talk (for years) about a BSN being required by employers so I am wondering if it is best to go ahead and get it now so I won't find myself unable to work once I finish school. I won't hear back from the schools until January and April 2015 regarding acceptance so obviously I wouldn't be starting either program until, at best, the middle or end of next year...which means I wouldn't be able to work as a RN until 2016 or 2017. Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated.

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

There are several things to consider. The ADN is cheaper, but if you need to get your BSN in order to find a job, the ADN-RN then RN-BSN route will end up costing you more money. Also time is money. If both programs started at the same time, you would graduate 10 months earlier with the BSN and have RN pay for those 10 months or more if you can't find a job with your ADN and have to get your BSN in order to get a job. So it is not just the cost of tuition, but the loss of potential income between getting your BSN and ADN (or ADN plus BSN).

I did a 15 month ABSN program nd while at times it was challenging, it was doable. Your life is consumed with school for the entire period, but it went by pretty quickly.

[hdd55146]

I guess I didn't think about it in those terms; the fact that I would end up paying more in the long run. Thanks for your input and advice!

[iPink, BSN, RN]

I chose the ABSN route for several reasons. One being, I wanted to be done with school once I graduated. I wasn't interested in going through another program to obtain a degree that would open up better doors. For example, when I got my job, hospital-wide they had created new assistant nurse manager positions for all the units. Guess what, only the BSN nurses were allowed to apply. The ASN nurses with 15+ years of experience and had exemplary charging experience weren't too happy about that news. A year later I transferred to a different unit, to a hospital that was awarded Magnet status. Again, they were only accepting BSNs or nurses enrolled in a BSN program.

My program was 15 months and hard, but doable. Time management is the key. It was highly encouraged not to work, but of course there was some students where that wasn't a luxury. They somehow made it work and they passed the program. Throughout the 15 months, my cohort experienced marriages, engagements, and birth of babies. There were some single mothers in my class, who made it through by the help of family. All graduating with honors.

[hdd55146]

That's exactly what I'm concerned about; not being able to find a job, or being eligible for certain positions because I don't have the BSN. Thanks!