Are ASNs worthless?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

Published

So, I'm about to begin my prerequisites for the nursing program. My plan was always to earn my ASN, get a job at a hospital that would pay for my continuing education and then go to an ASN to BSN bridge program.

I have a friend that just graduated nursing school and she is encourage me to just get my BSN and says hospitals are now looking to employ BSNs, not ASNs. Is this true? Are you noticing the tides turning already? I heard the transition would be happening but not so quickly.

My hesitation is that I'm a mother to a toddler and was hoping to have another before nursing school began. I know that NS is intense and full time and the BSN program is long. Any advise? I will also be contacting the advisors at my school and I'm aware I've not committed myself to either program. Input? Advice? Experience?

"Worthless" is a degree that does not facilitate getting a job in your field of interest.

Even if hospitals only hired BSN nurses (which is not universally true), an ADN is only worthless if you insist on working in a hospital setting from the start. There are other settings that are happy to hire ADN nurses. If you're willing to potentially work outside the hospital for a time while doing an RN to BSN program, ADN won't be worthless.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
So, I'm about to begin my prerequisites for the nursing program. My plan was always to earn my ASN, get a job at a hospital that would pay for my continuing education and then go to an ASN to BSN bridge program.

I have a friend that just graduated nursing school and she is encourage me to just get my BSN and says hospitals are now looking to employ BSNs, not ASNs. Is this true? Are you noticing the tides turning already? I heard the transition would be happening but not so quickly.

My hesitation is that I'm a mother to a toddler and was hoping to have another before nursing school began. I know that NS is intense and full time and the BSN program is long. Any advise? I will also be contacting the advisors at my school and I'm aware I've not committed myself to either program. Input? Advice? Experience?

I just wanted to point out that an ADN and BSN is about the same time of study; BSN may be plus 2-3 classes, if that, but most programs are similar in nature.

That info alone, for me, was to get my BSN not only to be marketable, but if I wanted to advance my education, I would be in the position to do so; it didn't make sense to me to complete four years of schooling only to end up with a two year degree, but that's just me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I did the ASN route for more personal reasons. It's not IDEAL, and yes it is smarter to go BSN off the bat if you have 4 years to do that and you have the support around you, but I need to be making decent paychecks...yesterday. Lots of factors went into it. My closest 4 year university is 20 miles away where my CC is 15 minutes down the road. Tuition is much cheaper. An ASN will allow me to work in my field making nurse money while advancing my career in a BSN bridge program. Then on to grad school. In my area, where I live, it's easy to do that.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency.

Helpful Tip: put "BSN in progress" at the top of a resume, you only need to be signed up to bypass "BSN only" regulations.

Get an ASN!: cheaper, shorter, great experience you won't get with straight to BSN programs. DON'T go the private school route if possible.

Once you become a RN, the programs get easier. Do a BSN online and work part time, some hospitals will even help pay for you to get a BSN and higher degrees. Some also offer free training like a wound care course (Vets Assn is the best example). Good luck I'm sure you can do it :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I just wanted to point out that an ADN and BSN is about the same time of study; BSN may be plus 2-3 classes, if that, but most programs are similar in nature.

That info alone, for me, was to get my BSN not only to be marketable, but if I wanted to advance my education, I would be in the position to do so; it didn't make sense to me to complete four years of schooling only to end up with a two year degree, but that's just me.

This was exactly my thought process, too. In the end, it was maybe four extra classes, so it was worth it to just get them knocked out.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Helpful Tip: put "BSN in progress" at the top of a resume, you only need to be signed up to bypass "BSN only" regulations.

Get an ASN!: cheaper, shorter, great experience you won't get with straight to BSN programs. DON'T go the private school route if possible.

Once you become a RN, the programs get easier. Do a BSN online and work part time, some hospitals will even help pay for you to get a BSN and higher degrees. Some also offer free training like a wound care course (Vets Assn is the best example). Good luck I'm sure you can do it :)

A few things:

ASN is THE SAME amount of time on par with BSN programs; as someone who had the unique experience of studying in an ASN (didn't complete), LPN, and BSN program, I am VERY aware of my area's required courses, and clinical hours approved by the state-which are ALL similar-some BSN programs have MORE because of Co-Op options (which can help one get into an area hospital and put them on top of the pile) and preceptorships (which help get people at the top of the pile)

Also, the hospital BSN funding is getting shorter and shorter in areas, especially when there are a surplus of nurses, especially those with a BSN in hand; one may end up having no option of "hospital" support, which may go by seniority, or little funding at all; hence one may need to complete the BSN through government or personal funding.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
This was exactly my thought process, too. In the end, it was maybe four extra classes, so it was worth it to just get them knocked out.

In the stark reality, most programs-meaning Diploma (still have diploma in my area), community colleges, and universities are neck in neck in hours, etc, because we all have to take the national exam; even area Diploma and ASN programs are partnering with universities to complete educational requirements for a baccalaureate-prepared degree with minimal to no clinical time because most programs meet their state standards.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
So, I'm about to begin my prerequisites for the nursing program. My plan was always to earn my ASN, get a job at a hospital that would pay for my continuing education and then go to an ASN to BSN bridge program.

I have a friend that just graduated nursing school and she is encourage me to just get my BSN and says hospitals are now looking to employ BSNs, not ASNs. Is this true? Are you noticing the tides turning already? I heard the transition would be happening but not so quickly.

My hesitation is that I'm a mother to a toddler and was hoping to have another before nursing school began. I know that NS is intense and full time and the BSN program is long. Any advise? I will also be contacting the advisors at my school and I'm aware I've not committed myself to either program. Input? Advice? Experience?

We can't answer that question for you because we don't know what the requirements are for jobs in your area. I know where I live ADN-RNs can get a job but it can be a different story for you where you live.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

Yes. My ASN is worthless. 100% worthless.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you, for all who helped with experiences and added info. I've got more to think about, including the program's being similar in length (to an extent). I realize my title was poorly worded and a little click-bait-ish, my bad. However, I appreciate the spectrum of opinions in here.

And to the people that answered with bitter quips or sarcasm- hope your day gets better! ❤️

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in psych.

I'm with the people saying look at the hospitals in your local area. In my state, diploma and associate nurses have no problem getting hired, even to specialties like OR, NICU, and ICU. The hospitals all have new grad orientation programs. Several of the larger hospitals will pay for you to complete the BSN classes if you don't have it.

For those of us that did ASN then BSN online, most of universities here require 8-10 BSN nursing classes ranging like nursing Econ, ethics, community health, research, and leadership classes. The straight BSN programs here are mostly set up so you take all the non nursing classes the first two years and then all the ASN and BSN classes the second two years. So a lot of students in my area do the two ASN programs first so they can start working a year earlier than the BSN students.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It's not worthless to me. I have kids and a full time job. I also was not a good student in high school. For me, it is best to go do my ADN before the BSN. I'm fine with working at my LTC facility as a RN with an Associate's and then move into acute care with my BSN. I can also get a hospital job but have to get my BSN within a set amount of time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment