Are BSNs grads preferred over ADNs grads in MD area?

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After graduating college in a field I've come to despise, I've recently decided to go to nursing school. I'm taking the necessary pre-reqs right now and hope to begin by next fall.

My question is, do ADN grads have a harder time getting jobs in the Baltimore/DC market than BSB grads? I want to minimize my debt load since I already have a lot from my previous degree and the difference between an ADN and a BSN in terms of cost would be great. But I also don't want to have any trouble looking for employment and moving to a different area is not an option. I plan on immediately bridging over to an RN-BSN or even an RN-MSN program when I finish my ADN.

Thanks for the insight.

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I am getting ready to begin NS. I don't have firsthand experiance but have ask the question myself. What I have heard is a resounding NO! ADN grads do not have a problem getting a job. Where it varies is that some have told me that the BSN might help you get into a specialty fellowships or areas of nursing/units that are typically closed to new grads. (especially if you are completing your BSN at a school affiliated with a med center and can make connections that way)

I weighed this out myself. My goal is to do MSN work and so since I will need the BSN, my first choice is to do the BSN. I am however, very happy to do the ADN and believe will get a great education but it means I have another year of coursework somewhere to get where I want to go. (Either RN-BSN or RN-MSN)

If you're major goal is to be employable, then I have been told go for the route which is faster and less expensive.

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Is it possible to get into an ICU as an ADN newgrad? Are you aware of local hospitals that hire ADN newgrades into the ICU?

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Specializes in Medical/Surgical.

Definitely not. I graduate in May 2009 and already have a job lined up and I'm going to start right away on my BSN. The hospital has a program where the college comes to you. I have a bachelors in another field so I was really torn about which program to go with. Now I'm so glad I went ADN. I saved so much money in tuition and parking. It might take me a little bit longer to get my BSN, but I'm ok with that. I'm still doing the job I want to do in the meantime.

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Thanks for the input Amanda! I also have a BA already (not to mention the debt as well) and I would really like to forgo any unnecessary debt if possible if it doesn't effect my employability.

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That is really affirming too. I am currently deciding between a spot in a BSN program and a scholarship paid ADN spot. Duh? Why I am confluxed is beyond me. I understand that it will take longer for the BSN but in the end, it will cost me next to nothing conmpared to the BSN route...where I might end up 20k in debt. Yes, I prefer the shorter time frame, but not for 20k in debt. At this stage of my life, I just can't justify it.

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I have an ASN, with a BA in a healthcare related field. There was actually 1 hospital that refused my application because I didn't have my BSN as a new grad. At the time they were pursuing Magnet status, so I feel like it was related to that (I'm pretty sure they need a certain percentage of BSNs to qualify). However they suggested I reapply after 6mos once I had some experience. Ummm, ok? 1)I'm not taking a job with the intention of staying only 6mos so I can reapply at this hospital, and 2)if you don't want me now, I don't want you later!

(and no, I wasn't denied based on being a new grad. I was specifically told it was because I didn't have my BSN)

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