Areas of the country that hire new grad ADN's?

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Hello all. I'm going to be starting an ADN program this fall at my local community college. I originally planned to go for my BSN immediately, but I've decided to go for my ADN because it's so much more cheaper. I've been accepted into a private university located in Brooklyn to get my BSN, but as it stands, I would walk away with about 60k in student debt after grants and work study have been applied to my tuition, in addition a few scholarships. I'm still looking for scholarships to possibly go to that school tbh. Im 20, I have time to kill, and I think that it's good to get the BSN out of the way as to not limit my chances of being hired at a hospital. If that doesn't work out, I'll go for my ADN.

On the other hand, I can pay for my ADN out of pocket. I'll be working during that time while saving up money to move out, and I wont be weighed down by loan repayments, so I'll get to enjoy my paychecks! Also, I will enroll in a RN/BSN program asap. By the time I get my RN, I'll be 23...I'd like to move out by that time, but I'm concerned about what area of the country still hires ADNs? I want to plan accordingly. That way, I can get situated in a new place prior to starting my RN/BSN bridge--I've been reading that a lot of those programs require that you're currently working as a nurse. I've lived in my current city from the time I was 8, and I want to experience something new and different. Any information is greatly appreciated.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Almost any rural area desperately needs RNs and will hire ADNs.

Additionally, I can speak to my home. Indianapolis has four major hospital systems all hiring new grad ADNs, a reasonable cost of living, sports out the wazoo, and a vibrant cultural scene.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

There are still underserved areas of the country hiring ADNs. A few cities/companies aren't, but there are still acute care opportunities, though some now have the caveat that a BSN must be earned within a certain time period, usually 3 years. The benefit of this is that the employers often have tuition reimbursement. I applaud you for recognizing the benefit of taking a road that will spare you from crippling debt.

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Specializes in psych.

Western and Central NY are hiring ASNs. Snow, sports, lots of outside festivals in summer (if we ever get summer...it's snowing right now.)

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Specializes in oncology, MS/tele/stepdown.

It doesn't have to be a rural area, you just have to find the right market and network within it. Outside of Philadelphia (Delaware county), northeast PA, and Tampa Bay area are places I've known new grad ADN's. I went into a lot of debt for my BSN and although it's all paid off now and everything happens for a reason blahblahblah, I know it would have been a better decision to get my ADN first. Good luck to you.

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I will look into those places...however, I definitely am a summer girl so I'd probably be a little miserable during the winter months lol I live moreso in downstate NY, so I'm not sure if the winters are worse in western and central NY...

Thanks for replying :)

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It doesn't have to be a rural area, you just have to find the right market and network within it. Outside of Philadelphia (Delaware county), northeast PA, and Tampa Bay area are places I've known new grad ADN's. I went into a lot of debt for my BSN and although it's all paid off now and everything happens for a reason blahblahblah, I know it would have been a better decision to get my ADN first. Good luck to you.

It's good to know that I wont have to restrict myself to rural areas. I much prefer living in a city...thanks for this advice...and I definitely will look into Tampa Bay Florida!

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Infection Control/Geriatrics.

Minnesota hires ADN's in most jobs. Some prefer a BSN, but will still consider if you are willing to work for them for a period of time and go for your BSN. They will help pay for it.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.
It's good to know that I wont have to restrict myself to rural areas. I much prefer living in a city...thanks for this advice...and I definitely will look into Tampa Bay Florida!

Florida is one of the rougher markets from what I have heard. Let us know if you get nibbles. That would be good info to have.

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New Orleans

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Specializes in CTICU.

I started off with a ADN and my first job opportunity was at a level 1 trauma hospital with the promise of receiving my BSN within 5 years of being hired. I live in Chicago. There are places that will take you still but keep in mind when it comes to competition they always prefer the BSN nurse over the ADN.

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Specializes in Telemetry, Med-Surg, Peds.

I recently got hired (March 2018) at a specialty hospital here in Phoenix, AZ. I know a bunch of people from my class were hired to different hospitals too.

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