associates in nursing is pointless

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Hi, I'm just curious as why there are still AS nursing programs if every organization wants nurses that have a BSN?

I have a BS in health science and I plan to bridge my BS with my associates and either 1) get a BSN in one year or 2) get a MSN in two years. I could have went into a accelerated BS to RN program but I missed the deadline and figured I would get my AS and work for awhile and then go back to school and further my education, while the organization pays for it (bad move!!!). However, every door has been shut in my face. No one wants to hire me because of my AS degree and the fact that I am a new grad. I am currently filling in for a elementary school nurse that will be out on medical leave for 6 wks and then after that just subbing for them whenever they need me. The money isn't great but I am happy to have this rather than nothing. I am so upset and confused right now. We have had AS nurses in nursing since the beginning and now they don't want us at ALL! Do I have to shell out more money for my education (that I don't have) and work as a patient care associate or something although I am trained and licensed to be a RN? Furthermore schools everywhere are still pushing these AS/2 year programs. I understand that a school is a business, but these nurses that teach for these schools should be ashamed of themselves. Can anyone shed any light on this matter for me?

I understand that I am a new grad and it's hard to get hired because of this. But aren't we all a new grad at some point. How are we supposed to become experienced nurses if no one gives us a chance. Thanks for all the replies. It is always awesome hearing from people in the field.

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Specializes in PCU, Tele, ICU.
PM sent.

Thanks.

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I agree with you...I just bought a house and my poor husband has to pay the bulk of the bills. As of now I have two pointless degrees and potentially a third when I waste more money and go back to school still having no hospital experience!

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Specializes in L&D.

How about volunteering for a few hours per week at a local hospital in which you are interested in working? Perhaps that will be a foot in the door for you...and maybe they'll be more inclined to look at you first when it comes to applications :)

Keep your head up - things can only get better!

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Specializes in NICU.

Where are you located? I have an ASN and am in NICU. I don;t think its the fact that you have this degree as opposed to that there simply aren't lots of jobs right now. I know Kaiser system has a hiring freeze right now. You have to keep searching for new grad programs. that is the way you can get in.

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Specializes in AA&I, research,peds, radiation oncology.
I agree with you...I just bought a house and my poor husband has to pay the bulk of the bills. As of now I have two pointless degrees and potentially a third when I waste more money and go back to school still having no hospital experience!

Have you tried craigslist?? Not sure how far NYC is from Long Island but I saw lots of jobs there. Also try juju.com. Please don't give up!!! Good Luck!!!

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Have you tried craigslist?? Not sure how far NYC is from Long Island but I saw lots of jobs there. Also try juju.com. Please don't give up!!! Good Luck!!!

I will do this right now...thanx for the advice!

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Where are you located? I have an ASN and am in NICU. I don;t think its the fact that you have this degree as opposed to that there simply aren't lots of jobs right now. I know Kaiser system has a hiring freeze right now. You have to keep searching for new grad programs. that is the way you can get in.

I am located in NY...I live in Long beach which is a city on Long Island. There are many freezes where I am. I went through this same situation when I recieved my BS in Emergency and Disaster Management...the field was saturated with police officers, firemen, and paramedics and there were little entry level jobs. So that is why I redirected my studies to nursing. Now this is happening...if it was for bad luck I would have no luck at all. I'm not going to throw in the towel just yet...but the stress is slowly breaking me down (and I am a pretty strong individual)

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I agree with you...I just bought a house and my poor husband has to pay the bulk of the bills. As of now I have two pointless degrees and potentially a third when I waste more money and go back to school still having no hospital experience!

Well ok...I would never even consider buying a house if I didnt have an job yet..anyway I have my associates and trust me even though things look rough you will find something one day..I just went to an open house and met up with new BSN grad with awsome gpa's (better than mine) plus volunteering experiences as well as externship hours,dual licenses you name it...quess what...they cant find jobs!!! So trust BSN or not you will still have a rough time landing your first RN gig,good luck! Patience is the key...

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I am located in NY...I live in Long beach which is a city on Long Island. There are many freezes where I am. I went through this same situation when I recieved my BS in Emergency and Disaster Management...the field was saturated with police officers, firemen, and paramedics and there were little entry level jobs. So that is why I redirected my studies to nursing. Now this is happening...if it was for bad luck I would have no luck at all. I'm not going to throw in the towel just yet...but the stress is slowly breaking me down (and I am a pretty strong individual)

Is it like that all over New York or just in Long Island. Things sure are a lot different now but I understand your frustration. I graduated in 2003 with my ASN, so the job market was a lot different then. If you are having a hard time finding a job in your area consider other options such reseraching areas in the state that have a great need for nurses, or maybe even relocating to a different state if it does not pose a great financial burden on you.

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I agree with the folks who noted that the lack of BSN may not really be the reason for not being hired yet. We see from many people here that BSN new grads aren't being hired in several areas either. I think it's easier for the hiring office to tell ASN new grads "BSN required"; they just give a different reason to BSN new grads that they aren't hiring either.

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An ASN is not pointless. It provides the recipient the ability to sit for the RN NCLEX, obtain an RN license, and get a job as an RN. However, if one had the opportunity instead to graduate from a BSN program, but chose the ASN route, then there is added expense, wasted time, and added aggravation to go back for a BSN when they could have earned one in the first place.

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