background: I attended UC Irvine and earned a BA in a non-nursing field.
I now want to go back to school for Nursing. The accelerated second degree BSN programs are 1) extremely expensive (approx $50k and I still owe $50k for my first degree) 2) very hard to get into 3) would require me moving to a whole new area
I’ve considered getting an ADN. From what I’ve heard, it’s harder and harder for ADN RN’s to get jobs. What is the best route for me?
My idea was to go back to school and get my ADN from a community college, get a job as a nurse, and within the first few years of working go back and get my MSN and skip the BSN altogether. Is this a good idea? Will I be able to get a good job going this route?
I’ve noticed a lot of people saying they were hired at a hospital with an ADN on the condition that they go back right away and get the BSN. Will hospitals allow me to skip that step and go straight to the MSN.
Is it really true hospitals will require the BSN by 2020??
I really don’t want to have to go back for a second bachelors after competing my ADN given I have a bachelors already in something else..
Trust me, I learned my lesson the first time. I would love to be able to avoid huge loans for my second degree. I am still struggling to pay back my first bachelors.
I have been researching these CEP programs. My only concern is that per the websites it sounds like you are really not guaranteed admission into the BSN program at their partner schools. In fact, they even made it sound hard to get in.. My other concern is it seems like after completing the ADN and BSN I am looking at approx 3 - 3 1/2 years. Considering how demanding these programs are and that I most likely won’t be able to work at the same time that is a long time to be without a job...
Also, I couldn’t find much information on this so maybe you will know. Is the BSN full time for the CEP programs? Or will I be able to get the ADN and get a job then finish the BSN part time?
Everyone I know that met the minimum who applied to CSULA's CEP was accepted. This was from 3 of the 10+ programs that are partnered with CSULA. I was one of them, but I turned it down because simply put I didn't want to physically attend classes for my BSN and it costs like $15k more than your typical RN-BSN. These programs need students because who else will pay their outrageous tuition fees? I know APU's CEP accepts literally everyone who meets the minimum requirement.
I'm glad you asked if the program is full time or not! Most people aren't aware that it can prevent you from working after getting your license. At least for CSULA's program, you take two BSN courses each Summer for the first 2 Summers during your ADN program then you'll be a full time student for the remaining year. I'm not sure if they'll allow you to go part-time, but I can ask my friend who is in the program right now. An ABSN program will take 15-24 months while an ADN program will take 4 semesters but you can do your BSN online while you work as a RN (that's my plan).
I currently work at a large hospital in LA as a tech who still hires ADN if they are actively pursuing their BSN/MSN. Many of the nurses who I've spoke to say that I'm "in" as far as getting a RN job after getting my license so I feel fairly confident as opposed to my classmates who are not working. They also say that the BSN is mostly "BS" lots of online discussions and APA essay writing, but it's becoming a requirement because studies have shown that BSN trained nurses are more competent (also BS but you can read about it yourself lol).
Thank you for sharing your experience @justwanttohelp12. This is good advice. The schools all try to convince you that their program is going to give you the best chance of a good job and it can be hard to prioritize taking longer vs taking out more loans vs getting CNA experience, etc.
Most of the nurses I work with have other degrees, ones we had passion for but couldn't earn us a dime. In OC where you live there are multiple hospitals that take ADN and I know of a few nurses who work at the big K in Anaheim with ADNs though that facility professes to take only BSN. I say get the ADN and get trained at one of the community hospitals out there, probably Anaheim or Santa Ana, then bolt for the higher pay after you've done your year. You'll be able to take an online BSN at your leisure by then.
I have two non nursing bachelor's degrees so I feel your pain. Here's what I did, but it will certainly depend on your area.
In my area (Pittsburgh) the diploma schools are alive, well and thriving. There are at least 6 that I can think of right off the top of my head. There are also several local CC's that have really good programs. The hospitals in this area all hire out of the diploma and the CC's (as well as the traditional BSN students). The local universities that had ABSN programs were all around $50-$60k for the one year program and I just wasn't going to do that. So I went to a very well reputed diploma program for 30K for a 16 month program and graduated with my diploma in nursing. The CC's are a lot cheaper, but I liked this program better for me.
I am currently working as a level III NICU nurse and I love it. I'm starting back for my *MSN* in August. I am skipping the BSN altogether because my goals aren't to be an APRN. If you want to be an NP, you will need that BSN to get into NP school. But if you want to work in education, administration, informatics, etc...you do not need the BSN. There are programs that bridge to the MSN and you don't earn a BSN along the way (and some where you get both but they were longer and, like you, I have no interest in getting another bachelors degree). I'm going to Sacred Heart University online and the entire MSN program will take me about two years taking one class at a time.
I know you are in California, so Pittsburgh may seem like a world away, but if you are willing to relocate and can stand the weather, it's a great city with world renowned hospital systems (UPMC and Allegheny Health Network) and also great nursing educational opportunities. Plus the cost of living is great compared to anywhere, but amazing compared to most areas of California (of course, that translates into lower base pay, but comparable to california if adjusting for the COL). If you want more info on the area, just PM me and I'd be happy to answer any questions.
All of the ADN grads in my area are being hired. Not only that, they are receiving signing bonuses in certain areas (OR being one of them). The hospitals have you sign a contract saying you'll finish the BSN in 5 years. If you choose the right RN to BSN program (online competency based - so you can accelerate at your own pace), it will be completely covered by your employer!!! Employers around here offer tuition reimbursement based on your fte.
As posted above: "They also say that the BSN is mostly "BS" lots of online discussions and APA essay writing". This is exactly what it was!! My ADN program was very comprehensive, so nothing I encountered in the BSN was new.
Most RN - MSN programs have you getting your BSN along the way. Be careful though, a MSN doesn't guarantee a better job. There are many still working the floor and your employer is not going to create a position for you just because you've earned your MSN.
What do hospitals care the most about? Whether or not you've worked as a CNA! If you have, you're a shoe in as an ADN graduate! They will hire a "C" student with CNA experience over an "A" student without.
I don't understand the rumor that RNs will not be hired unless they have a BSN by 2020. We have a nursing shortage that's only getting worse! Who are they going to hire when the ADN programs are pumping out more RNs than the BSN programs!!!
All of the ADN grads in my area are being hired. Not only that, they are receiving signing bonuses in certain areas (OR being one of them). The hospitals have you sign a contract saying you'll finish the BSN in 5 years. If you choose the right RN to BSN program (online competency based - so you can accelerate at your own pace), it will be completely covered by your employer!!! Employers around here offer tuition reimbursement based on your fte.
As posted above: "They also say that the BSN is mostly "BS" lots of online discussions and APA essay writing". This is exactly what it was!! My ADN program was very comprehensive, so nothing I encountered in the BSN was new.
Most RN - MSN programs have you getting your BSN along the way. Be careful though, a MSN doesn't guarantee a better job. There are many still working the floor and your employer is not going to create a position for you just because you've earned your MSN.
What do hospitals care the most about? Whether or not you've worked as a CNA! If you have, you're a shoe in as an ADN graduate! They will hire a "C" student with CNA experience over an "A" student without.
I don't understand the rumor that RNs will not be hired unless they have a BSN by 2020. We have a nursing shortage that's only getting worse! Who are they going to hire when the ADN programs are pumping out more RNs than the BSN programs!!!
It's all area dependent. Even the LTCs in my area (except for the absolute hell holes) want BSN because of oversaturation of RNs. The local hospitals will not hire without BSN +minimum of 2 years experience-most new grads have to go to Indy, Louisville, or Cincy to get experience, then come back closer to home to save the wear and tear on cars, if they haven't moved on to NP by that time...the shortages are in pockets, not everywhere
This is such an informative thread. Lots of genuine advice, vs "go search the internet" people. I wish all of you the best. So tired of the "suck it up and deal" advice so common on here.
It makes sense that the shortages are in the cities and over-saturation occurs in the rural areas. I do live outside of a city. There are many opportunities within a half-hour to 45 minute driving distance. I can't expect to find a job in my small suburb since those patients are driving to the city for health care.
I'm in North Jersey, raised in NYC and the big hospitals in NYC and NJ will not take ADN's, trust me. Magnet status is important here. The further out you get, the more you have a chance. I found a niche in IT for a long time, but now, a Bachelors is standard in IT as well, but it doesn't matter what kind really. I have no interest in writing papers or conducting research. I want a quick, cheap degree, because I have to have one. Plain and simple. Hence the BSN programs have not been palatable. I am thinking on getting a BA in Liberal Arts via testing out of as many courses as possible, then going the NP route after. The clinical is fine for me, I just don't want to write paper after paper. That is my preference and I am not ashamed of that. I spend a lot of time on the Instantcert forums as I was so tired of the negative comments on this forum from the nurse educrats. This thread gave me hope and a sense of camaraderie.
Do you have the opportunity to shadow some NPs? It's a really tough job. I wouldn't suggest choosing that career unless you really love it! I know it may not be the same everywhere, but where I work the NPs are doing the MD's job for much lower pay. They are expected to take on the toughest patients too. A lot of them go on to teach in RN programs.
I know. I've worked with Midwives and was an LPN. I get the whole middle child syndrome thing. The pay difference isn't as vast here as it may be in other cities. But the options are better than just having the MSN or the BSN. Thanks for the tip though.
Ej2020
7 Posts
hi @justwanttohelp12
thanks so much for the feedback!!
Trust me, I learned my lesson the first time. I would love to be able to avoid huge loans for my second degree. I am still struggling to pay back my first bachelors.
I have been researching these CEP programs. My only concern is that per the websites it sounds like you are really not guaranteed admission into the BSN program at their partner schools. In fact, they even made it sound hard to get in.. My other concern is it seems like after completing the ADN and BSN I am looking at approx 3 - 3 1/2 years. Considering how demanding these programs are and that I most likely won’t be able to work at the same time that is a long time to be without a job...
Also, I couldn’t find much information on this so maybe you will know. Is the BSN full time for the CEP programs? Or will I be able to get the ADN and get a job then finish the BSN part time?