2 Bachelor's degrees + ADN = means nothing???

[KamiK85]

I have a BS in Biology, a BA is Psychology and am pursuing my ADN in nursing. I am currently doing cancer research at a world-reknowned children's hospital. I decided on the ADN b/c I want to continue my career here so only had the option of the ADN program (offered a nights/weekend option). I intend to pursue a MSN for non-nursing major RN's so I didn't feel that a BSN, in my case, was necessary. I am required to be working as an RN to qualify for this option.

So, my question is, with all that I have already, my ADN makes me unemployable b/c it is not a BSN??? I looked at RN-BSN programs in my area and they consist of management, evidence based practice/nursing research, and a community health class. I just don't see how these 3 classes would make much of difference in my capabilities as a new nurse unless I went into community nursing.

Any thoughts/advice?

[Perpetual Student]

No, it will not make you unemployable. SOME people may choose not to hire you, but others (with more sense, IMO) will see that your two prior degrees are applicable and that you have valuable experience. Most hiring personnel I've spoken with value prior relevant experience (even if not exactly nursing) more than any particular degree. Of course there may be a bit of a selection bias, as the ones who value experience are the ones most likely to interview me.

[Jules A, MSN]

Personally I don't think the other degrees will be all that impressive to nurse managers but your ADN should be all that is needed for an entry level new grad RN job.

[MaxAttack, BSN, RN]

I'd have to disagree; a hiring manager who saw someone with those qualifications should see you as invaluable to their team. You have an intimate knowledge of biology and psychology, both which are incredibly relevant to the field and both of which would be used on a daily basis. Then you have experience in research, while not directly applicable, is still in the health profession and a close cousin. I'm pretty sure you'll have an alright time finding a job.

[jjjoy, LPN]

my ADN makes me unemployable b/c it is not a BSN???

In understand your frustration, but ADNs are by no mean unemployable! In current hiring conditions in some areas, they are turning most every new grad these days because facilities want a nurse who can start pulling their weight right away and who doesn't demand the greater financial investment of hiring a new grad and the added strain that a newbie will likely take up to six months or a year before their performance is on par with other staff. In such cases, the lack of a certain degree may be used as an explanation for not hiring someone even if they probably wouldn't have hired a BSN new grad either. The BSN new grad might be told it's their lack of experience that disqualifies them. Either way, it's a more a matter of supply and demand than of minimum qualifications. There are many other things you can do to improve your marketability in these tough economic time besides getting a BSN, such as trying to get a student nurse externship, working as a nurse tech, really squeezing as much as possible out of your student clinical rotations, and the like. Also, if you attend a well-reputed ADN program as opposed to a less-respected BSN program, you may find yourself not only better prepared but also a preferred new hire. (I'm talking about specific programs, not ADN or BSN programs in general).

A few very specific nursing roles *require* a BSN, but most clinical positions do not. It's true that some facilities are applying for 'magnet' status which demands a certain % of BSNs on the nursing staff. But notice that ADNs are still in the mix. And that many hospitals do not have 'magnet' status. Very few facilities are aiming towards an all-BSN staff. One facility in one area may be able to pull it off, but there simply aren't enough BSNs to fully staff all RN roles across the board. If a facility is inundated with applications, they can narrow down the applicant pool by 'requiring' a BSN. But if the supply dries up, ADNs are more than welcome. All things equal, a facility might choose a BSN over ADN. But in life, all things are generally not equal. Some might not give any credit for your previous experience, but others might see it as priceless (as it is) and it could tip the scale in your favor. So again, an ADN by no means makes you unemployable.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

depends on the job you are hired to do. We have a retired astro-physicist doing volunteer work.

[a54flo]

Nursing is so stuck on titles that it can't see the qualifications of people. I have a friend who has a bachelor's in education and an ADN. Her plan has been to get a master's in either business or health administration. But because she works in a magnet facility she MUST get her BSN in order to stay in her job as a manager. No options whatsoever and it has to be done by 2014 or she will have voluntarily quit her job! I am currently in class to get my BSN (was going to go on for MSN but with the amount of time and effort, I am not going to do so) and two of my classmates have master's degrees; one actually has two and they have been told that they must get the BSN in order to get their MSN. Another of my classmates is a manager and she too has to get her BSN in order to keep her job; she is also working in a Magnet hospital. Talk about jumping through hoops! So far in my education I have learned very little. I am simply jumping through a hoop and paying for my degree. No wonder some of our new grads don't have a lick of sense or ability except to demand Monday through Friday day shift with no holidays, weekends, or off-shifts.

[caliotter3]

The BSN is touted as being the entry level for professional nursing. Getting an ASN will not make you unemployable. Employers are interested in your nursing license and your work experience in nursing. They are less interested in your education unless they are looking toward their magnet status, then they might be interested in the BSN. You are encouraged to get a BSN in order to get it out of the way early in your nursing career and avoiding a possibility where an employer gives you a directive in the future. Since the ASN meets your current scheduling situation and you plan on pursuing your MSN in the future, it makes sense for you and you should not be concerned at this point.

[newtress, LPN]

Pretty rough comment re new grads up there.

[MissBrahmsRN]

hey, i'm a new grad & i took a nights job no problem, so did 95% of my classmates...and we do have a lick of sense thank you very much.

[MaxAttack, BSN, RN]

Sounds like someone's a little cranky :oornt:

[Perpetual Student]

She didn't say all new grads are that picky and demanding, just some. Settle down folks. There are new grads like that. Yeah, they're a pretty small proportion, but they're out there. I've even seen a few post on this site.