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.
i am also in your situation in that nursing is a second career for me and I have a Bachelors in non-nursing (Communication) and an ADN. I am currently enrolled in an MSN program as well. Because I have a bachelors already i have decided to go ahead and get the BSN along the way while pursuing my MSN (this is an option at many schools, but some will MAKE you go straight for the MSN). My resoning for it is because it will only take me one more semester as I have completed all of the social sciences and electives with my prior degree so i will only have to take 4 classes for the BSN portion then i can continue on with my MSN. My reasoning for doing this is i figure it can't hurt me, only help me. there may be a position i want in the future that requires a BSN or if i want to switch my MSN specialty down the line i don't want anything excluding me.
Regarding employment as an ADN, i agree with the previous posters in that an ADN does not exclude you from most positions. I have never had a problem getting interviews or job offers with my ADN. Its more about the experiences and what else you bring to the table that will make you stand out from other new grads. I'd say 2 bachelors degrees are definately a plus and a 3rd is not necessary if it doesn't make a difference in your career goals. Check into your MSN programs and see if the BSN will even make a difference in the time frame because if they can incorporate one of two classes into your MSN and award you with both degrees then go for it. If it will take you longer than a semester, then I'd say skip it and just do the MSN.
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?
It all depends on the particular hospital and the particular unit. I cannot speak for my entire hospital because I'm an RN, not an HR person. But, I know that in my unit, well over 50% of the staff have ADN's . . . and of the last 12 RN's hired, 9 have been ADN's. AND, the "stated policy" of this hospital system is to ONLY hire BSN's!!! They just don't follow their own policy.
The reason that this unit hires so many ADN's is because we have all come from the same ADN program, did our preceptorship in the unit, and then get hired.
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.
This is what I would have thought before entering nursing also but its just that I have seen many the questions that arise when someone has multiple degrees and hasn't settled on a career. In my experience its just not as impressive on the floor as some might think, thats all. :)
LeLeeFNP
230 Posts
i am also in your situation in that nursing is a second career for me and I have a Bachelors in non-nursing (Communication) and an ADN. I am currently enrolled in an MSN program as well. Because I have a bachelors already i have decided to go ahead and get the BSN along the way while pursuing my MSN (this is an option at many schools, but some will MAKE you go straight for the MSN). My resoning for it is because it will only take me one more semester as I have completed all of the social sciences and electives with my prior degree so i will only have to take 4 classes for the BSN portion then i can continue on with my MSN. My reasoning for doing this is i figure it can't hurt me, only help me. there may be a position i want in the future that requires a BSN or if i want to switch my MSN specialty down the line i don't want anything excluding me.
Regarding employment as an ADN, i agree with the previous posters in that an ADN does not exclude you from most positions. I have never had a problem getting interviews or job offers with my ADN. Its more about the experiences and what else you bring to the table that will make you stand out from other new grads. I'd say 2 bachelors degrees are definately a plus and a 3rd is not necessary if it doesn't make a difference in your career goals. Check into your MSN programs and see if the BSN will even make a difference in the time frame because if they can incorporate one of two classes into your MSN and award you with both degrees then go for it. If it will take you longer than a semester, then I'd say skip it and just do the MSN.