Can I get a job as an ADN?

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Hello my name is Braiden and I am new to allnurses. I'm not sure if I can post a question here, so if its not allowed please take it down and I apologize. As for my question, What is the job outlook for an ADN in the future years to come? Is it worth it to get an ADN?

I start my degree in 2021 in the fall. I do not enjoy school and have no plans to get a BSN as I want to mother and enjoy life early on. I am 19 years old. I know this sounds very childish, but I am just not a school person. I have no desire to move up into management or higher positions. I will be happy as someone at bedside. I would be willing to work in any healthcare environment, but would prefer not to be in an Nursing home as I am a CNA already. I would like to make around 20-ish dollars an hour. Is this absolutely out of reach with an ADN? I would like to know this before I dive into my program. Thank you in advance! 

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Specializes in CCU/CVICU.

I'm not sure what part of the country you are in, but I just finished my ADN and I'm in the southeast. I was offered and accepted a job in CCU as a new grad, with only an ADN. When I was first offered the job, it was an expectation that I would complete my BSN within 2 years. Honestly, this is becoming very common for hospital work, at least in my area. However, after I accepted the job, I have heard that they are actually doing away with that requirement at my hospital system, but still encouraging it. Also, as a new grad ADN, my pay starts at $27.50/hr at my hospital, BSN is $28/hr. At another local hospital, new grads are making $29/hr regardless of degree.

I do plan to complete my BSN. Many nurses I have worked with and talked to have commented on how easy it was as long as you just did the work...it's only 1 additional year and can be completed entirely online. Some online programs can also be completed sooner than 1 year, I've heard in as little as nine months. I would definitely say it is worth it for such a short program and, from what I've heard, very little effort.

As far as getting a job with only an ADN, it's definitely doable!! 

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

You have to look further down the road.

Not only is BSN more and more becoming required for bedside nurses, it will qualify you for non-bedside roles later on.

You will not always be young and content with a very physical job such as bedside nursing. What will you do if you hurt your back, for example, and have work/lifting restrictions? Without a BSN, you will be very challenged to find work.

Consider at least being open to the idea of getting your BSN, as the above poster said.

 

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

You can find work with an ADN. I got my first nursing job with my ADN, although I eventually got my BSN. 

It's true that some RN(ADN)- BSN programs are as short as nine months. I went to one of such and I did graduate in under a year. Some programs are even shorter. Capella University is one where you could possibly finish up in three months if you can handle the work.

I agree that it's reasonable to get your BSN. Nursing is tough and things happen. What if you had an injury? What if you are simply getting up there and you are not able to do the things you used to? If you have children, it may change things? It would be nice to have an office in that type of situation.

Also, you may change your mind. You're only 19, you don't know how you'll feel at 25. It's nice to have options.

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Specializes in Emergency.

ADN  (ASN, actually) here. I've been working almost steadily since I passed NCLEX in late 2016.  It took a bit to get that first job only because of my need to be per diem. If I had been willing to take a shift it would have taken a lot less time. I am a second-career RN and was still working my other job. I have no intention of getting a BSN, I plan to work 5-10 more years bedside per diem and then check out.

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Specializes in oncology.
On 9/17/2020 at 12:19 PM, Braiden said:

I start my degree in 2021 in the fall.

Best wishes as you start your nursing journey. Are you completing some pre-requisites now? 

On 9/17/2020 at 12:19 PM, Braiden said:

I do not enjoy school and have no plans to get a BSN as I want to mother and enjoy life early on. I am 19 years old. I know this sounds very childish, but I am just not a school person.

Who knows what the future will bring. Just take your education one step at a time. Attending school does not mean you can't enjoy life. Perhaps you have not had great experiences with the education system. I remember when I started nursing school I wanted to go right into the nursing classes. What was with all these science and non science courses! Well, they made me an educated person who enjoys learning even now when I am retired. When you get to focus on the subject you want to master you may find school is great.

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2 hours ago, CKPM2RN said:

ADN  (ASN, actually) here. I've been working almost steadily since I passed NCLEX in late 2016.  It took a bit to get that first job only because of my need to be per diem. If I had been willing to take a shift it would have taken a lot less time. I am a second-career RN and was still working my other job. I have no intention of getting a BSN, I plan to work 5-10 more years bedside per diem and then check out.

If you don't mind me asking, where do you live? Southeast, north, midwest, etc.? 

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1 hour ago, londonflo said:

Best wishes as you start your nursing journey. Are you completing some pre-requisites now? 

Who knows what the future will bring. Just take your education one step at a time. Attending school does not mean you can't enjoy life. Perhaps you have not had great experiences with the education system. I remember when I started nursing school I wanted to go right into the nursing classes. What was with all these science and non science courses! Well, they made me an educated person who enjoys learning even now when I am retired. When you get to focus on the subject you want to master you may find school is great.

Thank you! Yes I am, I actually only have two more prerequisites. Schooling has not been bad for me and I make good grades, but I love working. I want to start working after I (hopefully) get my ADN and I know I will probably not go back. Things can change though.

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Specializes in Emergency.

Hey Braiden, I work in the Pacific North West. I started in Portland at a LTC/SNF and now work in an ED in South Puget Sound. (Not Seattle though) PM me for more info if you like.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Please understand that I don't really mean to be MEAN to you, but you sound a bit unrealistic and immature re your future, personally and for nsg.

As a CNA in a NH, you already see how hard the nurses there work. And that's NOW. Also, you'll notice that the majority of those employed nurses are LPNs. A future will be even very much more limiting for ADN RNs. As you read the current employment advertisements, you'll note that most are already requiring BSNs (and experience, which is hard to get that first job without the BSN).

If you really think you don't want a BSN, you're making a HUGE mistake. You will be so limiting any future career choices. I guess you could plan on limiting yourself to NH FOREVER. However, many places utilize medication CNAs which cuts down on the number of nurses needed. Prob less & less licensed nurses will be needed in NH, just for the meds & procedures not permitted under their present scope of practice. So you'll be competing with that huge pool of prospective applicants for a limited number of avail positions.

And your plan on being a Mom - how realistic is that with your expectation of hourly wage of $20 or so. PIDDLY POO wages with what your could make.

Please look realistically to you future educ and job prospects. What might seems desirable now can ever so dramatically change in a short future.

Good luck to you.

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12 hours ago, CKPM2RN said:

Hey Braiden, I work in the Pacific North West. I started in Portland at a LTC/SNF and now work in an ED in South Puget Sound. (Not Seattle though) PM me for more info if you like.

Thank you! 

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

I never had an issue finding a job with my ADN degree. I have however had employers give me a timeframe that my BSN must be completed in 

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