Can i still get a job with an ADN??

globuhgs · Aug 30, 2015

Your situation sounds very familiar to mine. I was also in a position where I needed the fastest/least expensive route that would take me out of work for the least amount of time possible. I opted to get my ADN with the plan to go on to my BSN. I graduated in May and in my last semester I applied to an online BSN program to continue straight on. Also, already being enrolled in a BSN program showed potential employers that I was serious about continuing on. I interviewed for several positions and was offered several jobs, including one at a hospital which I took. This position does offer tuition reimbursement to full time employees. So, long story short, yes you can get a job with an ADN and there are positions that offer tuition reimbursement. That being said, more and more areas of the country are pushing hard for mandatory BSN or have you sign a contract that you will have your BSN in a certain number of years. Locally, the school I went to started to offer dual enrollment (just after our class) in which you also take courses for your BSN while getting your ADN so after graduating you only have 6 months to 1 year left to get your BSN. I would research nursing jobs in your area (or the area you want to work) to make sure they will accept an ADN but I think you would be safe to go that route and continue on for your BSN.

angeloublue22, BSN, RN · Aug 30, 2015

All I can say is, good luck. I was an LPN for 4 years and got my ADN RN. Even with my 4 years experience, which apparently doesn't count for much, it took me 4 months and about 50-60 applications to get a job. You have to get past the gate keepers which are the recruiters and for all the hospitals they won't even interview you unless you have a BSN. If you are willing to work in corrections, long-term care, psych, addictions, or sometimes home health then you will have a chance. I worked in corrections and I now work in addictions as I could never get a hospital job. A hospital will most likely not be an option with a ADN. I'm in Portland, Oregon where the job market is flooded with nurses and many other places are flooded. I don't believe Washington is any better. I'm not trying to discourage you but I'm letting know the reality. As long as you keep an open mind and maybe not only have your heart set on hospital work, you may have a better chance. It's tough out there. Make lots of friends with your preceptors at clinicals (internships) and they may even hire you out of school.

dream'n, BSN, RN · Aug 30, 2015

It depends on if your area is short of nurses. I also know many, many long term and experienced ADNs that are in the process of or have just completed their BSNs. So if you are only a Junior in High School you are looking to enter the work force in about 4 years with an ADN, while many previous ADNs will have already obtained their BSN. Personally I think there will be a glut of BSN nurses and NPs fairly soon.

PinayUSA · Aug 30, 2015

You ever thought about quitting high school and you get your GED. Then you can enroll and start working on getting your ADN

guest769224 · Aug 30, 2015

You ever thought about quitting high school and you get your GED. Then you can enroll and start working on getting your ADN

Say what? Most, if not all nursing programs require a high school diploma. OP make sure you graduate high school.

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · Aug 30, 2015

BSN is preferred in a lot of hospitals. However, it is possible to find hospital jobs with an ADN. You may have to consider relocating, though.

PinayUSA · Aug 30, 2015

Say what? Most, if not all nursing programs require a high school diploma. OP make sure you graduate high school.

Unless it is different community colleges accept GED in place of Diplomas.

Just trying to save her a couple of years in high school wasting time

cambrose · Aug 30, 2015

I would check with your state about financial aid to also your school with scholarships. I managed to go through my entire BSN and associates for pre nursing with only paying $300 for one class which was my first class ever English Comp I. Also nursing school is a challenge and so is the NCLEX and rushing through it may come back to haunt you unless you have a brilliant mind then go for it. I would also look into going right for your BSN because a lot of hospitals won't hire ADN's because of MAGNET status which requires them to have a certain amount of BSN's and to acquire this they usually hire BSN's before ADN's. But anything is possible and follow your dream don't give up, and know that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

llg, PhD, RN · Aug 31, 2015

I recommend that you not give up so easily on the idea of getting your BSN right away. Investigate every possibility of scholarships, financial aid, etc. You may be eligible for lots of financial assistance. By the time you graduate with an ADN in 4-5 years, there may not be very attractive job opportunities for you as a new ADN grad (depending on the local job market where you want to live.)

Talk with your high school guidance counselor to help you get information on different programs, financial aid, etc. Also, don't hesitate to make an appointment with the financial aid office of any school that interests you. Too many young people are intimidated by having those discussions with adults -- and therefore don't get the information they need and miss out on good opportunities. Maybe your aunt can help you hook up with some people who can help you.

2k15NurseExtern4u, BSN, RN · Aug 31, 2015

You ever thought about quitting high school and you get your GED. Then you can enroll and start working on getting your ADN

LOL that escalated quickly. OP, others have given you some great advice. This bit? Not so much. Please do not drop out of highschool.

emmy27 · Aug 31, 2015

This varies so much from area to area, and it's also in flux at the moment. When I graduated with my ADN six years ago, there were still many ADN and even LPN hospital jobs in the southeast, but that has been changing rapidly, and I heard from classmates who moved elsewhere in the country that there were few or none in some areas. I finished my BSN this year because although there are still positions available for experienced ADNs in my area, they've phased out ADN new grad positions to a large degree, and I didn't want to wind up stuck in a job because of changing requirements.

Even ten years ago, LPN--->ADN---->BSN was a very financially sound route to take (and academically/professionally, I think personally it creates excellent nurses in the long run- someone with working experience as an LPN and/or an ADN-RN brings a lot more context to their BSN studies than a shiny never-licensed student), but five years from now (roughly when you'll be graduating) it might not be viable, depending on the market where you live. Keep an eye on job listings for hospitals you're interested in working at and pay attention to their requirements so you're not caught off-guard if they change (or if they already mandate a BSN). Know that no matter what you do, everywhere is giving preference to BSN new grads over ADN new grads these days. And don't give up on going straight to BSN- while CC has the lowest credit hour rates, some universities offer excellent financial aid, and a BSN obtained on scholarship or with significant grants could be a much more straightforward route to your dreams.

Also look in to getting your CNA and working as a tech at a hospital with a reimbursement program. Many hospitals don't discriminate between staff when reimbursing- as long as you can demonstrate to their satisfaction that your degree will make you a more valuable employee, they'll reimburse. I've seen CNAs, secretaries, and even food service workers get reimbursed for nursing, lab tech, and RT degrees. Being CNA paid to work AND go to school for your BSN is a great route to an RN position when you graduate, and a lot less nerve-wracking than hoping that your degree will still be marketable when you graduate. Savings on getting your ADN instead of your BSN won't mean anything if you can't translate it in to a job after graduation.

Good luck!