College grad looking to go back to get ADN--thoughts?

Published

Hi everyone,

I am looking for a career change and I believe getting my ADN and becoming an RN may be right for me. I currently have a B.A. in Sociology and have worked in social work and with children for most of my adult life. I am also a new mom. I am able to take courses at my local community college for "free" (fees-only) because my father is tenured there. He has offered to pay those fees if I do the nursing program.

I already have 15 of the required credits under my belt from my B.A. I know that school will be TOUGH, but that is a leg up and I won't have to worry about getting more loans to cover costs.

I am trying to read about the negatives before I fully commit. I know a lot of people have written about competing with BSNs for jobs. A job search in my area only yielded 2 jobs that said BSN "preferred" (and that's different from "required"). I also have read a lot about people getting jaded (i.e. "I thought I was going to help people, not deal with drug addicts"). My hx is dealing with drug addicts and I learned early on that the notion of helping people, while admirable, is not always real life. At 2.5 times the pay of a social worker, I don't mind continuing to work with drug addicts/seekers. I've worked with aggressive kids and teens. I've been spit on, had to restrain clients. I know better than to look at being a nurse through rose-colored glasses.

I feel like this would be a smart financial decision for myself and my family, but it's not without risk and it is definitely a leap! I did not think I would be considering going back to school anytime soon, especially not for an ADN. Is anyone else in a similar situation? What made you say "yes, I should do this"?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care.

Good day:

While I'm going for an AD now (currently working on prerequisites), I will be shooting for the BSN as soon as I'm able (probably a job first if I'm blessed that way).

I would recommend the BSN if you can do it time and financial wise.

Thank you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatrics, Telemetry, Med-Surg.

I have an ASN (working on an online RN-BSN program now) and have never had an issue finding a job. The demand all depends on where you live. In my city, ASNs are just as likely as BSNs to find a job. There isn't a difference in pay either (from what I've been told). However, if you live in a big city (NYC, for example), the BSN is the way to go.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CEN, CFRN, PHRN, RCIS, EMT-P.
Hi everyone I am looking for a career change and I believe getting my ADN and becoming an RN may be right for me. I currently have a B.A. in Sociology and have worked in social work and with children for most of my adult life. I am also a new mom. I am able to take courses at my local community college for "free" (fees-only) because my father is tenured there. He has offered to pay those fees if I do the nursing program. I already have 15 of the required credits under my belt from my B.A. I know that school will be TOUGH, but that is a leg up and I won't have to worry about getting more loans to cover costs. I am trying to read about the negatives before I fully commit. I know a lot of people have written about competing with BSNs for jobs. A job search in my area only yielded 2 jobs that said BSN "preferred" (and that's different from "required"). I also have read a lot about people getting jaded (i.e. "I thought I was going to help people, not deal with drug addicts"). My hx is dealing with drug addicts and I learned early on that the notion of helping people, while admirable, is not always real life. At 2.5 times the pay of a social worker, I don't mind continuing to work with drug addicts/seekers. I've worked with aggressive kids and teens. I've been spit on, had to restrain clients. I know better than to look at being a nurse through rose-colored glasses. I feel like this would be a smart financial decision for myself and my family, but it's not without risk and it is definitely a leap! I did not think I would be considering going back to school anytime soon, especially not for an ADN. Is anyone else in a similar situation? What made you say "yes, I should do this"?[/quote']

Do it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Ambulatory, Home Health, LTC/Rehab.

I have been in the medical field for 28 years starting as a medical assistant and worked my way up to my RN while home schooling my daughter, then just recently acquired my BSN from Univeristy of Colorado Online, "Great Program" Nothing in life is easy. If you want it bad enough you can do anything. Their is so much to specialize in nursing so I say go for it. We need more nurses that work from the heart and really want to help people not be judgemental but take them as they are and do your best to make their live as good as you can. One thing is don't forget to take of yourself along the way. I say "DREAM BIG". I am now seeking out my Wound ,Ostomy Nurse Certification. Yes I may be a little crazy but I love to learn and want to help people heal and give them the tools to do so. Best Wishes.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg.

Agree - Do It!

Especially with your tuition being essentially free. That's a barrier to most and a big load off your shoulders.

There were a lot of career changers/degree holders in my ADN program, including me. You'll be in good company. And, at least you are heading into this with eyes wide open and not "starry-eyed" about the health-care profession.

One of my simple tests when making decisions such as this is: Is this something you are going to look back on and regret NOT having done?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Agree - Do It!

Especially with your tuition being essentially free. That's a barrier to most and a big load off your shoulders.

There were a lot of career changers/degree holders in my ADN program, including me. You'll be in good company. And, at least you are heading into this with eyes wide open and not "starry-eyed" about the health-care profession.

One of my simple tests when making decisions such as this is: Is this something you are going to look back on and regret NOT having done?

I ditto that. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

Free tuition, that's a no brainer. Good for you for doing your homework as far as what the job boards are asking for in your area. I'm a career changer and have my BSN because I also did my research and found out many hospitals in my area were Magnet or working toward Magnet status meaning ASN applications were being tossed in the trash (as what one NM told us students at the time).

When I started working I was down about the amount of drug seekers who knew exactly what to say to get onto my critical care unit to request pain meds. I had one patient who admitted to the PA and I that she couldn't get the cash needed to buy her street drugs from her supplier so she came to the hospital knowing we would provide her "fix." I felt like her enabler and with her addiction she was constantly on the call bell requesting her pain meds on the exact time it was due. If I was late she would come out of the room to find me. After all her cardiac tests came back negative I was able to get the doctor to put in orders ASAP to transfer her to a lower acuity floor like Med-Surg. Unfortunately, I constantly get frequent flyers and when you have a hard patient load having a drug seeker in that mix makes it even harder. There are many wonderful things to nursing but as you have realized there are not so great moments too. Certainly never a dull moment.

Sent via Glad2baRN's iPhone using allnurses.com

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Although they may be listing "BSN preferred" for nursing jobs that require experience, hospitals across the country are rapidly moving into "BSN only" for new grad hires. This is just in acute care (hospital) jobs. Other types of jobs are still open to ADN grads. But the higher salaries are generally associated with acute care, so it's a bit of a Catch-22.

I am a huge fan of Social Workers - and enormously grateful for the work they do. If the world was a fair place, you'd all be making 6 figures. I have no doubt you can do this & wish you all the luck in the world!!!! SW loss will definitely be our gain.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you all for the info and encouragement! I am not opposed to getting my BSN at some point, but ideally I would like to complete it while working as an RN. I know some hospitals offer to pay for some or all of the tuition, which would obviously be a great help.

We have 2 hospitals in our state that are Magnet. The one I would be most interested in working for (closest to me) has several nursing positions open. They all state BSN preferred OR enrollment in a BSN program within one year and completion of it within five. That does give me hope, although that could change at any time. I do think that financially, getting my ADN is what works. I only work part time at the moment and take care of my infant son. We are pretty stretched as far as funds go--hence the reason I'm looking to make a change!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

Negatives to one person may be a positive to another. It is nursing. It is hard and rewarding work. I enjoy it. I enjoy the challenge. I enjoy when it is difficult. Things some nurses hate I love. So you just have to make a decision.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Essentially free tuition? Go for it! You can always get your ADN-to-BSN online at a later date. Even if you can't get a job as an ADN and go straight for your BSN, you'll still be ahead of the game financially.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion