Confused about how to become a nurse

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Jul 21, 2014

There are plus and minuses either way. Apparently it is really tough for new graduates to get jobs in California regardless of ADN vs BSN. My advice is to stay as mobile as possible during nursing school because if you can move to get a job including out of state, it may increase the odds of getting a job.

The best way is to contact the schools and request information from the schools. I would also find four or five programs you would like to go to and find out their requirements and what level of classes you will need. Some schools offer multiple levels of classes like anatomy.

I went through an ADN and now completing my BSN. I saved money this way.

RunBabyRN · Jul 21, 2014

The CSUs don't work off of wait lists. You have to apply each cycle if you don't get in the first time (though they keep a wait list for each semester, but once school starts, the list is shredded). Some ADN programs work off of a wait list, some don't. You'll have to do your own research on which schools work which way. I know Napa College works off of a wait list. Each school's website will tell you how they factor everything. Each school, even each CSU, works differently from another, so you need to put in some time and research the schools you're considering. You'll want to apply to more than one school- the more schools you apply to, the better. You'll need to boost your GPA as well in order to be competitive.

Private schools are incredibly expensive, and some of them have very poor reputations and NCLEX pass rates. Again, research will serve you well. You can also search on here for some subjective info.

As applesxoranges stated, the job market in CA is REALLY tough for ADNs. It's tough for ALL new grads, but especially for ADNs. The Bay Area has the worst job market for new grads in the US. I'm also in the Bay Area, and I have a BSN from a CSU in the area, and I've applied to over 600 jobs. So far, the only work I have is very part time, doing health fairs, immunization clinics, and infusions. I have prior healthcare experience, which helped me get this work, but it doesn't help me get a hospital job, and I am still applying every day for jobs in my desired areas.

amer1996 · Jul 21, 2014

Which CSU did you get a BSN from? And were you on a waitlist or anything and how long did it take to get the BSN. Also I've read that its difficult to get a job if you just have an ADN but having a BSN is very helpful right.

amer1996 · Jul 21, 2014

How did you save money that way?

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Jul 21, 2014

Almost every job posting I've seen quite literally states "BSN preferred" and for certain hospitals/systems, I've seen "BSN required" for external candidates (those not already employed there). Right now the clear advantage is given to those that have a BSN or those that have experience already. It is certainly possible that by the time you're completely done with school (any program) that the job market could have swung entirely the opposite direction. I wouldn't bet on it, quite frankly. There will eventually be a significant need for a lot of new nurses, but much depends upon the rate that older nurses retire and the rate that new positions are created due to actual demand above and beyond that.

Nursing is very cyclical and while I've not been a nurse very long, I've followed the trends and have seen a couple of these cycles. I most certainly recall some significant sign-on bonuses that were given out just a little over 10 years ago... sometimes upwards of $10,000. There were times when hospital recruiters would quite literally troll the halls of the nursing schools and students would have jobs waiting for them upon graduation. This, of course, has certainly changed. Just give it enough time and it will happen again.

I really can't stress this enough - if you can afford it, go for the BSN. While ADN and BSN education is largely similar and you'll take the same NCLEX exam after graduation, you'll have greater employment opportunities if you go for the BSN than if you get an ADN.

amer1996 · Jul 21, 2014

Yes I definately am going for BSN but Im just kinda confused about how to do it

rob4546, ADN, BSN, MSN · Jul 21, 2014

How do I find out if the school has a point system or wait list?

Pick up the phone and call the nursing department at the school. Any nursing program can have a wait list, private schools included. If there is more candidates and fewer spots, !bam! there is a wait list.

rob4546, ADN, BSN, MSN · Jul 21, 2014

Read these threads for more information, also start doing a little research on this forum.

https://allnurses.com/pre-nursing-student/nursing-school-worth-932256.html

https://allnurses.com/pre-nursing-student/difference-between-asn-936343.html

Has some good discussion about ADN and BSN routes.

Spangle Brown · Jul 21, 2014

Wait list isn't that bad. It means that you have met all the qualifications and will eventually start. Your name is placed on a list and your are given a time when you will start. You can become a CNA and be working on your resume while you wait.

The point system means that you have to compete with other applicants to start school. You will have to do this each term, until you eventually get in. It can mean you need a 3.5 GPA or higher to compete against others. If it takes you 2 terms to get in, is that any different then being on a wait list?

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Jul 22, 2014

As Spangle above has said, wait lists aren't actually all that bad. Neither is being "rejected" and yet being determined to be a "qualified applicant" because both essentially state that you're fully ready to go, but you're not starting right now. If this happens to you where you're placed on a wait list or you're determined to be qualified but not selected for that upcoming class, do yourself a favor... take additional courses that will help you later when it comes time to graduate. Get all that stuff done and you'll be much happier later.

Also, look ahead to furthering your education beyond the BSN level (because in this instance, that's what you, the OP, is going for). Take those classes that will also get you set up to enter a Masters program. You may never do that, but it never hurts to set yourself up for it just in case you want to go for it and the classes should be quite a bit cheaper before you graduate!

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Jul 22, 2014

I'm in CA, the "wait lists" in my area are up to 5 yrs long at community college. The CSUs in my immediate vicinity use a merit based system in which the applicants with the highest points get admitted immediately with no wait. At the CSU nearest me, to get enough points you need at minimum a 3.8 GPA and 90% on the TEAS.

The private programs around here have no wait lists but may cost upwards of $70k.

amer1996 · Jul 22, 2014

I'm in CA, the "wait lists" in my area are up to 5 yrs long at community college. The CSUs in my immediate vicinity use a merit based system in which the applicants with the highest points get admitted immediately with no wait. At the CSU nearest me, to get enough points you need at minimum a 3.8 GPA and 90% on the TEAS. The private programs around here have no wait lists but may cost upwards of $70k.

Where in CA are you talking about? And which CSU's? Also im getting some very mixed answers. Some say waitlists aren't bad and aren't longer but some say it takes years. I am still confused about what to do