Dear Nurses, I desperately need your help

oncnursemsn · May 1, 2014

Dear Juniper- just my 2 cents- don't let another student dropping out discourage you- it is your journey to navigate. So- if you can keep your head above water in your classes and get your ASN, I think you'll have many more options than a surgical tech. The changes that are spoken about relate to the ongoing discourse re: BSN as requirement for entry level RN's, which hasn't happened yet but probably will. Without a BSN you likely won't have as many options as you would with it. Do know also that there are quite a few ASN to BSN programs out there- some purely web based and that might be a goal if/when your pursue your nursing degree. Good luck and know you're entering a challenging and rewarding career path with lots of people supporting you!

heartsgal, ADN, RN · May 1, 2014

Juniper,

No matter what your age follow your heart and ask yourself a couple of questions the main being, what is it that I really want to do? What is my passion? I did this when I was trying to decide and it helped me. I was 44 when I began and it had been 21 years since I had been in school and I had to start with a remedial math and took only that my first semester. It took me 2 yrs to complete my basics for the ADN program and graduated last May at 48. I am 49 now and after working at a skilled nursing facility for 5 months, I finally got hired at a hospital and begin next week. Yes you're friend is correct in that the landscape is changing and many hospitals seeking magnate status will no longer hire ADN's, but the others do. It really depends on the market where you live. Even if I could go back and do it again I would still choose the ADN program because the community college is close to my Home and I had a daughter who was senior at the time and wanted to be available as much as possible. So don't let someone's else's decision cloud yours. When you find your true passion nothing will stand in your way and I'm proof of that. I was a lousy student in HS and even college in my 20's, but in my late 40's I was a great student and truly enjoyed school. Best of luck to you :)

melizerd, ASN, RN · May 1, 2014

I'm a WI ADN grad, just this past December. Everyone in my class has jobs, it took some of us a couple months but we are in hospitals, clinics, and LTC. So they are hiring. WI hasn't seem to have been as saturated as some other places even in metro areas. If you're more rural there's even less of a wait for jobs.

Basically everyone I know will be doing some kind of RN-BSN plan within a year or so, to at least get started.

ArtClassRN, ADN, RN · May 1, 2014

They have announced that within a couple years, no one will hire ADNs. Of course, that was like 20 years ago. They were telling me this while I was in school for my ADN also. I graduated in 2011 and immediately was offered a position on a Med Surg floor in a magnet hospital.

This announcement is routinely made, but then no one ever figures out where to get nurses during these economic swings so they push the deadline back.

Worst case, you graduate and work home health, nursing home, or some other non hospital gig while you get your BSN. Just like many others have.

PMFB-RN, RN · May 1, 2014

I live in Wisconsin. I too graduated from a technical college ADN program. I precept 4 or 5 ADN students each year. ALL of them have found hospital jobs within 6 months.

I am shocked that your friend would drop out of nursing school based on some inaccurate and wild rumor she heard. Probably for the best.

juniper1968 · May 1, 2014

You guys...thank you SO much for your replies! Heartsgal: You sound JUST like me!! Same age; I hated high school...c or d student really, and so far I am a 4.0. I love it so much! I really appreciate everybody's 2 cents :)

And my friend that quit had flunked A and P twice. I feel encouraged. I'm just gonna DO IT. I don't even care how long it takes or what kind of job I find later. As long as I'm an RN :) It will be a dream come true after raising 5 daughters. My turn :)

Thanks again...that explains a lot!

Jenny

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · May 1, 2014

Well then, your friend probably realized that it wasn't for her, as A&P is a requirement for nursing programs. So of course, it is a "they won't hire ADN's" as opposed to "I don't think this is going to work for me".

The worst thing that could happen is that you complete an ADN to BSN at a later date.

Best of luck!

classicdame, MSN, EdD · May 1, 2014

I was 45 when I started nursing school. Got ADN first, then progressed from there. In my area we hire ADN's. You need to go to facilities and ask them about that, or go to their websites. Calling probably is not good as few HR departments take calls. Get the answer fro the people who know.

I expected to work another 20 years so I went for it. Glad I did

lub dub · May 1, 2014

Find yourself a good RN-to-BSN program after you graduate, & you'll be fine. :yes:

jbudrick, MSN · May 1, 2014

I got an ASN when I was 43, a BSN for my 50th birthday, and I will complete an MSN in November. You can do it. You will see many people leave school for a myriad if reasons. Remember that they may not be telling you the whole story.

juniper1968 · May 2, 2014

Thanks everyone! I love your answers and input. I appreciate it. :)

Jenny :)