Debating between BSN or ADN programs, please help!

mmwill0256 · Jan 28, 2019

I'm in the same boat as you! I was worried because of the stories I've heard about ADN nurses being unable to find work so I did some research. It appears that most hospitals that won't hire ADN nurses are "magnet" hospitals. The magnet hospitals won't hire anyone with less than a BSN because they get funding for having BSN nurses. But, if you live in an area with a high demand for nurses hospitals will hire an ADN. Honestly, I just decided to go for the BSN because I want to work in a pediatric hospital and the BSN is pretty much required at the hospital I'm hoping to work at. Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

EmDash · Jan 28, 2019

So you asked for a letter of recommendation from several professors, and they said no? If you have any other ones you haven't tried yet, I'd email them if you have 2-3 weeks still until the deadline. It doesn't have to be someone you know particularly well. You just write a bit about yourself, what class you took with them, what grade you got, and offer to send your resume. I've seen professors agree to write letters for students they didn't really know several times. It's certainly worth the effort to ask every semi-relevant professor you have the time to.

But, also figure out if you have all the other things you need to even apply. If you are behind on the prereqs and are not eligible to even be considered for admission, then there's no use in worrying about getting everything together for the fall application.

As for ADNs and hospitals, it depends a lot on your specific area. In cities where the market is oversaturated, hospitals can be much more picky with who they chose to hire, so it can be more difficult for someone with an ADN to be hired at a hospital when compared to someone with a BSN--especially if the hospital has magnet status. However, it's certainly not impossible. Even in my area that is way saturated with nursing schools, one hospital definitely hires some ADNs while I know some people who have gotten into a hospital that supposedly only hires BSN nurses (though typically through knowing someone). If you live in an area that is not saturated, then I don't think it would be much of an issue. You can \try to do some research about your city and ask some of the nurses that work in the area.

I personally wouldn't go the 50k route regardless. Student debt is no joke, and even having to wait an extra semester or two to get into a cheaper program would be better than spending 50k.

prenursing2019 · Jan 28, 2019

12 hours ago, mmwill0256 said:
I'm in the same boat as you! I was worried because of the stories I've heard about ADN nurses being unable to find work so I did some research. It appears that most hospitals that won't hire ADN nurses are "magnet" hospitals. The magnet hospitals won't hire anyone with less than a BSN because they get funding for having BSN nurses. But, if you live in an area with a high demand for nurses hospitals will hire an ADN. Honestly, I just decided to go for the BSN because I want to work in a pediatric hospital and the BSN is pretty much required at the hospital I'm hoping to work at. Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

That's interesting, i've never heard of magnet hospitals! I'm hoping to go into ped psych and I haven't even looked into what hospitals I may want to work at lol! Good luck with your BSN program ?

prenursing2019 · Jan 28, 2019

12 hours ago, EmDash said:
So you asked for a letter of recommendation from several professors, and they said no? If you have any other ones you haven't tried yet, I'd email them if you have 2-3 weeks still until the deadline. It doesn't have to be someone you know particularly well. You just write a bit about yourself, what class you took with them, what grade you got, and offer to send your resume. I've seen professors agree to write letters for students they didn't really know several times. It's certainly worth the effort to ask every semi-relevant professor you have the time to.
But, also figure out if you have all the other things you need to even apply. If you are behind on the prereqs and are not eligible to even be considered for admission, then there's no use in worrying about getting everything together for the fall application.
As for ADNs and hospitals, it depends a lot on your specific area. In cities where the market is oversaturated, hospitals can be much more picky with who they chose to hire, so it can be more difficult for someone with an ADN to be hired at a hospital when compared to someone with a BSN--especially if the hospital has magnet status. However, it's certainly not impossible. Even in my area that is way saturated with nursing schools, one hospital definitely hires some ADNs while I know some people who have gotten into a hospital that supposedly only hires BSN nurses (though typically through knowing someone). If you live in an area that is not saturated, then I don't think it would be much of an issue. You can \try to do some research about your city and ask some of the nurses that work in the area.
I personally wouldn't go the 50k route regardless. Student debt is no joke, and even having to wait an extra semester or two to get into a cheaper program would be better than spending 50k.

I honestly haven't tried asking for letters because I felt bad since I didn't get to know them very well. I will ask anyway and see what happens!

The program that I have left to apply for and take the TEAS exam is the one I am behind about 8 credits for. I am honestly considering not taking my TEAS exam that's in a few days because I won't even make the fall deadline. I honestly don't feel prepared and only have 2 attempts so that's my new worry ?

Thank you for that information, I had no idea about magnet hospitals before this!! I also agree, i'd rather wait an extra semester or two than ending up piled in debt! I feel too young to carry all that debt on my back.

Neo Soldier, BSN, RN · Jan 29, 2019

Please consider applying to ADN programs if you have a chance to. Don't sit out a semester because there is no guarantee that you will get into any nursing program even if you have good grades.

Like mmwill said, the BSN is a requirement for magnet hospitals. You can still find work with an ADN in some hospitals but wherever you find work it still counts for experience. I graduated with an associate's myself and I found work as a nurse. With an ADN you save money and time and you can work on your BSN online. RN-BSN programs are more relaxed and they won't break the bank.

prenursing2019 · Jan 30, 2019

5 hours ago, Neo Soldier said:
Please consider applying to ADN programs if you have a chance to. Don't sit out a semester because there is no guarantee that you will get into any nursing program even if you have good grades.
Like mmwill said, the BSN is a requirement for magnet hospitals. You can still find work with an ADN in some hospitals but wherever you find work it still counts for experience. I graduated with an associate's myself and I found work as a nurse. With an ADN you save money and time and you can work on your BSN online. RN-BSN programs are more relaxed and they won't break the bank.

Thanks for the reply! I'm going to have to take an extra semester to complete a few pre-reqs that some of the ADN programs require that my current school didn't require. I also have to take the TEAS exam, since these schools will not accept my HESI scores! ?

I'm definitely going to look into ADN programs. I had no idea that there were even associates to msn pathways!