Did I make the right decision going for a ADN and then BSN?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I'm a prenursing student right now almost finished with my prereqs for my community college's accelerated ADN program. I plan on getting my BSN after this is finished (transfering to 4 year uni).

Some of my friends came into the community college with the mindset of taking the transfer courses to a 4 year uni, paying no attention to the nursing program they have to offer so they will be going straight to a BSN.

Did I make the right choice? Would the ADN->BSN route net me more experience since I know that's what most hospital look for? I was also thinking of working as a ADN while getting my BSN so I will have income while pursuing my actual goal. Is this good?

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I was planning to get an ADN and then a BSN, but I realized that it is the same time (2 years) after you complete the prereq courses. So, I think that going straight to the BSN will help to save time.

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Specializes in Pedi.

Whether or not it's a good idea honestly depends on whether or not ADN new grads can find employment in your area of the country. In my area they, by and large, cannot.

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I'm doing prerequisites for an ADN program and I plan on going into an RN to BSN program very soon after graduation. My community college has universities that offer RN to BSN programs at the community college and at a discounted rate. I'm saving a lot of money by getting my education this way. I couldn't afford to go to any of the local universities that had BSN programs, I would be in wayyy too much debt. More and more hospitals are requiring that you have your BSN to work. But there are still some out there that will hire ADN's. But you will find that most of the jobs for ADN's are in long term care. This is why I'm going to do an RN to BSN program right away. So I don't think your making a bad choice at all. Your ADN is going to get you a job, just maybe not the one you want right away. As long as you get your BSN right after graduation, you'll be fine.

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For me I chose to go straight for the BSN. I only needed 2 more semesters of prerequisites to complete the requirements for application to my state Uni. Since both the AN and BSN are 2 years in regards to the actual nursing portion it made sense for me.

of course the BSN rout can be more expensive and if that is a concern your way would be better. The other consideration I had to make was can I get a job as an ADN. Again, for me in the DC-BALTIMORE metro area the answer was no. I need acute care experience and ADN's just aren't getting those jobs in my area. Weigh your options and what will make sense for you!

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I'm in the third semester of an ADN program (graduate in May '14) and I am so happy that I chose this way. I didn't want to wait 4 years to start making money...I got a CNA job in a hospital and will start working as soon as I graduate. I'll be starting my bsn program next August all online...and my job will pay for most of it!

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Specializes in ICU.

I am doing my ADN then going for my BSN. In my area all you need is an ADN. Maybe in the large cities in this country you need a BSN but where I live if you have a BSN then you are in some type of management. I really want to be bedside for a while then work my way up.

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As others stated, if you can find a job with the ASN you will save yourself some money. It also depends on what kind of debt load you are comfortable with, so the ASN is a good choice if you'd rather not be so in debt. I already have a BA and considered doing an accelerated BSN program, but the cost is huge (plus not being able to work or very little work). Some would say I'd get back into the workforce sooner and making money sooner, but I can tell you from experience even making $50,000 a year the money is often spent before you get to things like paying off college loans early. So I'm hoping to do my ASN as well, not go into debt, and then do BSN online for hopefully around $10k or less. Second guessing is sometimes a full-time occupation when you're deciding on nursing school!

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After going back and forth endlessly between the "straight BSN" option and "ADN to BSN" option, I'm leaning towards the ADN route. In my situation (I have two kids I want to buy a house for) I just can't justify piling on so much debt when there are alternatives. My local ADN program is 4 semesters and then RN-BSN 2 semesters. My local BSN is 5 semesters. So it would just take me one extra semester to get my BSN if I get my ADN first, and it would save me about 20k as well.

Also ADNs are still being hired at hospitals in my area, but I'm willing to work anywhere.

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Ditto for me. I critically thought and decided loans were not for me and I will have my ADN debt free in May 2014 and I will start my BSN and an equally cost effective rate this summer. Not going o go in debt over my education. And ADNs are still hired in my area.

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Specializes in public health, women's health, reproductive health.

I chose to get my ADN first because it's so much cheaper. I will be debt free this way. As others have said, the "right" decision is different for everyone, depending on your particular circumstances and place of residence.

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I'm in the third semester of an ADN program (graduate in May '14) and I am so happy that I chose this way. I didn't want to wait 4 years to start making money...I got a CNA job in a hospital and will start working as soon as I graduate. I'll be starting my bsn program next August all online...and my job will pay for most of it!

good for you ! i am almost done with my bsn prereqs and now I cant wait to finish!

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