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Nursing Students ADN/BSN

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Hello Everyone -

Hope everyone is well. I am humbly requesting insight on a matter that was brought to my attention today.

I heard that when hospitals (or other relevant employers) are reviewing resumes for RN's, they would go with the candiate with a BSN and not with a ADN or ASN. I can understand the latter, however, for someone like me who already holds a BA in Psych and a MBA (don't ask), I cannot justify going back to school for another bachelor's degree, granted I am open minded to it if it will help me at the end of the day.

I had surgery this past summer, and I found the opportunity to chat with the nurse who was in charge of my post-op care. I told her about my situation, and she told me she has a BA in history and an ADN from the community college where I'm taking my pre-reqs at. I asked her if her employer is requesting she get a BSN, and she replied "no", and I recall her saying that as long as you have a bachelors degree (nursing or otherwise), you would be a good candidate. (Note: This nurse is employed by a reputable academic health system in West Los Angeles for many years, so I feel she has some credibility.)

So, assuming that I have graduated with a ADN, passed my licensure/boards, and a hiring manager is comparing my resume with another candidate with a BSN only, who will be courted with a job offer?

Any insight advice will be appreciated. I'm given a second opportunity to delve into a new career, and I want to do it right.

Thanks in advance,

GP

Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

The truth is: It depends on the specific hospital and your chosen career path. There are some hospitals that don't care which degree you have ... but there are an increasing number of hospitals that prefer BSN or higher (in nursing.)

Also ... if you are interested in career advancement in nursing ... you will probably need a BSN or higher. A lot of leadership roles (clinical leadership, educational, managerial, etc.) require a BSN or higher.

But that doesn't mean that there aren't some employers who don't have that requirement. Not having a BSN will limit your opportunities ... but there will be some jobs that will be available to you. So ... it's not necessary, but you'll find the BSN to your advantage.

I suggest you look for a BSN program (or entry-level MSN) program geared to career-switchers such as yourself. Such programs often take no longer to complete than an ADN.

Specializes in NICU, Nursery.

I agree with the first post. It is a VERY competitive world these days, especially in this field. There are like a million or so new graduates every few months around the world! And all of them want a successful career as a nurse.

So naturally employers would get the much qualified candidates (not disreguarding those without BSN) and those who have more experience. And even graduates with BSN degrees are having a hard time landing a job these days. So you really need to show an edge and step up your game to stand out from the rest. Gain needed experience, attend seminars/trainings, enhance your skills.

Good Luck! :)

I want to thank the respondents who have taken time to offer their input. My anxiety over which educational route to take is over the amount of money it will take for me to accomplish this goal. Yes, I am plenty aware there are such things as "loans" out there, however I already up to my ears in debt from my other degrees (Hey -- who isn't these days?) There is one program in LA that I want to go to, however a price tag of $45k (rounded) is somewhat prohibitive.

I have so many options to consider.

Thanks,

GP

Different hospitals have different hiring preferences -- often depending on cultural, historical, budgetary, or accreditation/aspiration reasons. In my city of Charlottesville, Virginia there are two hospitals (a 200-bed community hospital and a 600-bed academic medical center). Both are Magnet hospitals who are seeking re-accreditation in the next three years. One of the Magnet expectations is that the % of BSN-prepared RNs increases with each recertification.

This past year UVa Medical Center hired approximately 60 new grades. Nearly all were either BSN or Direct-Entry MSN grads (ADN grad hires were in the single digits). Over at the community hospital, ADN grads were about 1/2 of the new hires.

I travel throughout Virginia recruiting students for RN-BSN or graduate programs. Some community hospitals only hire mostly ADN or diploma grads, others hire RNs from any academic preparation. In general, the teaching hospitals (which are affiliated with BSN programs) are more likely to favor BSN grads.

This year, the job market for new grads is tight. Many students from a variety of different programs report problems in finding jobs this year. We were in the very fortunate position that I am aware of only 2 BSN/ direct entry MSN grads who did not have jobs at graduation in 2009 (of over 120 graduates). One of these is engaged to a graduate of UVa Law School, and she was waiting to see in what state her fiance found a job.

The employment siutation will hopefully be much brighter when you graduate from whatever nursing program several years from now. Good luck with your hunt.

Specializes in ER, OR, PACU, TELE, CATH LAB, OPEN HEART.

Does UVA have an RN-MSN program and is any of it offered online. I am a Diploma RN, back in my day BSN was NOT required so I got BA Jurisprudence, and MPA in administration and health policy. NOW having employment issues due to lack of BSN/MSN in Baltimore/DC area. Thanks.

Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.

I work in the SICU of a large teaching hospital. We only hire ADN new grads into our 7 month nurse residency program for new grads who want to be trained to work in the SICU and MICU. It doesn't say anywhere that BSN grads are not hired but they are not and have not for the last several classes. I know of at least one other ICU doing this as well. We are a Magnet facility. BSN new grads are hired into the residency program for other units like ER and PACU.

Where I work an ADN with a 4 year degree in anything else other than nursing is simply an ADN. The other degree counts for nothing.

Merrywidow:

The UVa faculty just approved (last Monday) a RN-MSN program for our Clinical Nurse Leader track for RNs with a BA/BS in another subject. I am working with the faculty coordinators on language for the website; the site should be up by December 10th.

Thank you very much for all ideas regarding ADN and BSN. It gives me more broader idea on what might happen in case I took ADN.

I would not be concerned with this as it is not something that you can easily correct in the next few days. Employers generally are concerned with the status of your license, then with your work experience. They tend to only look at education when all else is equal, which it rarely turns out to be. If it concerns you that much then take steps to achieve the next level of education.

(At least in Minnesota) I believe there is a requirement of at least a BSN to earn a public health nursing certification.

You might look into MSN programs or accelerated BSNs, too...

Specializes in LTC/Skilled Care/Rehab.

I have heard that it is easier to get a job in an ICU if you have an ADN. I think this is because many people with BSNs would like to become a CRNA. Otherwise it helps to have a BSN. I have seen job postings with BSN OR ADN and Bachelor's in something else. I think it helps that you have a Bachelor's in another area. Good luck!

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