Do ADN's have trouble getting hired now that everyone is getting a BSN

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Hi there,

I recently started a program in San Diego to obtain my Associates of Nursing Degree, which will make me an RN, but with all these schools offering Bachelor of Science Nursing programs, I'm worried that I will have trouble getting hired after graduation. Part of the reason I picked this program is that there was no waiting list, and as I was 27 when I finally got up the gumption to go back to school, I didn't want to wait 2-5 more years. Is anyone out there a recent graduate of an ADN that got hired (or is having trouble)? Maybe you just know the hiring practices of your place of employment and can tell me yes, they hire ADN or no, only BSN. I have a lot of previous medical experience including working for one of the major health care coorporations here in SD (no names ;)) so I am hoping if I continue to work for them, plus my experience, my degree will just be a bonus. Hope I'm not getting my hopes up and really thats not the truth. I would appreciate any input you could give me. Thanks!

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Specializes in psych. rehab nursing, float pool.

I have not seen this as an issue in the area I work in. We do have several of our nurses who are attending classes most of them online to obtain their BS . I do think at some point having a BS will be the norm in the future. Exactly when it all depends on whom you speak to.

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Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.

no , it's really not an issue at least where i live. if you can sign RN after your name, you got a job. although because of the ecomony , there are not as many RN jobs as there use to be.

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In my state I think there are more ADN prepared RN's coming out of schools than BSN prepared RN's. The 2 year programs are well respected - of course many people go on to get higher level degrees through RN to BSN or to MSN programs. It's good that you have prior medical experience - however a lot of people don't have and they get jobs. Employers go by your nursing experience. Until you have that one year of nursing experience your employment options can be somewhat limited but after that you're free to roam.

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Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.

I graduated with my diploma RN last year. I had a job 6 months before grauduation, and every job I applied for, I was offered. So, no, I don't see it being a problem.

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Specializes in OR, Peds: ED, float pool; ED, PACU.

I have an ADN (graduated in May '07) and had no problem getting a job. It isn't an issue. I am working towards my BSN.

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Although I am a student, I have talked with many nurses on my clinical rotations, because I am interested in pursuing my BSN later on. It doesn't seem to be a problem where I am from either, in fact, one of the hospitals I did my rotation at said that there wasn't even a difference in pay, an RN is an RN. But of course I am sure that is not the case everywhere or no one would go on to higher education!

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Home Health.

Boston hospitals prefer BSNs.

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Specializes in Acute Mental Health.

I'm a nursing student, last semester, in WI. A fellow nurisng student interviewed at a hospital and felt everything went well. She got the "Thank you, not interested", letter the next week. She called because it was her first interview and wanted tips as to what she could do better. She was told she did great during the interview, but the job was between her and a BA grad and they decided they would rather hire the BA.

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Specializes in Cardiac, Hospice, Float pool, Med/Peds.

I never knew this was an issue... I am in Wi and have not heard this...

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Specializes in M/S, Travel Nursing, Pulmonary.

I'm trying to go from M/S to ICU and I think the fact that I am ADN has slowed the process down.

To answer your question, as far as getting a job goes........just something to do for the paycheck........no problem. Now, as far as getting the ideal job goes......a little more difficult.

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Specializes in OR, Peds: ED, float pool; ED, PACU.

Really? I wouldn't think so at all. Having M/S experience can ONLY be a plus for you. I am from Houston, went to school in Houston and worked at Texas Children's up until last July when we moved out of state. I'd try any of the major hospitals. They will work with you. I switched departments from general peds to Peds ER at my new hospital and they trained me...no problem. If ICU is REALLY what you want to do, then show your enthusiasm and desire to learn. What hospital do you live by? I lived on the far NW side by Tomball/cypress and drove to TCH 3 days week. YUCK! but...was worth it! love TCH!!!!

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