Drop ADN program forBSN program?

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Hey can somebody help me out. I am currently enrolled in an ADN program which I have just finished the first semester. I have been accepted to attend a BSN program that starts in the spring. My question is this. Should I drop the ADN program, which I could finish in 2 years time for the BSN program that would take 3 years to complete?, or should I continue the ADN program and hope I can easily move to an RN to BSN program after graduation because I DO want my BSN eventually and I don't really want to "waste" a lot of time. Thanks in advance for any answers.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

The best way for you to make this decision is to research the area where you want to work. Are facilities requiring nurses to hold a BSN in order to be considered for a position? At this point in time, most places are seeing a very strong employers' market, where they can set the requirements for a position. Research what those requirements are, and proceed accordingly. This could be as simple as looking at job postings, which may state "BSN required", "BSN preferred", or nothing. You can also network with nurses currently working and find out some of the insider information- while some positions may state BSN preferred, reality may be that it's only BSNs who are getting offers. You can also find out about requirements about having a set amount of time to complete an RN to BSN program, which many facilities hiring ADNs require as a condition of employment.

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Specializes in IMCU, Oncology.

Is your ADN program 4 semesters? If so, it will take 3 years no matter what right? It only takes 1 year to complete an RN-BSN program. So it doesn't make sense to me to drop the ADN program in which you have already completed a semester unless that entire semester does NOT have to be repeated in the BSN program. If you have to redo the semester, then it would be a waste of time and money IMO.

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Specializes in ER.

I did my RN to BSN program in approximately 8 or 9 months. March 24 to December 7th. In all honesty, if you like your program and it is well-known in the area, then I would stick with the ADN. I saved quite a bit by doing the ADN program. By the time I graduated from my ADN program, I had 11 months of experience.

If your program is ACEN accredited (formerly NLNAC), then you can find dozens of programs that will take you. Even without NLNAC accreditation, then you would still find dozens of RN to BSN programs that have CCNE accreditation.

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Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.

I'm purposely doing an ADN and then bridging RN to BSN. It's saving me a lot of money. Our program is highly regarded in our area, so good job opportunities are out there. It's only 5 semesters to do a BSN bridge at a Big 10 university in my area. It is designed for working full time while completing the BSN.

Check out the programs in your area. Research the job market and see what works best for you.

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I appreciate everyone's input, thank you all. My next question is this. Is it difficult to be accepted into RN to BSN programs? or Is it easier since they know your already a nurse? Does your GPA and experience matter?

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

You are asking the wrong people. You need to go to the hospital where you want to work and ask them if they hire ADN new grad nurses. If they do not then yes I would say go for your BSN.

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