is it easy to find a job with an associate nursing degree?

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hi all. i am a nursing student in NJ and will be graduating next year. I will get my associate nursing degree when I graduate. My question is is it easy to find a job with an associate nursing degree? or should I transfer to another 4yr college to get my BSN. (I currently volunteer in an local hospital and only have my school clinical hours as experience)

thank you all!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, ER.

It's not easy to get a job in most places with an associate's or a bachelor's, but I think you are more limited in this market right now with just an associate's. It's an employer's market right now and with the economy in its current state I don't see that changing anytime in the near future. I'd do whatever it takes to get a job. Research what the minimum degree requirements are for hospitals in the area you want to work in after graduation. I'd also get a CNA job ASAP at the hospital you're interested in if you plan to stay local.

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Specializes in Critical Care/Coronary Care Unit,.

Well, this is definitely an employer's market where they get the pick of the litter. I don't know that the BSN is weighed anymore than the AA, except for in certain areas like management. Some hospitals actually place whether or not the position requires a BSN. I have a BSN and most hospitals don't pay you more for having a BSN. I had one job that I think paid me one dollar more per hour for my BSN. I suggest you go for your BSN ASAP. I also agree with the pp..go get a job as a CNA or nurse extern somewhere, even if it's per-diem. Get your foot in the door somewhere before you even graduate..it'll help you in this job market. And they do look at CNA experience when applying for nursing jobs.

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It depends on what part of the country you live in. Some areas are ripe for the picking, they are desperate for nurses and don't care if you have an ASN or BSN. Other areas are picky and may decide to hold out for a BSN. If you can afford to finish up your BSN that is always a good option because then if you ever want to get your MSN to teach or be a NP you can easily do so in 1-2 years, even online.

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Specializes in Med-surg, CCU, HH, Periooperative.

I am a nurse with ADN. I have climbed the ladder: tech, LPN, ADN and will complete my BSN in January. In the area I live, 45miles north of Atlanta, GA, it doesn't matter the degree unless you want to specialize or to be in managemnt. However, jobs are hard to come by in any setting. The health system I work in currently has a hiring freeze. So I suggest finish your ADN and see what happens. Get some expeirence and see which direction you wish to go after a year or so.

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Specializes in Trauma, Burn, Crticial Care.

My hospital only hires BSN prepared nurses

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Specializes in ICU, PICU, School Nursing, Case Mgt.
It depends on what part of the country you live in. Some areas are ripe for the picking, they are desperate for nurses and don't care if you have an ASN or BSN. Other areas are picky and may decide to hold out for a BSN. If you can afford to finish up your BSN that is always a good option because then if you ever want to get your MSN to teach or be a NP you can easily do so in 1-2 years, even online.

I am just curious, where is the part of the country that is desperate for nurses right now?

It sure isn't in South FLorida, nor is it in Washington state...

That being said, if you can get your BSN without taking on too much debt-go for it. However, I really don't think it makes a lot of difference. Here in Fl, unfortunately, it seems that the facilities are all looking for experienced nurses. The BSN vs ASN really doesn't matter--experience does.

If you can work as a tech/cna for a while, that does seem to help.

Good luck.

s

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I have been a nurse for 25+ years with an ADN. I've never had a problem getting a job because of not having a BSN. ( but I have been in my job for 8 yrs) I have also found that no one in my area pays any more for BSN nurses. So, unless you have administration in mind I'd check in your area first. Many hospitals have tuition reimbursement, so you may be able to get some help if you go for a BSN later.

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thx guys for all the great info. they really help me a lot. I did apply for a CNA before, but I had to turn it down during the interview because their hours doesn't fit my school schedule. so i am currently volunteer their for couple hours a week. The nurses on the unit where I volunteer are really nice, and they actually let me do some clinical things and teach me skills. i hope my volunteer experience will help me in the future. Again, thank you all for the great info.

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Specializes in acute care.

My hospital is moving towards requiring a BSN. Now it's just preferred.

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Well, this is definitely an employer's market where they get the pick of the litter. I don't know that the BSN is weighed anymore than the AA, except for in certain areas like management. Some hospitals actually place whether or not the position requires a BSN. I have a BSN and most hospitals don't pay you more for having a BSN. I had one job that I think paid me one dollar more per hour for my BSN. I suggest you go for your BSN ASAP. I also agree with the pp..go get a job as a CNA or nurse extern somewhere, even if it's per-diem. Get your foot in the door somewhere before you even graduate..it'll help you in this job market. And they do look at CNA experience when applying for nursing jobs.

I agree that they will look at CNA experience when deciding who to hire. But just to clarify, it will not count as nursing experience when determining your wage.

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I have my diploma in nursing and fortunately I have been working for a few years now. Recently I have enrolled in a RN-BSN program because when I was looking to change jobs, most of them required a BSN. After to speaking with my professor, she stated that I would be more marketable having a BSN with experience. My advice get the BSN.

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