Is there anything I can do with an ASN degree besides floor nursing?

Q. · Nov 19, 2002

I don't know too much about what ADN nurses can do (opportunity wise) but I will tell you that the supervisor in charge of ALL clinical trials at a major regional medical center and medical college is an RN, ADN. :)

sonnie · Nov 19, 2002

deespoohbear,

I am an assistant director of nursing, infection control nurse and staff development nurse! My duties include supervising a 40 bed rural hospital at night, educating nursing staff, precepting and mentoring new staff, developing competencies and managing the infection control for our hospital. In my spare nursing hours I author policies and procedures, teach in the community fill in for sick or vacationing staff. I have the respect and cooperation of all of our nursing staff and our medical staff. My associate's degree has done me well!!!!!

HAVE A WONDERFULL DAY

SONNIE

researchrabbit · Nov 19, 2002

I too am a research nurse with an ADN.

llg, PhD, RN · Nov 19, 2002

I think it depends on where you live. I have worked in some areas where opportunities were limited for those without bachelor's degrees and other places where that is not the case. At my current hospital, we strongly prefer BSN's for any advanced roles, leadership, educational, etc. ... and prefer/require Master's Degrees for some positions. However, we will consider a nurse without a BSN if we are confident that she is the best person for the job.

You're going to have to ask people at the hospital/agency where you are interested in working.

llg

SmilingBluEyes · Nov 19, 2002

Depends on where you are...in some areas the shortage is so great you can do darn near anything a BSN can do. Look around and keep your mind open. Good luck!

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Nov 20, 2002

Most home care ageines will hire RN ADN/ASN with one year experience, LTC, Assisted living facilities, physican offices. Look around at ads in your area. Check employment section here https://allnurses.com/cgi/classifieds/classifieds.cgi?db=employment&website=&language=&session_key=,

Nursing Spectrum, Advance for Nurses, NurseWeek---the regional magazines to see whats available in your area.

sphinx, BSN, RN · Nov 20, 2002

I'd recommend homecare, but it is VERY heavy in paperwork. I'm one of those odd people that enjoys paperwork to a certain extent, thought "oh, no problem", and even better thought it'd be great since it was mostly done on laptop. Well, I learned that the "lots of paperwork" was not an exaggeration by far. In many, many ways I find it rewarding, and indeed like it better than I ever did hospital nursing.....but looking at your avatar, etc......makes me wonder if you'd be interested. If you are interested in a job that gives you flexibility, independence, autonomy, and the opportunity to really get to know your patients, then check it out, and decide for yourself........I wish you the best of luck!

JedsMom, ASN, RN · Nov 20, 2002

I am an ADN nurse. I started out my first job as an RN working in a Level I Trauma Center in the ER. I left there and went to another ER and was made charge nurse within 8 months. I stayed there for 3 1/2 years and then worked for 6 months in SICU for the ICU experience.

After that I took a position as the Health Services Director for a 1100 bed jail. I have a staff of twenty (including RN's, LPN's, Pharmacy Tech's, and Clerks). I have been in this position for going on 9 years now.

Is there oportunity for ADN nurses? I think so. :)

The only disappointment I have had because of my degree was this year when I tried to join the armed forces reserves (any branch) and was told that I needed to have a BSN to practice as an RN Oh well, I have taken most of my pre-req's toward my BSN and when my son graduates from high school this spring I'll probably go back to complete it.

But there is opportunity out there. Don't let anyone tell you there isn't. :)

mattsmom81 · Nov 20, 2002

I'm enjoying all the positive advice and encouragement on this thread!!

So true...we can often sell ourselves (as Diploma or ADN's) to the employer and BE the best person for the job in truth.

Many times I see ads that say 'BSN preferred'..but it isn't always a necessity. They also like it when they hear you are planning on continuing your education. :)

Good luck in your search!! :)

live4today, RN · Nov 20, 2002

I have an Associate Degree in Applied Science, Major: Nursing

From the time I was allowed to start working as a RN, I have had one heck of a good time working in many different capacities as a nurse. I have worked not only as a hospital staff nurse, but as a home health nurse, also did a few case management cases, traveled as a traveling nurse, taught CNA Clinicals, did pre and post op patient education, worked as a nurse preceptor, could have worked in Community Health until I realized it wasn't for me, so did not take the job, but could have.... I've also been a Charge Nurse, and first in line to assume "Head Nurse" duties if my Head Nurse (at that time) had been called overseas on military duty. I've worked in two clinics before, and....

Well...there's MUCH to be done as an ASN/ADN nurse! Now, I want my BSN because I'm a darn good nursing educator, therefore want the opportunity to teach on a college level.

Regardless of one's chosen profession, advancing in an educational area of one's choosing is always available -- if necessary -- to reach "other interests". One should never stop learning anyway, and in nursing, there is always plenty to expound on and learn. :nurse: