ADN or BSN?

[Jfighty]

I know about all the differences of the two. I work as a cna right now and I plan on going to nursing school very soon, just need to finish up my pre-reqs. Money for schools isn't an issue for me since I'm a veteran and I have funds for school under the gi bill. I want to become a nurse now!! This is my calling and what I'm meant for! I'm a born care giver. I know that most hospitals won't hire you if you don't have a BSN, or atleast that's what I've been told. My question is, what should I do?? Should I get my ADN so I can start working, and then get my BSN. I have a 2 year old and I don't make much money with my CNA job, I will get money for going to school , but that's once a month and it won't be much. I want to become a nurse as soon as possible. But idk what route I should do first.

I eventually want to become a nurse practitioner, but we all have to start somewhere. Just looking for some advice!!

[thatgirl2478]

So what you need to do is find out the REAL DEAL on who the hospitals hire before you make a potentially expensive decision.

Start by looking at their job listings. Look for 'entry level' positions and see if they just want a licensed RN or if they prefer BSN's. Usually it will say in the job description. If you can't find information, or it's conflicting, see if you can find contact information for a Nursing Recruiter in the hospital you're interested in. Call and talk to them about what the requirements are.

Both hospitals in my area will hire ADN RN's, but you have to commit UP FRONT to getting your BSN within 6 years. Both of these hospitals will pay for you to get a BSN as well (usually through their RN > BSN completion program, but most offer tuition reimbursement as well).

Price is another important factor. If the BSN program you want to go to is going to cost $100k, is that a reasonable rate given what you will make when you first start? That's a question only YOU can answer. Plus, will you be able to work during school? Do you have someone else who can support you financially while you're in school? How are you going to handle child care? All are really financial questions that you need to figure out.

ADN is less expensive, but you have to be able to commit yourself to getting that BSN later (when you may be less motivated because you'll be working full time AND going to school).

BSN cuts straight to the chase, but you may have to take out big loans to get there.

Best wishes, whichever route you choose!

FWIW, I'm still making that choice too. I'm taking the basic prerequs right now, but I will apply to an ADN, 2 BSN and 1 ABSN programs in December.

[shibaowner, MSN, RN, NP]

Since you are a veteran, go straight for the BSN and get it over with. It will be easier to find an RN job with a BSN.

[seaofclouds21, BSN, RN]

I know the length of time to becoming a RN is important to you, so definitely look into how long the ADN will actually take. Yes, Associate degrees are usually considered 2 year programs, but when I did mine, it ended up taking 4 years (due to pre-req requirements and a waiting list). I could have gotten my BSN in the same time frame.