Go for BSN right after ADN or get experience first?

Published

Hi all,

I'm an "older" student (I'll be 40 in September:eek:)--I've been a medical transcriptionist for 18 years, but now I have applied to an associate's degree RN program, which I'm REALLY excited about. I'm recently single again and am now finally able to pursue a career in healthcare in a clinical setting whereas I wasn't able to before due to a variety of reasons. Anyhow, my goal is to get my BSN and maybe even consider going all the way to FNP (not sure about that, just food for thought at this point).

My question is this: Would it be advisable, in the opinions of any experienced nurses out there, to apply immediately to a BSN program after graduating from an ADN RN program or does one need to gain more experience out in the field before continuing on?

Being older, I feel like I don't have years to take it slowly if my goal IS FNP in the long run. However, obviously I will really need to get some experience nursing too. Any thoughts from experienced nurses out there?

I appreciate opinions :idea:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

You have my admiration - tackling so many life changes at once is a real challenge. I am assuming that you must continue to support yourself & that's the reason you chose the ADN pre-licensure program rather than a BSN. Taking it 'one step at a time' is probably the best course of action. Hopefully, you will be accepted into the program of your choice.

I would advise you to work for a year or so as an RN before beginning your bridge program. The first year can be very stressful, and you don't want to overload yourself during this critical period. You may even find out (as some new grads do) that you really don't like working as a nurse after all. If you do decide to go for your BSN, you will be eligible to tap into tuition reimbursement funds from your employer.

Best of luck on your new adventures. Don't forget to take care of yourself along the way.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks so much, HouTx...I'm actually going to be staying with some family so I can cut my job down to part time and go to school full time, which will help. I think your point about gaining experience as an RN after graduation for a year is very valid--being new, you're right, there will be so much to get used to and new stresses to overcome. Thanks for the support :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am a recent graduate(January 2011) from an ADN RN program and am starting my BSN completion in August 2011. The problem I am running into is that most hospitals only want BSN degree nurses; some won't even look at your application unless you have your BSN. The economy has affected even the nursing market and less and less nurses are retiring and it's making the market more and more competitive. It has taken me 7 months after graduating (I passed NCLEX on the first try, 3 weeks after graduation) to find a job and they only considered me because I have already enrolled in a BSN completion program.

It's tough, and experience is always good, however, I really recommend going straight into a BSN completion as it gives you more of an edge going into the market.

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Dear SouthRnSally,

Wow! Thanks for that perspective. I thought that might be the case--from what I have learned, 85% of the hospitals in my area "strongly prefer" RNs who have a bachelor's degree. I suppose it's not too much of a surprise given the competition and the job market, as you said. I applied to a BSN program (you don't need to complete your ADN first) at FAU here in Florida and then 2 ADN programs--hopefully, I can get accepted somewhere! Whichever happens, I do intend to go for my bachelor's degree as well, no question. :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Experience is a good and you also want to make money so you can pay to go back to school right? Look into the online options for the bsn and then you can still work while you are going to school.

:nurse:Cindey:nurse:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

The specific BSN program you are considering also plays into your decision. Some RN-BSN programs regularly admit "fresh, new" ADN grads and their courses are designed with the needs of those students in mind.

However, other RN-BSN programs rarely if ever accept a brand new graduate into their program. Their courses are designed with the needs (and professional experience) of the experienced nurse in mind. In those programs, a new grad would be at a severe disadvantage. They may find themselves handicapped by their lack of nursing exerience when it comes to completing class assignments, contributing meaningfully to class discussions, etc.

So ... investigate the specific BSN program you are considering and take this factor into consideration as you make your personal decision.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
Experience is a good and you also want to make money so you can pay to go back to school right? Look into the online options for the bsn and then you can still work while you are going to school.

:nurse:Cindey:nurse:

I couldn't agree more that way you are getting the experience as well as bringing in some money. Who are all these people that can afford, esepcially later in life, to take years off without income? :confused: Seriously people add up your wages, I made over $140,000 working as a ADN in the two years it took me to get my BSN. At my age I couldn't make that up. It is just baloney when people say you can't work and go to school. As for hospitals "preferring BSNs" don't let that stop you from requesting an interview and sell the point that you are continuing with your education. In my experience ADN new grads are better prepared for the floor than the BSN nurses anyway.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

When I said go straight into BSN completion, I meant work while in school, but get into a school and start the BSN completion program right away. I am starting at Ohio University online and it's $157/credit hour for out of state students which is very reasonable! Plus, if you had loans from your ADN program, you can get them deferred if you need to since you will be in school again. The program I am in offers 5 or 10 wk long courses, and you can take 1-2 at a time depending on your work and home life.

It's a good idea to go straight into it so you have an advantage on your application and can put it on your resume which puts you ahead of other straight ADN grads not enrolled or planning to enroll in a BSN completion program. You'll gain experience, money, and an education all at once! Best of all worlds.

I especially liked the 5wk duration class and only one at a time because you get finished quicker and only have to focus on one subject material at a time so that you aren't bogged down and still have time with your family/friends and work.

Just some of my thoughts!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for all the input! I'll be working 20 hours a week approximately no matter what program I get into (assuming I get into one, that is!)--I can do medical transcription for a total of 20 hours a week on Sat and Sun and go to school full time. Just had some things paid off so expenses are less and only have to work part time, thankfully. I can see benefits to going either route now--ADN first or straight into BSN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion