Going crazy

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I think I'm driving myself crazy on whether to go the ADN or BSN route. The main (and only, really) reason I wanted to do the ADN was so that I wouldn't have to take out student loans (I want to buy a house for my kids shortly after graduation). And also, my area still has a few hospitals hiring ADNs.

Well, I just learned that another University has implemented a BSN program making it that much harder for ADN grads to get work. Plus, once I'm done with school I really don't want to hop right back at it in an RN-BSN program :/

So, I am applying to both for Fall 2014, but if I don't get into my BSN program (I'm just lacking some Gen eds) would it be crazy to just wait until Spring 2015 to attend? Instead of choosing the ADN program (which I have everything complete for)?

My thinking is I could work and save up some money during that time, and maybe rack up some volunteer hours at a hospital I like.

Or would it just be smarter to start the ADN program instead?

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The nursing job market is tight as it is. To make yourself the MOST marketable, I'd go with the BSN..

If you've saved money and haven't taken loans but can't get a job what good is it?

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That's a good way to look at it. I just have so many people around me saying just go for the ADN. Everyone says that you can get a job at a hospital and then get tuition reimbursement for the RN-BSN but, seems like a gamble to me.

I really want to get started with school and will be devastated if I don't get into my BSN program for Fall. I feel like time is just ticking away

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Specializes in ICU.

It truly depends on the job market in your area. I would do some research on it. See what the docs and hospitals in your area hire. Just because a new program is popping up doesn't mean they are going to graduate people that hospitals want to hire. Make sure you are going to the right school and getting the right degree for you.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

LOL- unless "everyone" is a nurse recruiter, they don't know what they're talking about. It's hard for 'civilians' to understand why the nursing job market is so difficult because "everyone" knows that nurses are always needed and can get a job anywhere - right?

Agree with PP - go for the BSN. There is a continuously increasing amount of evidence that higher numbers of BSN staff have a significant positive impact on patient outcomes in acute care settings .... it will only be a matter of time before it becomes a regulatory requirement.

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it all depends on you. you have to look at time it will take, how competitive these programs are, vs cost of everything. i would say BSN, or if you do decide to do ADN, do a RN to BSN program right afterwards.

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Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care.

Good day:

For economic reasons I'm going for the bare bones RN then BSN once I get a job. However, if economics where not an issue, it would be straight BSN. If you can do it, go for the BSN straight away.

Thank you.

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Specializes in PACU, presurgical testing.

Many years ago, I had an opportunity to go to Japan with my husband. His trip was paid for by his graduate program, and all I had to pay for was my plane ticket. It was $1200, which is a lot now and was a TON when we were young newlyweds trying to save for our first house. A very wise friend asked me, "20 years from now, what will you want to look back on: a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan, or a little extra money for your down payment?" I went to Japan and never regretted it for a second.

Short answer: BSN. Do it. The time you will spend will be better spent, and you will be more marketable in the long run (and if you have to follow an ADN with an RN-BSN, unless it is funded by your employer, you'll be paying out a lot of money over time anyway).

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@memphismom what university just started a new BSN program?

I haven't heard of any ADN grads having trouble finding work here locally…..My Best friend graduated in dec. '12 , passed her NCLEX in Feb '13 and was offered 3 jobs in March '13

The pay scale between RN and RN BSN is only like 50 to 75 cents/hr….she is making base $25/hr at meth gtown

BUT when you break down the time difference between a ASN and a BSN program its only a semester difference to get your BSN instead of another 18 - 24 months if you only got ur ASN

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PLUS she has over $70,000 in student loans and will close on her brand new house at the first of the year.

Mortgage companies aren't really holding student loans against you…govt or private

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Specializes in CRNA.

Only you can decide what is right for you. Don't let anybody sway you one way or another. For me, I'm doing the ADN then RN-BSN route. The reason that I am doing that is because I am currently a Paramedic and will be doing the bridge to RN. Plus I want to start working then do my BSN while I work.

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Specializes in PACU, presurgical testing.

Not to discourage you or argue with unionnurse12, but even if mortgage companies might not hold student loans against you, that doesn't mean you can afford what they are offering! I have been told by two mortgage lenders that I could borrow WAY more than we could have actually paid back every month. They don't care if you can pay it back--YOU have to know what you can afford.

Also, realize that student loan payments start as soon as you aren't a student anymore, regardless of whether you are employed. I had a friend who left a nursing program after 2 terms, wasn't a nurse yet, and had a hard time making the payments with her job as a unit secretary.

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