Help! Adn or bsn?

Ms.Frank, LVN · Feb 15, 2013

I was considering applying to an ADN at my local community college since the deadlines for the BSN have passed. I have all my BSN prereq's complete but I'm nervous that this could be a bad idea. At the same time, I would hate to sit around and wait to hear from a BSN program! Can anyone offer advice? I'm not sure if I should try going for my ADN. Plus the comm college is 15 mins away rather than driving an hour Dtown or relocating. I'm so confused on what to do.

Hi HoneyBug, If you want to get into a program now then I don't think it would be a problem with getting your ADN. You can always get your BSN degree after. The only difference in the programs I believe are the length. I plan to get my ADN first. Well I hope I somewhat helped you.

BeckerRN16 · Feb 15, 2013

I saw this question on another thread, and I am just going to repeat what I said there. Unless you are in a rush, I would just wait and do a BSN because most hospitals are no longer hiring ADN nurses. At the hospital that I work at, all of our ADN nurses are required to take classes to obtain their BSNs within the next 5 years.

zoe92 · Feb 15, 2013

I would wait and do the BSN. Get your CNA license while you wait. I don't know where you live, but where I live it's good to get the BSN because all the hospitals prefer it. So why be in a rush to get an ADN if you won't have job oppurtunities after?

HoneyBug0112 · Feb 15, 2013

Thanks y'all. That's a good point. I actually live in the Woodlands (Texas) and I've heard the hospitals around here are only seeking those with a BSN so I've decided that I'll wait and in the meantime work and save for nursing school. I could probably take pathophysiology this fall... I'm a little nervous because I'm on financial aid and I know you have a 6 month grace period? This semester ends in May. I always think ahead and unfortunately I'm stressing.

llg, PhD, RN · Feb 15, 2013

Your plan sounds like a good one, HoneyBug0112. Use the time while waiting to accomplish some good things -- take a course or two that will help you in the long run -- and get a job to earn (and SAVE) some money.

It's good that you checked out the local job market to help you make your decision. In some places, new grad ADN's can still get decent jobs. But in other regions, their job prospects are extremely limited. That's why each person has to decide what will be the best choice for their particular situation.

Good luck to you.

queserasera, RN · Feb 15, 2013

I totally agree with Zoe. While you wait get your cna license! I was debating between ADN and BSN for awhile and after speaking with some hospitals BSN is the way to go.

Pinkpeonies26 · Feb 16, 2013

I asked a similar question to this....

kguill975, MSN, APRN, NP · Feb 16, 2013

Currently, the only hospital system in Houston still hiring large amounts of ADNs is the MHHS. Several of them have become Magnet, so they'll be looking at hiring BSNs only in the next few years. I think Woodland's has become Magnet, so if you want to work "down the street from your house", you'll need that BSN. I recommend finishing your pre-reqs, and do a local CNA program in the meantime. Make yourself as marketable as possible, if you can.

HoneyBug0112 · Feb 17, 2013

Awesome!! Thank you for the advice!! I'll finish my prereq's and look into a CNA programs. I was hoping to start working full time at a hospital when it comes May but I suppose I should look into CNA programs.