Hi I can't decide if I should do a 2 year or a 4 year program

[kh88]

Hi everyone!!!! I'm a 30 yo respiratory therapist and I'm very interested in going to nursing school in a year or two. I have an associates in respiratory care. I was thinking of getting my bachelors in respiratory and then applying to an accelerated BSN program and on the other hand I was thinking of just getting an ADN and then doing an RN to BSN Progtam after I work for a year or two. But then I was wondering if it would be harder for me to get a job with just an ADN. I know employers like to hire grads with BSN's, but I want to work for a while after I obtain an ADN. I just don't know what route would be easier!

[sagittarius94]

I'd recommend going for the BSN, especially since you already have a degree. There shouldn't be many general education classes to take and it'll be a better investment in the long run. I know around my area, though it's central Illinois, the two major hospitals both make you agree to get your BSN within X amount of years if they hire you as an ADN.

[Mandy2016, BSN]

If you want hands on experience, start with an ASN program (since you have hospital experience the clinical portion will be much easier). Also, you get a chance to make connections with staff members and hospitals will already have you on file (background check, etc). Most, but not all, BSN programs have little to no patient contact and hospital experience. Remember you can put "BSN in progress" at the top of any job application, you only need to be signed up, and most places will have no problem hiring you. Some places like the VA will even pay for you to get higher degrees and special training! While you're working you can do a BSN online no problem. Hope this helps!

[ItsThatJenGirl, CNA]

If you want hands on experience, start with an ASN program (since you have hospital experience the clinical portion will be much easier). Also, you get a chance to make connections with staff members and hospitals will already have you on file (background check, etc). Most, but not all, BSN programs have little to no patient contact and hospital experience. Remember you can put "BSN in progress" at the top of any job application, you only need to be signed up, and most places will have no problem hiring you. Some places like the VA will even pay for you to get higher degrees and special training! While you're working you can do a BSN online no problem. Hope this helps!

What?

[SFnursetobe12]

If you want hands on experience, start with an ASN program (since you have hospital experience the clinical portion will be much easier). Also, you get a chance to make connections with staff members and hospitals will already have you on file (background check, etc). Most, but not all, BSN programs have little to no patient contact and hospital experience. Remember you can put "BSN in progress" at the top of any job application, you only need to be signed up, and most places will have no problem hiring you. Some places like the VA will even pay for you to get higher degrees and special training! While you're working you can do a BSN online no problem. Hope this helps!

[emoji15] yikes! You may want to research BSN programs...

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

[emoji15] yikes! You may want to research BSN programs...

Exactly.

I had PLENTY of patient contact in a BSN program; there are also BSN programs out there with clinicals with Co-Ops and/or preceptorships.

Someone may have not got their money's worth OR never went to a BSN program.

[Livetoride]

If I were you, just go through a BSN program. I am saying this based on you already have an Associate's in a related health sciences field. If your goal is to be a marketable RN for a hospital position, go for the BSN. It'd be a lot better than going through another Associate's program unless you absolutely had to.

[Puncho72,RN]

I just graduated and now work at a Level II Trauma Center. Starting your nursing career as an ADN will not affect where you are hired. I still have to get my BSN within 5 years. I'll just do that online. There are programs that you can get it within 9 months.

[NevadaFighter, BSN, RN]

I think the poster may have possibly been referring to RN-BSN programs? I'm not sure. I did my RN-BSN online, and we didn't really have any clinicals.