How hard is it for a ADN new grad to find a job vs. BSN?

[CharmantUn]

Hi!

I'm wondering just how much more advantageous it is to have a BSN instead of a ADN in California, in terms of finding a job right out of nursing school.

I've been accepted to a BSN program that costs $300/unit, or just under $18k in tuition. I've moved up to #1 on the wait list for my nearby ADN program, which is $36/unit or $1,400 in tuition. I already have a B.A., so I don't qualify for any federal grants, but I'm also completely done with all G.E. requirements for a BSN.

Both programs are two years (but the BSN does not have a summer break). If I get in to the ADN program, should I go with it because it is considerably cheaper?

How hard is it to get in to a ADN to BSN program? I've been told in the San Francisco Bay Area there is no nursing shortage and it is very difficult for new grads to get jobs right now. Would it make more sense to get the considerably more expensive BSN from the get-go?

Thanks!

[B52-H]

BSN or an ADN will not be what prevents you from finding work. There are a few hospitals (usually magnet status) that will only accept BSN nurses but the vast majority really don't care.

Usually very easy to get into ADN to BSN programs. Most hospitals in my area offer it on site through a local college partnership.

Both of the programs you are considering are 2 years, so you can't ride out the bad economy longer in either. If cost is the overall factor, go with the ADN. Just be prepared for a horrible job market either way.

[Jules A, MSN]

FWIW I have worked at 2 magnet facilities that hired ADNs. At one job I got NOTHING for getting my BSN and another $1 an hour raise. :sstrs:

[UVA Grad Nursing]

My town has two hospitals and two nursing programs (one graduated 75 ADNs/year and the other graduates 110 new grads (BSN or MSN/year).

Hospital A is hiring 80 new grads this year (of which only 10% will have ADNs). Hospital B is hiring 40 new grads this year (of which no more than 1/3 will be ADN). So only 20 of the new ADN grads can hope to be hired in local hospitals. The next nearest hospitals are 70 miles away.

[climbinjunkie]

I don't know how things are exactly in San Francisco, but in Colorado the BSN goes a LOT further in getting a job. I'm an ED tech in a large healthcare system in Colorado (14,000+ employees, 9,000+ nurses) and I'm in an accelerated BSN program right now.

On our internal career website at work, we have around 300 open nursing positions throughout the system, and every single one is listed as BSN Preferred or BSN Required. Our critical care positions (both ICU and ED) are beginning to require BSN nurses. If you have the choice, absolutely take the BSN, otherwise your career won't be able to go anywhere should you want it to.