Hurting my chances of being hired? Help

[NIUnurs2be]

First off, I just want to thank anyone and everyone who replies to this thread in advance and also I would like to throw a disclaimer out there, this topic has been discussed previoulsy on different threads, but I am hoping for advice specific to my circumstances.

Currently, I will be finishing up my senior year of college with a bachelor's degree in biology and I plan to enroll in a nursing program next fall after I graduate. Originally, I planned on obtaining a second bachelor's degree in nursing through an accelerated program. However, the price is close to $50,000 for 15 months and with already $80,000 worth of student loans from my first undergrad degree, that price tag is pretty steep.

A few nursing students and family members have suggested entering an ADN program close to home (without a waiting list) to become an RN. In the long run I will save close to $40,000. In some point in time I may want to specialize, but I really have no desire to enter into nursing administration or supervisor role (however, I am all for continuing education : ). With the economy being so cruel to new RN grads, am I making myself a less competitive canidate by not obtaining my bachelors in science of nursing? (Just to be clear, I am not trying to make a debate about which will make me a more competent nurse, because I know both programs will produce equally skilled nurses).

Thank you again : )

[illusion5, ASN]

Hi ana1106,

Well I'm not a RN yet but I will be starting an ADN program this fall semester. I felt exactly the same way you felt, after reading your post I knew I had to reply because I finally found someone who is in the SAME boat I'm in!! I waited many years by being indecisive and after I did a lot of research I decided not to go the BSN route. BSN is too expensive for me, I already owe $36,000 on undergrad student loans. Here's what really sealed the deal for me, I looked on hospital websites to see what qualifications were listed and all hospitals in my city stated must have an ADN and you can probably do the same. Go to their websites to see proof that you will be able to get hired with an ADN. Call around too! And another reason why I decided to take the ADN route is that the community college(the only ADN program in the city) I'm attending has 100% pass rate on the NCLEX on the first try while the BSN programs can't say that. My advice please don't wait because some schools will not accept you if your A&P I, A&P II and Microbiology courses are older than 5yrs. They don't count your degree as being less than 5yrs old so I had to retake those courses again(very mad at myself) because all of the programs ADN and BSN will not even review your info if your course were older than 5yrs, I was verbally told that by a BSN recruiter. So since you are graduating soon that means your science coures are probably at least 1 to 2 yrs old. Time flies fast!

[NIUnurs2be]

Thank you so much for sharing : ) I have talked to a couple BSN recruiters from different schools and they all agree that I should be find with a bs in biology and an adn, but unfortunately I have been searching jobs posts and all of the adds do read: BSN nurse prepared preferred, but that may not be an issue for me due to my previous background. Again, thank you so much for sharing and I wish you the best for nursing school

[illusion5, ASN]

You're very welcome. Just remember they prefer a BSN you already have a BS in Biology. Hospitals are looking for bachelor degrees and in this day in age most jobs unforturately require a bachelors. So believe me we are fine because eventually you can go for your MSN with an ADN and BS in Biology. The future of nursing is changing because for so long they stated BSN is the future but with the changing economy so is the typical nursing student so a lot of programs are changing to ADN to MSN. Why spend the extra money on a BSN when you can get a MSN later? I read on a post from a nurse that held a bachelors and a master in health adminstration she went back to school and obtained her ADN, she mention over the years she was able to hold a Supervisor and a Director of Nursing position and she doesn't have a BSN her educational background landed her those positions. Now that's something to think about. If you have any more questions or concerns I'm here because I completely understand what you going through mentally. This is a hard decision because you are scared but don't let that fear stand in the way.

[NIUnurs2be]

Thank you so much. Again, I appreciate it.

[pers]

I am a fan of the BSN but in your case, it would be financial suicide. The salary simply doesn't justify the education cost of a second BS. Get the ADN and do an RN to BSN program later if it turns out you need the BSN degree for whatever reason.

I know the job market is tough in many places but that really isn't the case everywhere. BSN programs may be the preference in highly saturated markets but plenty of places are still taking whatever they can get. RNs with a traditional BSN (versus RN to BSN) are rare where I live as the local schools only offer ADN. I'm one of the few BSN RNs on my unit and I think there are only two besides me who weren't RN to BSN.

If you are willing to relocate for school, are you also willing to relocate for work after graduation? If you aren't limited to the job market where you currently live, don't let that market be the deciding factor on which path you take.

[illusion5, ASN]

no problem ana1106:-)