I want to be a RN, what should I do?

Editorial Team / Admin · Nov 19, 2015

It is true that in some areas, ADN grads are finding it harder to get that first job. The best thing to do is to look at job postings in your area and see if they state BSN preferred or BSN required. If you choose the ADN route, you may find yourself looking for work outside of a hospital or having to commute/relocate if the job market heavily favors BSN prepared nurses. It would be possible to complete an RN to BSN program, which would then open up further job opportunities. Again, very dependent upon your location, which is why you should research the local job postings as responses you get here will likely reflect the experiences of nurses where they are and could be very different.

Lev, MSN, RN, NP · Nov 20, 2015

An ADN will get you farther than a bachelors in psych.

Livetoride · Nov 20, 2015

You can still be a RN with a ASN. You might not get the dream acute facility job as a new grad though.

It all boils down to location, location, location. Some areas have a bunch of BSNs churned out that are unable to secure a position. If you live in one of those areas, that's what you will be competing with. In my area, they are starting to require more nurses with BSNs. Some employers here hold the ASN nurses that graduate from my school with high regard. They have to complete their BSN within a set time frame however.

About being too far to switch, I was in class with a girl who was one semester off graduating with her bachelor's in psychology. She wanted to become a RN instead. She dropped from her program and re-enrolled in CC to do her pre-reqs for nursing. I say do what you have to do. If you want to be a nurse and can put forth the effort, you will find a way to make things to work.

nalie2, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN, NP · Nov 20, 2015

I hear there is a preference for BSN over ADN. I have seen many local job postings where they indicate BSN is preferred. If you finish your bachelors in psych try applying for the ABSN (Accelerated BSN program). My friend did exactly that. Bachelor's in Psychology and then did a one year BSN program. I haven't looked into the cost of the ABSN programs since I don't have a bachelor's, but it would be worth looking into. My friend paid $30k at a University, perhaps state colleges would be cheaper.

UnicornMagic · Nov 21, 2015

As a previous posted said, an ADN will get you far further than a BS in Psych. It is never too late to change your path. I would make the switch now, and start working towards nursing.

Honey Clover · Nov 21, 2015

Well if you really really want to finish your psych degree, you can. It's always nice to have more than one degree on a resume imo. Btw, I'm a second bachelors too. My first degree had nothing to do with the sciences but I've done my prerequisites after graduating, got all A's and now am waiting for admission decision into a BSN program that I'm 95% sure I'll get in. Nothing is impossible as long as you work towards your goals. First step is to decide if you want to finish your degree. If that's important to you, finish it! And meanwhile you can also take any prerequisites you need for nursing or build up work experience in health field. A CNA or medical assisting license is very helpful for nursing as well. As for ADN, of you are afraid of job prospects, there are ADN to BSN route. I'm pretty sure you can get a job with just ADN and if you want to continue education, once you get enough money, you can go back to get a BSN. Or you can be like me and take a year or so off to work after graduating to pay back loans/save up money and then go back to school. It takes awhile longer but I'm pretty financially stable for now. Good luck in whatever decision you make! Things will work out in the end.

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · Nov 22, 2015

"Some people" are telling you. Who? "I feel like" I am to far into major to quit. Why do you "feel" this? Is it based on quantifiable data or assumptions? Go to the nursing department and get real answers. If you finish your bachelors with a good GPA you may be able to apply for a ABSN porgram. All schools are a bit different and you need answers from them.

912bear · Nov 23, 2015

Thank you everyone for replying! I have done some research for my area and have reached a conclusion, I will go for a BSN 100%. However, I am committed to my psych degree so I will definitely finish that first. I am more worried about money than time, so base on the tuition of the schools that I wish to attend, the cheapest rout for me would be getting an ADN first then going for a RN-BSN program. There is also the Accelerated BSN option which can be completed in 12 months and is roughly the same cost, however, base on what I know about myself and my past experience with that kind of intense studying, I would much rather go the long rout (health first!). Is this a good plan or do you think I should just suck it up and go for the second degree program instead? (: Please let me know what you think.

la_chica_suerte85, BSN, RN · Nov 24, 2015

If you choose to pursue your ADN, make sure you start networking (i.e. volunteering) with the hospitals that host your clinicals. This way, you're more likely to have a job as a new grad. You'll have to do a ton of extracurriculars (i.e. officer positions in your student nurse organization on campus) to stay as competitive as possible. Whatever opportunities there are for you to get your face known and your resume to keep growing, take them. Good luck! :)

la_chica_suerte85, BSN, RN · Nov 24, 2015

Thank you everyone for replying! I have done some research for my area and have reached a conclusion, I will go for a BSN 100%. However, I am committed to my psych degree so I will definitely finish that first. I am more worried about money than time, so base on the tuition of the schools that I wish to attend, the cheapest rout for me would be getting an ADN first then going for a RN-BSN program. There is also the accelerated BSN option which can be completed in 12 months and is roughly the same cost, however, base on what I know about myself and my past experience with that kind of intense studying, I would much rather go the long rout (health first!). Is this a good plan or do you think I should just suck it up and go for the second degree program instead? (: Please let me know what you think.

Go the long route. If you know yourself well enough to know that the pace is kind of hectic (which it is), then take the long way. That way, you can work on extracurricular activities that will help you get better set apart from your competition.