Is California still hiring ADNs?

Published

Hi everyone! I am currently applying to a few ADN programs and 2 BSN programs. I received my BA years ago and unfortunatly didn't have a very high gpa so I am not able to apply to many other BSN programs. My question is, if I get into an ADN program will I even be able to get a RN job here in California when I graduate? I understand that BSN grads have more job opportunities, but is it even a possibility that I will get a job with a ADN degree?

Thanks for all your help!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

California is a big place. I can tell you that there are plenty of jobs for ADNs in the LA/Orange County area, especially in the smaller hospitals. The huge challenge for any new graduate, in this area, is being a new graduate. You might have to move to get experience, from what I've seen.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the info. Sorry I should have been more specific, I did mean more SoCal, Long Beach, LA area. I live in the Long Beach area so that makes me feel alittle better! It's just frustrating knowing that my options for a BSN right now are slim to none and I know that I am meant to be a nurse so I am going for it even though I am 30. But it is scary when you are hearing from everywhere that ADNs arn't getting jobs in SoCal. I'm hoping everyone I spoke to is wrong haha. It has been very difficult even trying to get into nearby ADN programs because some of the schools are lottery systems and there are soooo many people applying to nursing school.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I moved here with an ADN and two years of med/surg experience. I've only applied at three small hospitals, and all three called. Of the two calls I responded to, both resulted in an interview and job offer on the spot.

If you want to work at some of the bigger hospitals or have a hard-to-get specialty in mind, BSN is probably the way to go. Also consider that if you do have to move to get initial experience, the cost of living is much higher in CA than it is in many other places. That means your CA loan payments (if you're going that route) can really break the bank if you end up working in Alabama for a while.

Best of luck to you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

That's awesome for you! Glad you were able to get a job super fast!

I have a 3 year old daughter and her father and I are separated so I won't be moving away for school. I am going to have to just keep trying to get into a school out here and if it happens to be an ADN program then I will make sure to get into a RN-BSN program right after and hopefully find a adn job while in that portion of school.

Thanks for your help! Good luck with everything!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, RNC.

I'm in the Central Valley and we are very under-served, so new ADN grads can actually go straight into their specialty of choice in my area!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Oh wow that's awesome! Good to know for when I graduate. I am unfortunatly still trying to get into a program, but it is so impacted and so hard to get in. Keeping my fingers crossed :) Thanks for the info!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Department.

Where I'm at, we have a few schools pumping out both BSN and ADN grads (and a very few ELMSN too) so there's quite a bit of competition for jobs. All of the acute care hospitals/chains require ADN or higher and prefer BSN or higher. One requires BSN unless you're already an employee that's changing jobs and then you're put on an agreement to get BSN within x years. Many of my classmates (ADN) found jobs reasonably quickly, though sometimes not necessarily in their chosen field or preferred hospital or position within a hospital. I was lucky in that I was willing/able to travel a bit and found a new grad job in the ED and I really do enjoy it. It was quite a challenge as I had a steeper learning curve than some because I had zero experience as a nurse prior to coming to the ED but it is possible to thrive if you have a good group that is willing to invest the proper time into your initial orientation.

The 2 biggest hurdles you'll have is getting into a program and finding your first job. Once you've got a year or two under your belt, things tend to open up for you a bit because your initial orientation/post-grad training is done and all "they" will have to do is orient you to your new job and the way "they" want you to do it.

Yes, my current job is >100 miles away from home but I'm now at the point where I may start looking more locally for a PRN gig that I can turn into a more full-time job if it works well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the info! Your right, as soon as I finally get into a program and get a job things calm down a bit. It's good to know that ADNs are still being hired. I am not picking and honestly just want to start my career as a nurse and I will be happy wherever I get in. :) Good luck with your next steps!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych/Med Surg/Ortho/Tele/Peds.

Yes, it is possible. I was hired with an ADN, right into a new-grad program. I work for one of the larger hospital systems, in Los Angeles (not Kaiser) and are paid well above many BSN only (entry level) positions.

It is possible and you should keep your options open.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

That is so good to know and makes me feel a lot better! Thanks for the info!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion