Is it Easier to Get a Job As an ADN or a BSN?

Not_A_Hat_Person, RN · Feb 15, 2009

Here in Boston, hospitals that don't require BSNs prefer them.

djc1981 · Feb 15, 2009

More and more hospitals are preferring BSNs, and with this economy and even nursing being affected, I don't think it would hurt to get your BSN. Better safe than sorry.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Feb 15, 2009

Many hospitals will say "BSN preferred" but I've seen that this means only BSN new grads over ADN new grads, and even then it comes down to the individual interview--so no, no REAL preference. Sounds good on paper (that they are more selective, etc) but reality is, the initials "RN" trump anything else.

I've learned that HR/nurse managers will take anyone with experience over anyone without experience in a heartbeat. If the ADN applicant has experience and the BSN one does not, the ADN is hired. If the BSN applicant has experience and the ADN does not, the BSN is hired. If the BSN candidate is not an overall better picture than the ADN grad, however, the letters are irrelevant.

As I posted in another thread, in a tightening economy, it's not the letters after your name that matter, only the level of experience and value of your 'package' that you bring to the table.

jagsterr · Feb 15, 2009

It's interesting to get all this input because initially I was under the impression that it does not matter and it's a personal choice to go for a Bachelors and to specialize, however more and more people I run into in the industry or students whose mothers are BSN are telling them that to be hire-able one needs to be a BSN. I know it also depends on the hospital, but if 8 BNS were apply an 2 ADN's were applying for the same position all just graduated with 2 years experience, they would choose by grade. Right? Because being in L.A. I think the competition with lots of BNS and ADN will be the norm - I'm just trying to find a way to set myself apart and be hirable (especially since I am older).