Is it hard to get a job with an Associates degree in Nursing?

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Is it hard to get a job with an Associates degree in Nursing?

I've already got my AA, so I'm going back to the local CC for my pre req's, then applying to the BSN program at a local university. I think I'd probably do this anyway though, because I know for sure I want to go back and get my CNM/WHNP...and you have to have the BSN to do that. My MIL is a DNP and a prof and has told me on numerous occasions that they really want everyone to be BSN, that they accepted the ADN because of a former nursing shortage.

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I think it is no harder to get most jobs with an ADN than a BSN. It seems that lack of experience is the main problem blocking new grads from getting jobs right now, regardless of degree.

From what I have seen, ADN vs. BSN doesn't matter for most jobs except for things like management or case management, or some government jobs that want a BSN. Pay is the same where I work, for staff nursing jobs- pay goes only by years of experience.

I've often thought that if I had it to do over, I would have done an ADN first, then a BSN completion, although I did love the atmosphere of a four-year college.

Thanks alot- I was starting to get discouraged and wondering if Im doin the right thing. I feel better now.:)

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Specializes in med-surg, dementia.

I have an ASN and it was fairly easy to secure a job in post acute rehab/LTC. However, I planned ahead and started working for the company as a CNA while I was in my last year of school. They hired me the minute I passed the NCLEX. I do not think it would have been that easy if I was not already an employee in good standing at my present place of employment.

I am in eastern PA where the nursing jobs are scarce right now. The majority of hospitals in my area will only hire those with BSN. I do plan to continue with education, however, I am secure with employment right now and want to take a bit of a break from school!!!

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Depends on the area you live in, and how picky you are when it comes to jobs

It took me 8 months to find a full time job in a SNF/LTC with an ASN, I wanted to work and then have my employer pay for my BSN, but I started my BSN earlier than I wanted because jobs are hard to find, and hospitals in my area becoming BSN required.

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Specializes in geriatrics.
Thanks guyz - My plan is 2 get my associates which I start in Jan 2012 & then get a job & go bk 4 my BSN. I just want to make sure I'm not wasting my time. I just want to know that I can get a job with an Associates.

Just some advice....text speak is not becoming. Since you are planning to attend school, and you will be writing many essays, this is something to keep in mind. Cover letters for example are a good marketing tool.

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Specializes in Ambulatory Surgery, PACU,SICU.

I too worked as a PCT during my ADN program, which helped me land my current RN job. I started my BSN completion this semester. Nine classes to go.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

It really depends on your area. I as well as most of my co-workers have ADNs. I work Trauma ICU and only 3 RN's have a BSN. I had no issues landing my first hospital job after passing NCLEX with no experience nor did I have issues moving to a new hospital. So please just see what your area trends are.

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.
Just some advice....text speak is not becoming. Since you are planning to attend school, and you will be writing many essays, this is something to keep in mind. Cover letters for example are a good marketing tool.

It's also discouraged by the site owner and administrators as stated in the Terms of Service:

Desiring to maintain professionalism, text speak (also known as chatspeak, txtspk, texting language or txt talk) is discouraged. Along with using proper English spelling and punctuation, this shows respect for the owner, other bulletin board members & guests and makes it easier to read your important thoughts.

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Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.
Thanks guyz - My plan is 2 get my associates which I start in Jan 2012 & then get a job & go bk 4 my BSN. I just want to make sure I'm not wasting my time. I just want to know that I can get a job with an Associates.

If you call them "guyz", they probably won't hire you.

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Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.
It's also discouraged by the site owner and administrators as stated in the Terms of Service:

Desiring to maintain professionalism, text speak (also known as chatspeak, txtspk, texting language or txt talk) is discouraged. Along with using proper English spelling and punctuation, this shows respect for the owner, other bulletin board members & guests and makes it easier to read your important thoughts.

I'd never seen this, but I declare it awesome.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Can u elaborate?

Up in the right hand corner there is an open box with search next to it.....Search this site.......the job market stinkd right now. There are many unemployed RN's with both degrees. AND just like realestate it's location, location, location......

AND in the terms of service under.....ENGLISH LANGUAGE ONLY.......

English Language Only

While this bulletin board hosts visitors from around the world, it is based in the United States and much of our membership is English speaking. Due to our inability to moderate threads in other languages, we ask that interactions be in English for the enjoyment of as many posters as possible.

Please do not type entirely in capitals as considered shouting on the Internet! Desiring to maintain professionalism, text speak (also known as chatspeak, txtspk, texting language or txt talk) is discouraged. Along with using proper English spelling and punctuation, this shows respect for the owner, other bulletin board members & guests and makes it easier to read your important thoughts.

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Specializes in GYN/GON/Med-Surg/Oncology/Tele.

Like many have already said, it depends on your location. The majority of the nurses employed at the facilities where I've done my clinicals graduated from MY nursing program (ADN). From what I've heard, they made an impression during their clinical rotations on various units. One clinical group (6 people) from my program were hired to work on the same unit. So just sell yourself both before and during your nursing school career. Try to get hired somewhere as an CNA. Even if it's a not so great unit, at least you're in the facility and can always either transfer after a few months or wade it out until you finish school. I recommend applying for the float pool to explore different specialties in your facility of choice. I graduate in May 2012 and already have a job lined up on my unit.

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