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

jabroadwater · Dec 6, 2011

I have to agree with the last poster, in my case, it wasn't so much the associates degree as the lack of experience. I graduated in New Orleans and couldn't find a job in the area. Every place I looked wanted experience. A number of people that graduated with me in Dec 2010 are just now finding jobs.

I found a great job, with a large hospital, that is currently working toward magnet status, within two months of taking my boards. The associates did not hold me back at all, I just had to expand my options and search area, and take a job in Jackson, MS.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Dec 6, 2011

Green tea's post sums it up. Yes, you can find a job with an Associates. However, the market is very competitive. Comparing already working senior nurses who have an Associates to that of a new grad Associate RN is like comparing apples to oranges. That was then, this is now.

"My DON only has an Associates." Well within the next three years or less, this won't be the case. Why? All those management jobs will go to people with BSN's, because there are many nurses who have a BSN.

In Canada, where I'm from, this happened six years ago already. The BSN is the minimum requirement. Anyone with a Diploma has to return to school for two years to upgrade to their BSN if they want to be considered for any management, or even non management jobs. That's the way it is. Now, a Masters is required for many jobs.

Travel nursing? Many people have asked around this site about that. If you don't have a BSN, travel nursing is not an option either. So if you hope to advance, get your BSN.

ljlangston · Jan 19, 2012

Ok. I have to chime in. The new high school diploma needs to be a BA/BS. An AA/AS just won't cut it if you want to run with the big dogs.

Me. I'm coming into this with a BA Business Admin as a foundation degree, plus military EMT. Yeah I do things a little backward.

With that said, my work history is 20yrs of commercial construction. You think nurses (looking for jobs) have it rough. Ironically I built hospitals... lol.

Hey. It is what it is.

I came to this site looking for advise on entry level LPN slots. Things are tough all over.

But.

I am looking at being an LPN filling in a CNA job for... that coveted 1 year. Maybe more if I get into a good facility I can play CNA for awhile and get promoted. There is always nurses without borders. That is a tough gig.

Getting one year is a ticket to ride.

Eventually I will get into RN med surgery with the VA, and management, and directorship. Don't we all wish.

Keep you heads up and good luck out there.

Lj

fltnrse2, ASN, RN · Jan 19, 2012

ADN v. BSN,

The fact is both ADN'S and BSN's take the same courses in Nursing and we write the same state board examination. It's my opinion that BSN students are indoctrnated by thier instructors and the institution they attend with an attitude they are "real nurses" with a splash of errogance thrown in for good measure. The other two years they spend taking art history and other such courses that doesn't make them more or less a nurse. I beleive that statistically ADN's score higher on state board exams than BSN's. What concerns me is this. Indoctranating BSN with the "your better than" attitude only serves to drive a wedge between all RN's. Both need to realise that we are a team caring for patients who are ill and could give a good c what your educational backround. It is no wonder Nurses aren't working toward elevating ourselves within the profession because the BSN's feel a need to separate themselves from the rest of us, it's nothing personal it is the indoctrnation from thier nursing school that pounds this into them. As long as BSN nursing schools continue to instill this worthless idiology into thier students I don't think we will come together and make some changes for all RN's.

FLTNRSE

Living4Peace · Jan 19, 2012

First of all, it bothers me when people underestimate the standard of education taught at community colleges. In no way are they learning a dilute form of information or anything substandard when it comes to their nursing education. It generally takes two years to complete a nursing degree at a community college (actually more when you consider the prerequisites). Keep in mind that universities of a BSN have their students take two years of general education and prerequisites and then TWO years of nursing training (either way the training is two years). Many people don't take that into consideration. If one was to really think about things critically whether you are getting your ADN or BSN you are getting the same amount of clinical hours, reading the same text books and thus gaining the same knowledge. I understand that it is good to have an advanced degree as it makes you a more well-rounded nurse due to certain classes that are imperative at the BSN lever, but what I will not stand for is people esteeming nurses that have been taught at the ADN level to be regarded as inferior clinicians in comparison to their BSN counterparts.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Jan 19, 2012

Depends on where you live. In my area several hospital systems do not interview ADN prepared nurses. With a glut of new grads and several BSN programs, it's hard for everyone and harder for ADNs. There are still jobs and people still get hired but it is definitely a rough economy.

Palliative Care, DNP · Jan 19, 2012

I can only speak for my hospital but they are no longer hiring anyone RN who does not have a BSN. All current employees have been given a deadline in the future as to when they are expected to have obtained a BSN by.

luvazsun, RN · Jan 19, 2012

In all my years on nursing, and all the jobs I've interviewed for and accepted, not once did anyone ask me what degree i earned in order to be an RN. The main question is always - do you have a current license? Have we forgotten that unless you pass NCLEX, it doesn't matter what degree you have, you're not a Registered Nurse. Sorry if there are typos here - the site is not very IPad friendly :)

fltnrse2, ASN, RN · Jan 20, 2012

Kudoes to you Ms. Living4peace! I think it comes down to what you want to do with your career, I had no other interest but at the bedside. What I do not understand is how courses in Art Apprieciation, or any courses that do not directly involve nursing makes one a better nurse. I do notice an different attitude in many but not all with BSN's who seem to emit an air of superiority. There should be a place for use all. Some nurses want to earn more degrees and some just aren't interested in any thing else but direct patient care. I've been in nursing since 1970, the topic were discussing was being discussed then....I think I'll take my chances and not hold my breath! FLTNRSE

mtngrl, ASN, RN · Jan 21, 2012

I have an ADN and I have no problem getting the jobs I want. I have been a case manager for the past several years, so no, you don't have to have a BSN to be one. And I have worked in case management for 2 different companies. I was also interviewed for a DON position. I do not plan to ever go back and get a BSN, I am perfectly happy with my ADN. Also, someone mentioned school nursing requiring BSN....not true, I knew a nurse in SC who was my daughter's school nurse, she had an ADN, she did go back and get a BSN...and was disapointed that they didn't even increase her pay.

~PedsRN~, BSN, RN · Jan 21, 2012

I graduated with an ASN on December 16.

Took my boards on January 12.

Had a job offer on January 16.

I would encourage ALL nurses to continue to further their education though!!! We are nurses - we are supposed to NEVER stop learning. :)

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jan 21, 2012

Yes. No.

That pretty much sums it up. It depends on where you are looking, what you're interested in, and what you can bring to the interviewing table.