Is it safe to start out with an ADN?

Why would you get into trouble with an ADN? I don't understand your concern. I have an ADN and got hired immediately after graduation as well as my classmates. I'm also going back to school for my BSN. My job duties are no different from a BSN prepared RN. Also, we do take the same licensing test.

I have never, ever been limited in my job searches by my ADN. And yes, I know that that is true because I have been offered every job that I have interviewed for (different employment climates in different times).

You might be limited with regard to administrative positions (or so it is said). However, in my facility, I count as many ADN managers as BSN managers.

Facilities differ in their attitudes toward ADN/BSN issues. In some facilities there is a pay difference, in others not at all.

An ADN and a BSN is the same pay for staff nurses. The only difference is that with a BSN you can go into management positions.

I started with my ADN and i would never regret it! I did get my BSN, but just because I wanted to have more opportunities for advancement, management type jobs. I don't think I learned anything in my BSN program that made me a better bedside nurse, in fact I thought it was more "hoops" to jump through than anything else. ADN is the best, I would not have changed my educational path for anything! I have precepted BSNs and they have NEVER been prepared for the actually bedside nursing as well as the ADN.

Where I work your BSN is only worth 50 cents an hour, and the job description is the same. I get paid more than that for charging. CEN is worth $1 an hour,...unless you want to go into management there really isn't a lot of incentive to get your BSN,,,.....there are two large hospital based nursing schools in the area that offer ADN,..that might dictate the attitudes of employers:rolleyes:

I think you will be fine obtaining your ADN first. You will get a job with no problems. Where I live the BSN does get more pay, 5% more than an ADN. I was an ADN for 20 years and then went back and obtained my BSN. I had one job tell me that if I did not have the BSN do not even bother to apply. It was a job in public health nursing which does require the BSN. Management also will prefer this BSN degree. If you just want an RN job outside of management or public health then an ADN is just fine.

ADN is perfectly safe. More than 50% of the nurses I work with are ADN's and they are just fine. In fact alot of them, especially new nurses are all the same. I noticed that the ADN and BSN nurses are on the same page when it comes to their initial experience working on a floor. They are just as nervous and unsure of themselves.

I plan on getting my ADN first then continuing once I start working to get my BSN. I'm 40 now and really want to start working first. Plus I think I will continue to obtain my BSN with one of the online schools.

My ADN has supported my family and I just fine. Not too much difference than a BSN unless interested in Management/Administrative. Even after 14 years of experience i am unable to get a job in Management. Be careful of your choices. I am unable to return for my BSN for now, due to family, and financial commitments and wish I done it from the start. After so many years of nursing I kick myself because it would DEFINATELY have openned many more opportunities for me today. Good Luck.

The United States educational system has determined that an ADN is fine for being a RN

BON of each state has determined that a ADN is fine for a RN educated in USA.

Why fight it, just go with it

I have precepted BSNs and they have NEVER been prepared for the actually bedside nursing as well as the ADN.

I really can't believe you said that.....wow. What an ugly slam.

I too have precepted ADN and BSN grads, and I really can never tell the difference.