Is it worth getting your BSN right out of ADN school?

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Hi all,

I'm a recently graduated RN with a ADN. I'm having a tough time finding a job (passed nclex in july) and wanted to know if you think it's worth it to go back for the BSN transition so soon and before I even have 'employee tuition reimbursements'?? The cost is from 17- 25 K in my area for an accredited program that includes clinicals

Thanks!

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Specializes in MICU - CCRN, IR, Vascular Surgery.

If you can afford it, go for it. I took a year off to just learn to be a nurse first, but I already had a job. I've paid for my BSN on my own, only in the last semester am I applying for tuition reimbursement. My program was about $12k, no clinicals since I'm already working as a nurse.

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Specializes in CVICU, CRNA.
Hi all I'm a recently graduated RN with a ADN. I'm having a tough time finding a job (passed nclex in july) and wanted to know if you think it's worth it to go back for the BSN transition so soon and before I even have 'employee tuition reimbursements'?? The cost is from 17- 25 K in my area for an accredited program that includes clinicals Thanks![/quote']

Definitely worth it for a number of reasons. 1) your not working so you will have more time to really do good in classes. 2) your potential employer wants to see you advancing your degree as BSN's are apparently all the rage these days. 3) there are cheaper programs online that are accredited with no clinicals...check our University of Louisiana Lafayette. Don't go through clinicals if you don't have to. That's what ADN was for. 4) apply for scholarships! Tuition reimbursement usually is incremented in the amount of years you've worked there. Ie: 1 year: 25% of tuition up to $3,000 max; 2 years: 50% of tuition up to a max of $3,000....etc. and then you have to commit to employment or they will take it out of your check. Basically, don't wait to get hired!! This has been my experience! Good luck!!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Rehab.

Just go back ASAP. I wish I did that. I waited 2 years and wish I didn't (I would be done by now instead of just beginning). Once you learn what life is like outside of school, you won't want to go back to school.

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Why don't you choose a cheaper online program without clinicals? You're a nurse. You don't need a clinical assignment to get a BSN.

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Why don't you choose a cheaper online program without clinicals? You're a nurse. You don't need a clinical assignment to get a BSN.

It looks like magnet hospitals around here want CCNE accredited schools

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Definitely worth it for a number of reasons. 1) your not working so you will have more time to really do good in classes. 2) your potential employer wants to see you advancing your degree as BSN's are apparently all the rage these days. 3) there are cheaper programs online that are accredited with no clinicals...check our University of Louisiana Lafayette. Don't go through clinicals if you don't have to. That's what ADN was for. 4) apply for scholarships! Tuition reimbursement usually is incremented in the amount of years you've worked there. Ie: 1 year: 25% of tuition up to $3,000 max; 2 years: 50% of tuition up to a max of $3,000....etc. and then you have to commit to employment or they will take it out of your check. Basically, don't wait to get hired!! This has been my experience! Good luck!!

TY, TY I can tell this is good advice. I guess I'm just dragging my feel bc I JUST GOT OUT of school! I thought I was going to 'snap my fingers' and get that hospital job... Oh, my goodness I'm sad/mad that I didn't:)

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It looks like magnet hospitals around here want CCNE accredited schools

Yea, some of these schools are ccne accredited. I would never have chosen a non accredited school. Lol I'm not looking to flush money down the toilet.

Western govenors is 3700 per semester for as many classes as you can finish and is accredited.

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Yea, some of these schools are ccne accredited. I would never have chosen a non accredited school. Lol I'm not looking to flush money down the toilet.

Western govenors is 3700 per semester for as many classes as you can finish and is accredited.

And lord knows I HAVE NO MONEY to flush down the toilet, lol!!! Thanks for the info :) xo

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
TY, TY I can tell this is good advice. I guess I'm just dragging my feel bc I JUST GOT OUT of school! I thought I was going to 'snap my fingers' and get that hospital job... Oh, my goodness I'm sad/mad that I didn't:)
Nursing programs are lying to students. especially the non accredited ones.
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Asst. Admin: Yeah, I kinda figured that. Oh, there WERE signs.... the 'nursing admissions officer' at my school told me (and others) "yeah, nursing is a good major if you wanna put 80-90 hrs/wk. of work towards your classes and stand in the unemployment line when you're done! This area can't absorb the # of graduates we put out."

I didn't wanna listen and also thought 'hey, there's OTHER areas! I'm not stuck here! I'll get my 2-yr education and go!'

Basicly, it's a lot of the region! And the bad econ is making everybody and thei sister go back to get their BSNs! Hospitals want more. MORE!!!

My school was relatively low in cost and rigorous too. It's accredited and respected in the region.

I think they did give me a good education in the short ammont of time we had togeather, but I don't think they prepared me to work in a LTC at all. Or anything besides the hospital setting, which is where I wanna work

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.

I wouldn't rule out LTC if I were you. I've had the pleasure of working in both LTC and hospitals. There is something about each environment that makes me appreciate the other one more. With LTC, at least you don't have your admissions riding up on the elevator with you before you even clock in. The patients/residents there are constant. With hospitals, you will have 5-7 patients, depending on the unit. You will have the opportunity to learn more skills and be exposed to more things, including infections. But given the right 5-7, you may think you have 35 patients to yourself, like in a LTC facility. And Heaven forbid, we should talk about the families and kids that roam the halls all day and night. Also in the hospital, with the amount of potential admissions and discharges, you may have your hands on 8-9 patients in one shift.

I work as a PRN Float Nurse in a teaching hospital and I have just begun to work in an LTACH. To my surprise, I'm actually loving the work at the LTACH as it is giving me the better of both worlds and as a night shift person, I have no admissions. The work is still extremely busy; so much so that I have literally lost 10 pounds in the 3 weeks that I've been employed with them. I have yet to eat a sandwich or drink a full 12-0z Diet Coke during my shift because there are always vent alarms, bed alarms, and IV pump alarms going off, not to mention endless wound care. I literally brought in and carried out the same 2 cans of soda on 3-day rotation. The wonderful part about it is that by the time I have a chance to look at the clock, it is almost time to go home. Love it!!! I'm seriously considering parting ways with my PRN job even though it pays more. With the LTACH job, my headaches have seemed to disappear...unless I'm too busy to notice. By the way, I'm pursuing the BSN online, with no clinicals....easiest thing I've done in a long time.

I hope something opens up for you soon. Good luck!:yes:

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