Less job opportunities with ADN?

[xMissGolightlyx]

Currently, I am working on prereqs for the ADN program at my community college. I was excited to be able to start a nursing career in just 3 years, but now I'm worried that I won't be able to find a good position without a BSN. I keep hearing and reading that hospitals are only hiring nurses with 4 year degrees. Is that true? I was planning to do an ADN to BSN program in the future, but now it looks like I may have to do it ASAP to find work in a hospital? Are there opportunities out there for nurses with just an ADN? Are there any other rn students here who share my concerns? I'd love some feedback, good or bad :)

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

will depend entirely on where you work. Contact some of the local facilities and ask them (Human Resources).

[SummitRN, BSN, RN]

In many markets, a BSN is preferred or even required for choice new-grad jobs. In other markets, it is a minor advantage. Do your research.

[Stephalump]

It's simply an issue of supply and demand. A hospital that attracts hundreds of applicants per position can afford to be picky. One way hospitals can be picky is by only considering people with more education.

So basically, yes. You're lessening your marketability by having an ADN, but that doesn't mean you won't get a job. It's just an issue of time and place.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

The market in general is really poor.

https://allnurses.com/california-state-nursing/no-jobs-nurses-739596.html#post6584546

[FitMommyRN]

Depends on where you are and the reputation of your program. I'm in an ADN program that churns out well prepared RNs with excellent skills who find work with few issues. Those who do spend months looking are usually the ones who want a specific hospital, specific unit, and premier schedules. Even magnet status seeking hospitals are hiring new grads from my program. It also helps to have a tech job while in school. It's relatively easy to move up to RN from tech in the same hospital once you graduate.

It also depends on who you know, as with any other field. A call from a faculty member who works in that hospital can get your application to the top of the list regardless of ADN or BSN. Also, stating very early that you're planning to do an RN-BSN bridge asap is good. Honestly, we should all have a very short term goal of doing a bridge program anyway.

[ImKosher]

In my area New Grads, RN or BSN, they all get payed the same. It's later down the road when want to become a manager, administrator, or post grad student when the BSN matters. Of course that's my area. Area does matter.

[xMissGolightlyx]

Thanks for the info everyone. Looks like I'll have to do some research on hospitals in my area. Still plan on doing the rn to bsn, but hopefully I will be able to take classes at night and have a good job while I do so. Maybe I'll even find a hospital offering tuition reimbursement! Fingers x'ed :)

[♑ Capricorn ♑]

Yes, I do think their are jobs out there. You have to consider alot of factors like the ones mentioned above. It is possible, that the first job you do get may not exactly be ideal. But, it is work experience and that is better than nothing at all.