Living in a BSN state:

[WCSU1987]

Hi, so I signed up for my first pre requisite in the spring. Do plan on completing the pre requisites for 3 BSN program's and 1 accelerated program.

I am thinking of applying to an ASN program. I hear horror stories of nurse's unable to find work for a year after graduating from an ASN program in my state.

Been researching ways to finance myself through college. Know I am eligible for the Stafford Loan and the Perkins Loan (Heard they may do away with it). I been researching scholarships have a few will apply for towards the end of my prerequisites.

However, cost wise I feel I am probably only going to be able to do the ADN.

Anyone struggling finding work with your ADN/ASN?

Any second degree student's go ADN toute?

Kind of kicking myself if I went back to school sooner feel wouldn't be in this dilemma regarding what degree.

Look forward to hearing feedback.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I did not struggle to find work with my ASN degree, but unlike many others, I did not have my sights set on the shiny acute care hospital specialties. I was fine with working in LTC, rehab or hospice.

In many areas, the ADN-degree holder who insists on working in the ER, critical care or L&D might have an uphill battle competing against the BSNs for jobs.

[Rocknurse, MSN, APRN, NP]

I guess it really depends where you want to work when you graduate. If you desire to work in an ICU, then getting an ADN might harm your chances, as at least in my state, most ICUs are not hiring ADNs and are requiring BSN nurses. Yes, you can work with your ADN and do an RN to BSN afterwards, but if you start off in a job that is far outside of where you want to end up, say LTC, you might find it very difficult to get into acute care. A piece of advice I give to younger nurses as a veteran, is that everything on your resume dictates your future empoyment. This means that where you've been really does impact where you're going. If a recruiter looks at your resume and only sees LTC, you might be passed over for someone who has worked in med/surg at an in-patient acute hospital. Every move you make in your career is engraved in stone there on your resume, so I say start building early in the direction you want to go. This is not my personal opinion of ADNs, I was a diploma nurse myself back in the day, but it's just the reality and what I've observed as a trend over the years. I say aim as high as you can. It will help you in the long run. If ADN is all you can do right now, then do what you can. You're still taking steps to get to where you want to be. I wish I'd known then what I know now. I would have done things a lot differently and a lot sooner. That's the benefit of hindsight I guess. Least I can do is pass advice on to newer nurses. Good luck in whatever you decide.

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

I worked in a critical care unit but hated it after six months and switched to an ER with an ADN. I did complete my BSN within 1 year after graduating (3 months off). I was on a fire department before as a volunteer and did work in an ER as a paramedic/unit clerk/phleb.

[NurseGirl525, ASN, RN]

It depends on what state you live in truly. Some areas are ok with an ASN, others, like major metro areas want a BSN.

[LPNtoRNin2016OH, LPN]

defintely location dependent. Here you can find work as an ASN pretty decently and I live in a mid size city. You need to get your BSN within 5 years though.