Magnet hospitals? Experienced ADN/BSN preferences

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So I currently am enrolled in an ADN program and halfway through (a couple more classes before I can apply into the actual nursing program) but have been doing my own research and have been hearing that there is not really a shortage and a lot of hospitals are preferring BSN's over ADN's. I have a friend that is a BSN and she told me herself that if I can just go ahead and finish my BSN now I should I'm just a little skeptical now because I have two little ones and don't want to quit school but really thinking about going back to work and going to school part-time any advise and experiences. Yikes! Btw what are magnet hospitals and is anybody employed by one? Any Houston nurses out there have any input? This message is intended for all nurses willing to give any advise! Pleaseeeee help! :bookworm:

Thanks,

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I, too, am going for my ADN and have 3 little ones. I plan to finish and go to school part time while working. In Miami, a lot of them will hire an RN with an associates as long as I get my BSN within 3 years. Get that RN and at least work and gain experience while going to school part time. You can always do home health, they don't require a BSN.

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Oh okay that's cool. I guess I'm just getting a little nervous and burnt out with school knowing that I'm still gonna have to continue going after my associates. I don't really mind but I do have kids and want to make sure I'm making the right choice. Since I've been working full time since I can remember. Thanks for the advise!

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hey

I am a Working ADN with experience. The job market is rough out there. If nursing is not your absolute passion search other career feilds. Nursing is run by so many regulations and rules from outside professions and guidelines from others in power the roots of nursing, which makes it beautiful, are lost in many ways. The average med/surg position or rehab/nursing home position (which you are much more likely to land with your ADN) will give you many night mares. You will need an extremly strong support system and or coping mechanisms to survive in a fast pasted stressful complex nursing enviornment. I truly you advise you, if you are early on in your professional developement to look else where unless your heart could not.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I would highly encourage you to pursue your BSN. I work in a Magnet hospital and they are encouraging ALL current ADN and diploma employees to obtain their BSN (I am pursuing my RN to BSN now). Additionally, all of our job postings for open RN positions are for "BSN preferred" candidates. I am currently an ADN graduate and landed this job over 10 years ago when we had new grad training programs. The job market is extremely tough for new grads in my area right now. Speaking from a Magnet hospital point of view, the hospital would hire a BSN graduate over an ADN graduate to increase the percentage of BSN/advance degree nurses when Magnet returns for the site visit. It's a huge push right now. Search for IOM's 2020 campaign. It would be in your best interest to pursue your BSN soon after, if at all possible. I regret not getting it done sooner when I had the momentum. Best of luck!

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Well to be honest nursing is something I've been wanting to pursue since I was a little girl. It's just as we get older we have other things that get in the way of our career goals not to say there's not going to be any obstacles but bills have to get paid and quitting my part time job to pursue school full time was probably not a great idea but yea I've been looking for part time employment again and it's so much harder to find part time employment vs full time. I'm glad that you found something with the use of your ADN. How long ago did you graduate and become a nurse?

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Yeah I am highly considering it but have to complete my ADN first. I've done my share of research and seen that there are alot of online nursing programs to go from ADN to BSN/MSN. I also do know that by the year 2020 it will probably be required. I might just need to continue my job search then continue working on my degree I would just hate to give up since I'm so far along in my pre-req's but at the same time I have two little ones. Do you have any kids and is nursing as stressful as some nurses claim it to be? And kudos on your position and as long as you already have your foot in the door it shouldn't matter as long as you complete it. Best of luck to you as well. Thanks for the advice!

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I totally understand where you're coming from. It's difficult to balance school and raising little ones. Yes, I had a little one during nursing school but I was fortunate enough to have family support. If this is something you've wanted to do for some time, I'd say continue on with your journey. It sounds like you've done an amazing job getting through pre-reqs and that's stressful enough! Nursing was something I always wanted to do and I made a detour after high school. Returning to school as a second career choice to pursue my nursing degree was the best decision for me. Yes, nursing school is stressful at times, but you will get through it. You will bond with a few classmates and form study groups. Study hard and find a good schedule to balance family/school/work. I have fond memories of nursing school. I wish you all the best!

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Thank you, I'm so glad I found out about these nursing forums to speak to people that have the same mind-set :) People often do not understand the dedication and sacrifices I've had to make to get where I am today even if I still have a couple more years to go. :dead:

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Sorry, I didn't quite answer your question. Is nursing stressful?

Yes, some days can be stressful more than others. There are plenty of factors -- staffing shortage, acuity of patients, etc. It was stressful as a new grad but I had an experienced mentor/preceptor. Absorb everything during this time. Don't be afraid to ask questions. As with anything new, it can be stressful when you are out of your comfort zone. Just follow the standards of care and nursing policies of the hospital...and always ask for help when you need additional resources.

Next thing you know, you'll find yourself precepting a new nurse, before you know it. Nursing school goes by so fast!

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I hope so, because it definitely is tough staying focused while every one is comfortable living mediocre lives or already starting their career. It was starting to feel a bit discouraging. Do you work the 3 12's or a different kind of shift? Because I'm considering maybe working in a doctor's office so I can have a regular day shift. Is there any other positions other than outpatient that has normal day shifts?

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I only work three 12hr shifts. Personally, I much prefer working three 12hr shifts and having the days off than working four days a week. It gives you the flexibility of grouping your shifts together (i.e. 3 in a row) or splitting them up (i.e. Sun, Wed, Fri), so you're not away from family/kids for more than a day. I have a coworker who does the Sun, Wed, Fri schedule. It's kind of nice to work one day and KNOW that you're not back the next day. :) On the other hand, it's nice to have the option of scheduling yourself Sun, Mon, Tues and (have 8 days off) return the following Thurs, Fri, Sat.

I only know of Kaiser offering 8hr shifts in my area. Maybe long term care or rehab might offer the 8hr options?

In any case, hang in there...you can do it! :)

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