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Discussion

Need help determining whether to apply to ADN or ABSN

I really need some advice here. I just graduated with a B.S. in a non-nursing field, but I want desperately to work as a NICU nurse, and potentially get a masters later on.

I applied to one accelerated BSN program for this fall, but was rejected. I would like to go to an ABSN program, but I also really want to get my RN so I can start working!

I plan on applying next summer to two ABSN programs where I live, but I am worried with how incredibly competitive they are that I could be denied again and pushed back another year. There is a community college in my town that offers a 4 semester ADN program that I could begin in January. There is competition, but my grades and test scores make it very likely for me to get accepted.

My question is: how terrible/unethical would it be for me to start an ADN program in the spring, but still continue to apply to ABSN programs that start that summer? I am willing to get an ADN and bridge to BSN, but since I already have a bachelors of science, the ABSN would be quicker for me.

I don't want to be blackballed for leaving one program, but if given the choice between getting my BSN faster than the ADN I would like to do that. There is still a good chance I could be denied again from the ABSN, and would finish the ADN program.

Would this make me un-hireable or hated in the local nursing community?

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    I would apply to both the ABSN and the ADN programs. I would argue that if you are accepted to the ADN program that you stay with it - particularly if you are rejected from ABSN programs. Being in school is a faster path to becoming and RN than spending another year waiting in the hopes of being accepted.

    Assuming you are accepted to multiple programs with similar start times I would go with which ever program offers the best combination of solid education, financial affordability, and reasonable speed that works for your personal situation.

    I would NOT recommend dropping out of the ADN program if you have already started it to jump ship to a later starting ABSN program. This looks bad, would have you wasting time/money in a program you don't complete, and would prevent a student who actually wants the ADN program from getting a seat. Now if you get an offer letter for ADN prior to ABSN, but then receive an offer letter from ABSN (prior to starting ADN program) and decide to drop the ADN for ABSN this is different.

    Additionally, speed is not everything, I encourage you to look at cost of both programs as well as the cost of not working or working less (typically lower cost with more ability to work in ADN program) and the difference in lost pay between the two programs, as well as the difference in RN earnings based on difference in completion dates compared to current/projected earnings of your current job (and/or jobs you would likely have while in school).

    If you are planning on graduate school in the future you'll want to really consider how much debt you are already carrying (if any), how much you will be taking on in becoming an RN, and how much you will likely pay for graduate school.

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