Newly employed ADN nurses please read!

allnurses Guide · Apr 22, 2012

*shrug* I would not call it easy. I started laying the groundwork for the position I am in during my first semester of nursing school. I had some lucky bounces but also have put myself in a position to take advantage of those when they came my way. I had no problem getting my job and was hired over hundreds of BSN applicants. Mind you, this is anecdotal evidence only. Most hospitals are indeed beginning to prefer BSNs and to feel strongly about it to put it in writing and into their hiring practices.

PeepnBiscuitsRN · Apr 23, 2012

It wasn't easy for me to find a job, but that could have been several factors: a nursing strike that happened two weeks after I graduated, finding out I was pregnant two weeks BEFORE I graduated, and yes- I will admit I think having an associates degree did hinder me to some degree, although right now I think things are just plain stinky all around. I know that when I interviewed for the job I have now, the manager saw I was in school to complete my BSN and she winked and said "good girl".

There are new graduate RN programs in a couple of hospitals here that one MUST be accepted into before getting a job at those particular facilities and they both specifically state that they will only consider BSN's or those enrolled in BSN completion programs. So I would say that, well first of all having an Associates is NOT the kiss o' death, because I think a lot of it comes down to who you know, and who you network with. Secondly...as we all know, in this economy it might just be easier to find a career as a Broadway actor. *jazz hands*

happyinillinois · Apr 23, 2012

I landed my dream job after graduating with an ADN, passing over many BSN's, however like another poster, I layed the ground work. While in nursing school, I sat for and passed the LPN boards. I worked part-time as an LPN to gain experience with passing meds, time management, taking orders etc. Others in my class worked as CNA's to get their foot in the door. Get your foot in the door while in school is the most important advice I could give. Lastly, I was very, very persistant. Mangers do not want a meek mouse. Once I got an interview, I kept the department manager abreast when I passed the NCLEX, when I got my license and then when I got my license for the state the job is in. I drive 35 miles each way, and probably pass 3 hospitals, but I love my job.

MN-Nurse, ASN, RN · Apr 23, 2012

I would like to ask all newly employed nruses with associates degree how easy it was for them to find a job when compared to those with a bsn? DO employers prefer bsn vs adn? Thanks!

Some employers are requiring a BSN, others are not. It really depends on the region you work. I think a few of them are using the tough job market as an excuse and when the demand for new nurses opens up...surprise - they'll take all the ADNs they can get their grubby little hands on.

Just like they did before.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Apr 23, 2012

True that: it really does depend on what part of the country you are in. On the east coast I had no problem getting hired as a ADN. BSNs didn't have the advantage...actually, those students who graduated from the major hospital chains' diploma programs had the advantage over both degrees, since the chains had most of the hospitals in the area between them and preferred to place their own grads there first.

On the west coast, they prefer BSNs...but fortunately I'm in the process of getting my BSN as well as specialty-certified, so that wasn't a major problem either.

It also depends on what areas of nursing you want to work in as well. Administration and management almost always require a BSN. Public health nursing in this state requires a BSN. Education requires a BSN at the minimum (masters preferred). Floor nursing, ADNs have a better shot at...but again, most facilities where I am located would rather have a BSN even on the floor. Again, your mileage may vary depending on where you live.

tothepointeLVN, LVN · Apr 23, 2012

Also put things into perspective. From the latest data/predictions that have come out lately about college grads of 2012. 1 in 2 is expected to be unemployed or underemployed (i.e working a retail job). I think as a whole despite what a bloodbath it is out there for nursing new grads you still have the better end of the stick.

Also there is not a lot of point wondering whether hospitals prefer ADN's to BSN's if right now all you have its an ADN. Just worry about making them prefer YOU.

:)

ketonesRN · Apr 23, 2012

I moved to a different state the day after graduation (ADN). Passed my NCLEX the week after that and then started sending out applications. Took me 2 1/2 months to be brought in for first interview. Got the job during the interview.

Anne Connors · Apr 23, 2012

I had a job interview the next morning after my graduation from nursing school. I had two more interviews the next day. Total of 3 interviews, I received immediately 3 job offers. Amazing! Its all about where you are located. El Paso TX is the place to be for new graduate nurses!

Patti_RN · Apr 23, 2012

It's tough for most new grads to find employment. It's impossible for anyone to compare their difficulty finding a job compared to others--first, no one has a point of reference to know how easy/ difficult it is for others, and second there are many, many other variables besides Associates Degree, BSN, or diploma. As a point related to this question, I know many managers who prefer diploma grads over BSN or ADN grads. And, of course other managers might have different preferences.

Morainey, BSN, RN · Apr 23, 2012

I got hired with my ADN in a hospital, exactly where I wanted to work. HOWEVER, like a couple of other posters have said, I laid the groundwork and got a job in the hospital where I wanted to work while I was still in nursing school, showed up on time, was pleasant, did my job well, etc etc etc. It worked for me :)

applewhitern, BSN, RN · Apr 23, 2012

I am not a new nurse by any means, but I just wanted to mention what I have seen lately in my area, is that employer's are asking for "certifications" in your area of practise. I have not noticed an increase in hiring of BSN over ADN at all. But I wonder how a "new grad" can get certified in any area unless they have experience? Most certifications require at least one year experience in that area in order to even take the certification tests, don't they?