Not to beat a dead horse but ...

[BeachsideRN, ASN]

I have been accepted to a great nursing school, BSN program. They have a 100% NCLEX pass rate. However, it is a private, catholic college which means tuition is not inexpensive ($6k/semester - $36k total). After the initial high of being accepted wore off reality hit and I am rethinking my decision to attend this college. So my other options are a top ranked (nationally) ADN program (5 semesters) or a state school BSN program (6 semesters) that has a mediocre reputation among local hospitals. If I were to do the ADN program I would immediately roll into an RN-BSN program, since I would have the money (not spent on the private school) and I would still be able to have my BSN within 3 years.

So, I guess my question is ... is there any stigma associated with a RN-BSN program when applying for jobs or is a BSN a BSN no matter how you acheived it?

Thoughts? Help! So stressed an anxious over this.

[toomuchbaloney]

In my view, you will want to pursue the school which will better prepare you to take and pass the NCLEX.

[laKrugRN]

I say go for the ADN program that has a good reputation. Pass your boards and get your foot in the door by getting a job. Then, work on your RN-BSN. There will be no bad stigma. In the end you'll save money, have a job, AND be going for your BSN in the end. Good luck!

[BSNbeauty, BSN, RN]

A BSN is a BSN. The best thing I ever did was getting my ADN first, getting a job in a MAGNET hospital that is now paying for my RN-BSN education. Do what works best for you. Make sure the school is accredited and have good nclex passing rates.

[~PedsRN~, BSN, RN]

A BSN is a BSN. The best thing I ever did was getting my ADN first, getting a job in a MAGNET hospital that is now paying for my RN-BSN education. Do what works best for you. Make sure the school is accredited and have good nclex passing rates.

This.

[klone, MSN, RN]

5+ years ago I would have said to get your ADN and then do an RN-BSN while working. However, a lot more hospitals are not interested in hiring ADNs. So depending on the job market in your area, you may have a lot of difficulty finding that first nursing job without a BSN.

[BeachsideRN, ASN]

Thanks guys. The ADN program had an NCLEX pass rate of 96.9% in 2012 and the graduates have a good reputation around town. I think I am going to put my app in for Spring... but in the meantime knock out one semester of non-clinical nursing classes at the private school because it is a "shoe in" and if by some weird twist of the tide I don't get into the ADN program I'm not stuck out in the cold.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

Thanks guys. The ADN program had an NCLEX pass rate of 96.9% in 2012 and the graduates have a good reputation around town. I think I am going to put my app in for Spring... but in the meantime knock out one semester of non-clinical nursing classes at the private school because it is a "shoe in" and if by some weird twist of the tide I don't get into the ADN program I'm not stuck out in the cold.

It wouldn't really be a weird twist if you don't get accepted immediately into the ADN program. They are very highly valued by students due to the very same criteria - affordable tuition. They often have very long wait lists.

[BeachsideRN, ASN]

5+ years ago I would have said to get your ADN and then do an RN-BSN while working. However, a lot more hospitals are not interested in hiring ADNs. So depending on the job market in your area, you may have a lot of difficulty finding that first nursing job without a BSN.

I understand that ADNs are not desirable, which was why I chose the BSN in the first place. However, is it possible to roll straight into a RN-BSN program without first getting a job or is experience a criteria for applying?

[Susie2310]

I understand that ADNs are not desirable, which was why I chose the BSN in the first place. However, is it possible to roll straight into a RN-BSN program without first getting a job or is experience a criteria for applying?

Have you researched your local area as far as ADN/BSN employer preference? The BSN "push" is not happening in all areas, including mine.

Yes, it is possible to go directly from an ADN program to a BSN completion program once you have your RN license. I did this at a state university. I suggest checking your local BSN program ADN-BSN admission requirements.

[OCNRN63, RN]

Honestly, I don't think your BSN program is all that expensive. If you have the opportunity to go there, I would do that. It's hard to go back to school once you've graduated and start working. As klone said, many hospitals are getting picky about hiring new grad ADNs; some won't hire them at all. (The hospital where I worked no longer hires ADNs, not even the grads from their own ADN program.)

Unless you can't manage the cost, I'd encourage you to get the BSN right off the bat.

[BeachsideRN, ASN]

Honestly, I don't think your BSN program is all that expensive. If you have the opportunity to go there, I would do that. It's hard to go back to school once you've graduated and start working. As klone said, many hospitals are getting picky about hiring new grad ADNs; some won't hire them at all. (The hospital where I worked no longer hires ADNs, not even the grads from their own ADN program.)

Unless you can't manage the cost, I'd encourage you to get the BSN right off the bat.

That was my thought as well ... and I didn't think I would be in as much sticker shock as I am but ... I also have considerable debt from my masters in public health. I *might* be able to manage through the more expensive program, however it will definitely be more stressful as I will have no choice but to work my current job. Whereas if I go the ADN-BSN route I will only have to work enough to pay for childcare. My goal is still the same, BSN - and likely won't be the end of my education.