ADN to BSN or ADN to work

[joli]

A part of me is considering on spending another two years in school and applying to 4-year colleges (maybe go back to Cal State Fullerton where I got my BA in psychology) to get a BSN (bachelor's in nursing) after I graduate with my ADN (associates degree nursing) this May. There is just more job opportunities for promotions and management positions. The other part of me says to start working, get my feet wet in nursing, make some money and get engaged/married within the next two years. I spoke to this RN briefly last night, he has only an ADN and has been working happily as an RN for 17 years. So, both routes sound good. I already have a BA in psychology but what they teach in the BSN for nursing is different, so I would have to get yet another bachelors degree. I'm not sure which route to take at this point. Any advice?

Joy (just turned 30)

ADN/May 2005

BA/June 1998

[tonypeggy]

I am in a similiar situation. I have a BA and I went to an ADN program which I will finish in May. The major hospitals in Boston said BSN preferred 6 months ago- now they are BSN minimum. I am absolutely distraught. I am applying preemptively into an RN to MSN program with the hopes that I can get a job with that understanding. I was hoping to work fulltime and pay off my school loans but it looks like I am only going to incur more debt.

I'm kinda new to this nursing stuff - are you saying that the hospitals in Boston don't hire ADN's now, only BSN? I'm entering an ADN program this fall and thought most hospitals accepted ADN...duh...

[SarasotaRN2b]

I would think that if you are finishing with an ADN in Boston, there have to be options for you otherwise why have any ADN programs at all. I would think that most schools want to be able to provide nurses for their own local area. Maybe the hospitals just want to know that you will be continuing to work with towards a BSN.

Either way, good luck!

Kris

[BETSRN]

I would think that if you are finishing with an ADN in Boston, there have to be options for you otherwise why have any ADN programs at all. I would think that most schools want to be able to provide nurses for their own local area. Maybe the hospitals just want to know that you will be continuing to work with towards a BSN.

Either way, good luck!

Kris

Personally, I don't think the all BSN thing is ever going to fly. That is just my opinion as I am one of those people with a non-nursing Bachelor's that went through a diploma program (at that time).

I certainly understand the desire to make nursing more "professional" but I am not sure that requiring a BSN is going to do that.

Until the BSN programs can turn out more CLINICALLY competent nurses (as new grads) having all BSN grads is a pipe dream, I think. That's just my opinion.

I would love to see BSN programs be 5 years (or at least some summers) to enhance the clinical portion and support their students as they learn. I would hope that would lead to less burnout on the part of the new grads.