Teaching In ADN Program

[pro-student]

I want to start off by saying that I don't mean to offend anyone nor do I want to start a debate about the merits of the ADN.

I am considering a move into nursing education and I know one of the entry level jobs is teaching clinicals especially in ADN programs. In my area of the country (and a growing number of places) a BSN is really the minimum required to get a job. It has been virtually impossible for ADN grads to get a position regardless of experience or connections. Now, many job descriptions are even explicitly asking for only BSN applicants (for many years job descriptions included some vague preference for a BSN completed or in progress but still ADN students never got interviews). Still there are many ADN programs still accepting students and churning out new grads who have to choose between relocating or not having a career.

I'm wondering how I would feel about teaching in an ADN program when I know that students stand essentially no chance of getting a job in the area (which is what most of them are hoping to do). I know there are some exceptions but the harsh reality is than even BSN new grads face a monumental battle to land a first job here. Has anyone else encountered a similar situation? How do/would you feel about teaching students knowing they face dismal chances for employment unless they relocate? As a brand new educator, how do you balance gaining experience within a system that is in desperate need of change?

[llg, PhD, RN]

I think that is a really good question -- and hope that other people respond.

For me, it would be difficult to reconcile it unless I felt that I could actually help the students. If I felt I were actually doing some good for the students -- counseling them to continue their education, preparing them for the realities they face, etc. then I could do it. But if I felt that the school (and I, as a faculty member) were just taking advantage of their desires to become a nurse, then I would feel terrible about it and would not do it unless I felt I had to.

I have served on the Community Advisory Board to a local ADN program at a Community College. I reconcile it within myself by always being 100% honest with the school about their graduate's job prospects and what I see as being best for the students and for the community. I am happy to say that they have made great strides over the years to develop pathways for their students to move into BSN programs immediately after getting the ADN and to even take BSN courses while completing their ADN's. Because I don't feel the students are being taken advantage of, I am OK with it and see their inexpensive ADN program as a good, reputable first-step on a pathway to a professional nursing career with a BSN. I wouldn't support their program if I felt it were anything less.

[pro-student]

I think that is a really good question -- and hope that other people respond.

For me, it would be difficult to reconcile it unless I felt that I could actually help the students. If I felt I were actually doing some good for the students -- counseling them to continue their education, preparing them for the realities they face, etc. then I could do it. But if I felt that the school (and I, as a faculty member) were just taking advantage of their desires to become a nurse, then I would feel terrible about it and would not do it unless I felt I had to.

Thank you for your thoughtful response. I agree that the culture of the program would make all the difference. I would love to hear if anyone else has thoughts/experience with this issue.

[PediatricRNTX]

I have been wanting to post something similar for a long while. I have so much respect for all nurses and I recognize every journey is different, but I am starting to not see a purpose in an ADN program. I have watched literally every hospital in the vicinity (large city and surroundings) change their requirements to BSN only. This includes the small suburban hospitals that in the past few years were accepting ADNs. I have first hand watched the ADN programs lose clinical sites because they won't hire the students anyway. The students are very discouraged and end up working home health ior clinics, or having to uproot and move. I feel horrible for them, which leads me to the same ethical questions you bring up. Why would I teach ADN students? Even the bridge programs are competitive and that makes schooling so long they could essentially obtain a master's degree.

I taught LVNs and it was fine. They all got jobs and we were clear it would be clinic, nursing home, or home health. It was a great entry into nursing education.

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

I think this is really a regional thing. If ADN nurses aren't hired in your area, I can see the dilemma in working for such a program. However, if the program is going to be around, you can actually do those students a service by helping them adjust their hiring expectations and ensuring that they have a realistic outlook that includes furthering their education to at least a BSN.

[morrissey fan]

I have to agree. ADN grads are not having difficulty getting first jobs in our region of the country, and in fact, they are in demand.