On the fence ADN vs BSN..

[G019, BSN, RN]

Here's a little bit of info about me:

I'm 28, no kids, fully independent working full time right now. When I decided to pursue my CNA training I had to quit my dead end job because they wouldn't accommodate my class schedule. I was out of work for months and on the verge of homeless but it was worth it in the end because my life changed so much for the better I'm very grateful. I started working in LTC I loved it but I wanted an opportunity to learn more. Now, I'm a patient care tech working in a hospital in Austin, TX. I enjoy what I do I feel good about myself when I can help others even if its on a smaller scale compared to the amount of work RN's do. However, I know I don't want to be a tech forever..

I cant quit my job and go back to school full time even with financial aid benefits with the cost of living in Austin, TX on a steady rise It would be very stressful to make ends meet while focusing on my studies.

I've asked many RN's that I work with what is the best route for me to take and I've received different answers. The hospital I work for offers tuition assistance, and scholarships for employee's seeking to become an RN. I've been thinking of going to a community college to earn an ADN then earning my BSN in a bridge program.

With the 80:20 ratio of BSN to ADN changing, I worry If I go this route will I have a job as an RN at my hospital by the time I'm finished? I've been told that since I'm already in the hospital network that I plan to stay with for a long time, I'll just be moved up but I know that I wouldn't have my ADN until 2017 or later due to the fact I'm basically starting over. (previously studied Business Admin.)

So my question is, If you already work in a hospital setting and decide to pursue an ADN will you have a job as an RN or will they tell you to go back to school then re apply?

Ultimately I want a BSN degree in the long run because my dream is to get into Perioperative Nursing. It took me to reach the ripe age of 28 to realize what I want to do with my life. I guess you can say I'm a late bloomer. I would just like to have a solid career by the time I'm in my early 30's. I come from a line of RN's in my family so I guess I can say it's in my DNA lol. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks for reading my long post :)

[slynmoniz]

I also work in a hospital in Rhode Island, I am hopefully starting the nursing program in September! (Just applied) my job has hired regular employees who go for their ADN as RNs almost instantly after passing the state boards ! They don't mind that they do not have their BSN however, the two RNs are pursuing their BSNs... So you should have no problem getting in with an ADN especially if you have plans to keep pursuing your career! Good luck !

[G019, BSN, RN]

Thanks for your reply! Yeah I've read some people say in the forums that they are unable to find work with their ADN and were told to go back to school so I was worried about that. Congrats on applying to your nursing program and Good Luck!! :)

[slynmoniz]

Thank you !!!

[mt569112]

I'm pursing an ADN after contemplating everything from a BSN to an accelerated MSN (I already have a degree). I decided on an ADN because it's the cheapest and I'm thinking I'll be able to work while going to school. (School costs money and not working costs money too.) My plan is to be open to working anywhere to get experience while pursing an online BSN. I know that if I wasn't open to going wherever it might be hard to find a position where I live, but I'm thinking it'll be fine if I'm flexible.

[TransportJockey, EMT-P]

Im pursuing an ADN to start with just because that path is easier for me. I fully plan on starting to apply to BSN programs as soon as I am done with my ADN and pass NCLEX.

[ceebeejay]

If the hospital where you are working is chipping in for your ADN, they will likely hire you to recoup their investment. Otherwise, don't count on it. If you have a way of going right to a BSN, then do so. If you don't, then there is really no question of what you have to do.

[mskangaroo]

If you want to work on your current unit, I would go for the ADN. If you want to go into perioperative nursing, I would go ahead and get your BSN and try to get a periop job after graduating. I have worked with nurses who went the ADN route and then weren't able to switch to the specialty they wanted.

[G019, BSN, RN]

Thanks for the advice everyone :)! After a lot of thought I decided to pursue the BSN route. I have looonnng road ahead of me but I know it will be worth it in the end as things worth fighting for takes time. There's so many options within this field and I want to be able to take advantage of that. For now I'll focus on taking baby steps by knocking out these prereqs course by course.