prior BS + ADN = BSN????

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Hi y'all! I'm a ADN student in Dallas Tx with a few questions

I have a previous BS degree in Human Biology/Health promotion double major earned in 2005. I've worked (currently still do) for an organ procurement organization as a first assistant in surgery and a transplant organ preservationist for the last 3.5 years. In addition, I've worked as a tissue recovery tech for a tissue bank, phleb at blood bank and a pharmacy tech. I feel as though I have a good deal of clinical experience and science background compared to most of my classmates. I'm sure my previous degree and work experience helps. (Please don't take this as bragging...I really don't have a big head)

I'm currently in an ADN program. Does anyone think my prior experience will help with getting a job? From what I've heard, many places aren't hiring ADNs....but I have a prior BS and gobs of experience....I'm confused and concerned. I do plan on doing a BSN bridge, but do you think I'd get hired as an ADN?

Thanks

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

Having a prior Bachelors in a health science may help, probably won't though, and definitely won't be seen as equivalent to a BSN degree.

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Maybe, maybe not. Depends on the individual employer.

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I am in the same boat, and have heard conflicting stories. I think it might help in getting a job, but it doesn't make you equal to a BSN. I am going to go interview and apply with by past BS degree in my pocket as well as tell them that I plan to continue on with furthering my nursing degree once I can pay for it. Best of luck!!

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

ADN + other BS does not = BSN. You will need to attend a separate BSN program in order to obtain and be considered for positions requiring a BSN.

Prior experience MAY help. In my experience (as I also have my share of prior healthcare experience), it doesn't seem to help much for getting into acute care, where all anyone seems to care about is that all-important RN acute care experience. Never mind that I had a wider scope of practice as a Navy corpsman than I do now as a nurse. :sarcastic:

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Specializes in ICU.

I don't know. I hope with all of that experience you have made some connections because in today's market I honestly think that helps tons. I have several already and am making more. I think if you have an outgoing personality and attitude it also helps.

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I'm just wondering why you didn't get a bridge BSN vs ADN? That seems like that would have been a better option.

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Thanks for the replies! It's a good feeling to know that other people are in a similar situation.

I would've loved to have just gotten into a BSN program. It certainly does sound ideal, but the cost is pretty high. Since I already have a BS, financial aid is a no-go. In addition, getting into the BSN programs here in Dallas is pretty dang hard....not to mention expensive. I'm paying for my ADN in cash. I figured I could keep working in transplant while I do the ADN, then do a BSN bridge program afterwards. I've seen many online bridge programs that are only 2 semesters in length.

I'd sure hope experience does something!lol. 90% of my classmates have little to no past clinical experience. I'd imagine that when it comes to application processes a new RN with 5yrs surgical experience > a new RN with no experience. I could be wrong though!

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I'd sure hope experience does something!lol. 90% of my classmates have little to no past clinical experience. I'd imagine that when it comes to application processes a new RN with 5yrs surgical experience > a new RN with no experience. I could be wrong though!

Experience can be helpful. However, your surgical experience is highly specialized and doesn't really translate into most of nursing practice.

I'm not saying your experience won't be helpful and valued by some employers. Just that you can't assume that it will be. Best wishes!

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.
Thanks for the replies! It's a good feeling to know that other people are in a similar situation.

I would've loved to have just gotten into a BSN program. It certainly does sound ideal, but the cost is pretty high. Since I already have a BS, financial aid is a no-go. In addition, getting into the BSN programs here in Dallas is pretty dang hard....not to mention expensive. I'm paying for my ADN in cash. I figured I could keep working in transplant while I do the ADN, then do a BSN bridge program afterwards. I've seen many online bridge programs that are only 2 semesters in length.

I'd sure hope experience does something!lol. 90% of my classmates have little to no past clinical experience. I'd imagine that when it comes to application processes a new RN with 5yrs surgical experience > a new RN with no experience. I could be wrong though!

Again, it may or may not. It feels like it's the luck of the draw sometimes (yes, and connections, but even they can only take you so far). I was performing minor surgery myself (like my superior's vasectomy), performing PAP exams, prescribing meds, starting IVs, caring for all populations (from newborns to geriatrics), giving immunizations, doing well baby exams, packing wounds, assisting with the occasional code (we had an urgent care center with a trauma room)... Plus, I was a phlebotomist at a local hospital (that is now closed, so no connections there, either). You'd think SOME of this might count for something. It helped me get a home IV infusion position, which has been good, and employers love that job, but I'm still not in acute care, and the work is very inconsistent.

I would pursue the online BSN as soon as you can. Make sure you do a reputable program.

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Something to think about...I'm in the same boat, but my BS is in English Lit! Not really a good match. LOL. As far as other experience, all I have is a degree in Massage Therapy.

IDK where you live, but I was kinda afraid I wouldn't get anything either because no one wanted to even give me a call and talk to me with nothing but an ASN. I was doing some PRN work giving vaccines for a couple of months so I could at least say I had done SOMETHING as an RN and a lot of those nurses were in the same boat--some looking for a year or more. So I was a seriously concerned!

My saving grace was getting into an "RN Residency" at Cleveland Clinic. It wasn't really well advertised and I almost feel like I got lucky considering it only took 2 months and over 30 apps to other places! You might need to dig into your connections a little and see where it goes. Cleveland Clinic is giving me 5 years to get the BSN, with $5000/year I think it is after 1 year that I can put toward tuition. Also, it might be a selling point that you already have a BS, only because a decent school will hopefully transfer a lot of what you already have and it won't take you as long as someone who doesn't have any other education!

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2 semesters?! I would really research this program before doing it because that sounds off.

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