traces

Thanks for the advice. My concern is that I am 43 years old and time is of the essence. My plan is to start the LVN program next year (maybe get a job) then immediately bridge to the ADN program (this should take me about the same amount of time as waiting out the lottery and completing a two-year program), get hired, then work on the BSN. But the other concern is what you eluded to...how to get hired with just the ADN here in California. I heard on the radio that this economic downturn should improve in several years at which time the nursing job outlook will be much better. Are ADNs just not getting hired? Just how difficult is it?

ADN or BSN? Who is getting hired? Are hospitals only looking for only BSNs? Is attaining an ADN pointless? Thanks for the advice.

Consider an LVN program at a community college, then an LVN-RN bridge program also at a community college, incuring zero debt. This is what I am doing. The LVN program is 1.5 years and the bridge program is one year and should be at least easier to get into than a full RN program. With the long lotteries to get into an RN program I should finish doing it this way at about the same time or earlier...fewer pre-reqs for the LVN program and a micro class later its into the bridge program. I couldn't imagine a debt of 30K on a job earning under $20 per hour....for a nursing program in a good economy, perhaps, but not for LVN, especially in a poor economy. I am going to Mission College by the way which offers both programs.

I figure it would take about the same amount of time to get into and finish the LVN program 1 1/2 years then get into the LVN-RN bridge which is a one year program...versus...taking more pre-requisites, 2 or 3 year lottery, and 2 years to complete the nursing program. I would plan on furthering my education and attain a BSN after I got hired. I guess I am worried that ADNs are not as desirable as BSNs and I may have trouble getting hired. I am also 43 so time is of the essence. I really need to get a career going. Finishing a BSN would take quite a long time.

I am a 43 year old male and taking prerequisites for an LVN program in community college. After entering and completing an LVN program I plan to attend the college's LVN - RN bridge program which would give me an associates degree. I am debating whether to go for a Bachelors straight off or continue on my plan and get the Bachelors after hired as a nurse with an associates degree. What are the benefits of having a Bachelors versus an Associate degree in nursing, i.e. where you would work, starting pay, opportunity for advancement, respect, etc? Thank you.