Reapply to BSN program? Or take the ADN seat?

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Hi Everyone,

I need some advice. I just found out that I didn't get into Sac State's Nursing School for Spring 2015. I am Alternate #19. I had 71 points on my application (87.3% on my TEAS and 3.932 nursing GPA, no optional points). We have been told that Alternates 1-5 have a good chance at getting called on, but that's about it. **SUPER BUMMED. I'm 38 and have worked really hard to get this far. It's pretty discouraging.** I currently attend Sac State (CSUS) getting all my general education requirements out of the way. I have been accepted to American River College (ARC) for their ADN Nursing Program in the Spring 2015... I am supposed to start on Jan 20, 2015.

My question is... should I wait and reapply for Sac State's BSN program for Fall 2015? Or should I take the ADN seat this January and just do an RN-BSN program (12 months) after I complete the 2 year ADN program?

Obviously I am worried about wasting the tuition costs and longer wait to get a job if I only have an RN certificate. I've been doing nursing pre-reqs for so long, I really just want to start a nursing program... but I would love to hear from working BSN's and those that just have their ADN... and from BSN/ RN students.

Thanks Guys.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

You might want to consider taking the ADN seat and apply for the BSN program for Fall 2015. If you're accepted into that program, you might choose to complete or drop out of the ADN program. You'll only be adding maybe a semester or so if you switch programs. If you're not selected for the Fall '15 program, stay in the ADN program because at that point, the overall time to get to BSN will be the same if you're selected for the Spring '16 class, possibly faster.

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Thanks, akulahawkRN. :) Do the colleges allow you to apply to other programs once you've already started? I was told by ARC's advisor that they 'frown upon' that kind of thing. I think I will end up taking the ADN seat... I just worry that I have a hard time finding a job to do the RN-BSN bridge program with just an RN certificate.

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Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.

Take the ADN seat and bridge to BSN when you're done. Time & cost savings!!!

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.
Thanks, akulahawkRN. :) Do the colleges allow you to apply to other programs once you've already started? I was told by ARC's advisor that they 'frown upon' that kind of thing. I think I will end up taking the ADN seat... I just worry that I have a hard time finding a job to do the RN-BSN bridge program with just an RN certificate.

Of course they frown upon it- you drop their program, and that's one more seat that could have gone to someone else. However, you need to do what's best for you. I would also suggest reapplying, but accepting ARC's program. You're right- it's a tough market in Sac, and you will need a BSN to get into acute care (hospital). If you want to pursue home health or long term care, you will likely be fine with an ADN. Many hospitals, however, will accept ADN-prepared nurses if they are enrolled in a BSN program, or agree to obtain their BSN within X amount of time.

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Specializes in public health, women's health, reproductive health.

If you "only have an RN certificate"? What is an RN certificate?

Putting that aside, I don't know how much the colleges you are talking about cost, so I can't factor that into my advise. But generally speaking, if I were you, I'd go ahead with the ADN program and then bridge over if you choose to.

I am graduating from an ADN program in a couple of weeks. I went this route purely because it was the least expensive way for me to reach my goal. YMMV. I already have a BA in another field and if I continue it will most likely be RN-MSN.

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Specializes in ICU/ Surgery/ Nursing Education.

Assuming that the ADN program has decent NCLEX pass rates, I would so be in that program ASAP. Would you be guaranteed acceptance in the spring or summer at the BSN program? Probably not which means you could get your ADN then continue your BSN quicker if you start now. Plus you can work while getting your BSN.

You may not get the job you want as an ADN RN, but there are still jobs available in clinics, long term care, and even some facilities. It is true that many facilities would like BSN's but you can still find employment as an ADN.

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

I would check with the hospitals where you plan to apply and even see if they hire ADN nurses who are new grads. If they do then it may be a good idea to go that route. Many hospitals do not hire ADN nurses and you need to do the leg work on this PRIOR to just slapping down the money.

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By all means, start the ADN program. The bird in the bush concept at play. It would be a different matter if you were alternate number 6, but being number 19, I think you can rely on the fact that you won't be getting in and applying again probably won't yield much better results.

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By all means, start the ADN program. The bird in the bush concept at play. It would be a different matter if you were alternate number 6, but being number 19, I think you can rely on the fact that you won't be getting in and applying again probably won't yield much better results.

Thank you for the advice, caliotter, but, ouch! "Applying again probably won't yield much better results"? That's a bit harsh. The whole idea of applying again was supported by an action plan of increasing my application score with a better TEAS score and additional points for completing a volunteer program. Thanks for the vote of confidence! :-/

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I did not say that to be harsh. What are you able to do to make that much of a difference so that they score you at "admit" or "alternate 2 or 3"? You need to be realistic. Realistically, you have a seat in nursing school starting in January. Congratulations.

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I would check with the hospitals where you plan to apply and even see if they hire ADN nurses who are new grads. If they do then it may be a good idea to go that route. Many hospitals do not hire ADN nurses and you need to do the leg work on this PRIOR to just slapping down the money.

Thanks for the advice windsurfer. I thought about that and did my research. There are some acute facilities that hire new grads... It's just extremely competitive. One of our regional hospitals has a very structured new grad hiring system (Sutter's STRONG program) and I'm not set on acute care. I just want to be able to work and complete a BSN bridge program.

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