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.
This is my second attempt at nursing school. My first attempt was 10 years ago. My grades were great, but it was taking a toll on my family so I decided to wait until my kids were older. I decided to go for a BSN this time because I was getting older and at this point really wanted a Bachelor's degree. Anyway, I have no idea when this happened, but sometime in the last 10 years there has developed this attitude towards ADNs. I don't get it - even with me choosing to get a BSN. For me it wasn't because I thought an ADN wasn't a real nurse or any of the attitudes I've seen on this forum as of late. In fact, some of the ADN programs I think turn out better nurses. The majority of my clinical coaches have had been ADNs and not BSNs. I've seen way more ADNs in the hospital than BSNs. I do think there is a push towards BSNs, but if I had a choice between starting an ADN program or sitting and waiting I'd surely choose starting with the ADN.
Edited to add: I see that you are from California. I can see that may be weighing on your decision. I think the job market there is more challenging which is probably pushing the BSN only thinking. I still think a bird in the hand... and go for the ADN and then bridge over regardless.
Yeah- or you could do what I did- retake it and get a worse score! lol (true story!) --- I work and know lots of ADNs, none have had trouble finding work with their ADNs. Good luck and congrats on getting into the ADN program and on the university wait list- both are great accomplishments!
Thanks. Loo17. The BSN program at SacState is actually 4 semesters. So I would be looking at graduating end of May 2017. But, yes, I understand what you are saying. Like I said before, it's just a hard decision to make when I have been working my butt off at 38. And yeah, I'm not getting any younger... thanks for pointing that out.
My other concern is that over the next 2 years, more and more hospitals may change their hiring criteria and make it much more difficult for ADN-prepared nurses.
I'm going off of information I was given at a pre-med/ pre-nursing conference I attended in October.
I was a "mature nursing student" as well, I hope you didn't take offense! A BSN information session probably would steer you to pursue their degree. I would agree that most hospitals prefer BSN when they go for Magnet Status but their are hospitals that will hire you especially if they see how awesome you are during nursing school clinical (networking works). Plus many places offer some sort of tuition reimbursement, even SNF's. It will be a nice bonus for you to get a break on tuition. I think you should go for the ADN and try to see all the positives. Good luck!
Although to be honest with the attitude you have towards ADNs maybe sitting waiting is the right choice.
Whoa... I'm not sure how you think I have an attitude towards ADNs. I have never insinuated they are less important, knowledgable, 'not a real nurse', what have you. Truth be told, I would rather attend the ADN college because I prefer the culture there. My decision is based 110% on what will be best for my marketability as an RN when I pass the NCLEX in 2 years and am looking for a job. Look at the statistics... there is very little wage difference in ADN to RN-BSN. All I am hearing from other RNs in my family and at industry conferences is that you really need to get a BSN to get a good job. So, I have prepared myself for a BSN degree. I have sacrificed time with my family, kids plays, and earning 2 incomes to get here. I'm going to assume you didn't read the posts leading up to what you wrote and I'll chalk it up to not knowing what I've already posted.
Sheesh!! I never thought I'd be attacked for this post. Why are so many of you so angry?
Yeah- or you could do what I did- retake it and get a worse score! lol (true story!) --- I work and know lots of ADNs, none have had trouble finding work with their ADNs. Good luck and congrats on getting into the ADN program and on the university wait list- both are great accomplishments!
Thank you, newhospicern! :) Yes, getting a worse score is always a possibility. And, just my luck, that would happen to me as well!
Whoa... I'm not sure how you think I have an attitude towards ADNs. I have never insinuated they are less important, knowledgable, 'not a real nurse', what have you. Truth be told, I would rather attend the ADN college because I prefer the culture there. My decision is based 110% on what will be best for my marketability as an RN when I pass the NCLEX in 2 years and am looking for a job. Look at the statistics... there is very little wage difference in ADN to RN-BSN. All I am hearing from other RNs in my family and at industry conferences is that you really need to get a BSN to get a good job. So, I have prepared myself for a BSN degree. I have sacrificed time with my family, kids plays, and earning 2 incomes to get here. I'm going to assume you didn't read the posts leading up to what you wrote and I'll chalk it up to not knowing what I've already posted.
Sheesh!! I never thought I'd be attacked for this post. Why are so many of you so angry?
I edited my post which you had missed because I took note of the fact that you are in California which makes a lot more sense your drive for bsn only. I am grateful that I don't live in a state with that much competition for RN programs as well as employment. I'm sorry you read this post before my edit. With you living in California I can certainly understand your position, but I would still take the adn route given your circumstances.
KathyVandy
66 Posts
Yes, after sitting with my bruised ego overnight, I realize I need to take the avenue that will get me in the door the quickest.