RN- associates or bachelors degree?

[golfergirl17]

I talked with one of my coworkers who has sisters who are registered nurses and he said that registered nurses who have associates degrees aren't able to work as registered nurses unless they have a bachelors? I got into a discussion and told him that he was incorrect because I have friends who are in nursing programs at community colleges that have graduated and passed the NCLEX exam and they are now working at hospitals.

Obviously the more school you have under your belt, the better off you are and I'm waiting to get into the nursing program at a community college. How hard it is to get a job at a hospital after you get done with the nursing program and pass the NCLEX? I'm curious and confused. Please help!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Will move to general nursing student forum.

[Rednights]

Some people here are going to say if you are going to be a staff nurse or whatever for the rest of your life, it is okay to be go for the ASN. However, assuming you are young, don't have kids or any immediate concerns that require a job ASAP (yeah ... tell this to 1 year "new grads") and can afford a BSN, do so.

[UVA Grad Nursing]

Golfergirl:

There are 4 educational pathways that would allow you to sit for the RN licensure examination (known as the NCLEX). You need to complete a program to qualify to sit for the exam. If you pass the exam, you are qualified to be a RN.

These four pathways are: hospital training program (usually called a diploma), an Associates Degree, a BSN, or a Direct Entry MSN. You take the same NCLEX regardless of which program you pursued.

Now, some employers will not hire new RNs who are diploma or Associate's degree grads (these employers require a BSN or MSN for new nurses). Other employers do not have this degree level requirement to hire nurses.

Not all states have diploma programs.

[sandi1221]

I'm going through the same situation. I already hold a B.A. in Elementary education and Urban studies. I want to become a nurse. I found an accelerated program to RN. I would need to take 3 pre req. classes and the HESI exam. My problem is I don't feel I know enough to take the exam and pass; since I have never taken any nursing classes... Like you, I don't know if i should go to community college or not.

[ncsportsfan]

It really depends on where you live, where you want to work, and what your nursing career holds for you. Like another poster said if you want to be more than a staff nurse you need your BSN, if you need to work faster get your ADN. At most universities there is only 2yrs of nursing classes, the same with community colleges. With most CC's requiring prereq's before you can enter the nursing program it takes at least 3 years to complete the ADN if you don't have the sciences.

I have a ADN, I'm currently in a new grad orientation with a BSN and another ADN. All three of us have classmates who haven't found jobs. So the degree behind your name doesn't affect your job choices in the beginning for most new grads. The only thing I have noticed about BSN students is something got to work in critical care units because they used preceptors instead of at the CC's the instructor taking 4-6 students on a general med floor.

[sandi1221]

@ ncsportsfan What state are you in?

I find it odd that there's so many job advertisments for hursing jobs...you know of nurses without a job. I guess the experience also has a part in getting a nursing career.

The economy doesn't help at all. I'm not sure what to do...I would need 2re req. For a ADN and 3phases of clinicals.... I'm trying to go in the right path owning Sallie mae $32k already .... That's my issue, I don't know what to do?!

[ncsportsfan]

I'm in North Carolina. As far as out of work nurses, its expensive to hire new grads. With there being so many experienced nurses looking to find work in a different field or location its easy to find experience. Plus you have so many new grads taking a job anywhere just to get that year of experience they are sticking around either. Its like a gamble these days.

I find it hard to tell someone they are doing the wrong thing by getting an ADN first, now LPN would be something different. Most jobs still offer tuition reimbursement. Unless you know that ADN's aren't getting jobs where you live, it sounds like you in need of money fast, I'd get that ADN.

[tigerlily345]

It all depends on your location and the hospital you want to work at. Many of the "prestigious" or well known institutions would not even look at or consider your application unless you have a BSN. I do not think you are doing a disservice to yourself by pursuing your ADN. But more opportunities await you with a BSN. With the economy the way it is at the current time, its difficult for nurses with their BSN to find employment and it makes it that more difficult for the competing ADNs.

[sunrock]

This is the old story of lpn=aide, Rn=tech. nurse, bsn=Rn, how long is this mess going to go on. Now it is 3.5 or better, WHAT ABOUT CARING, now it is DOCTORATE, like someone posted on another post, is this what nursing is coming to INTIALS, initials. Who is going to take care of the pts., then there is a nursing shortage, Goodness, what next.

[asfreeasabird]

It all depends on the area. I was hired 3months before graduation with my ADN, and my new grad I just precepted was hired 1month before graduation. When I was in long term care my DON had her associates degree. My team leader has her associates, as well as our educator for our floor, several of our case managers have their associates. In our area there are a lot of oppertunities for ADNs, you need to look at what the market is. We are fortunate to live in an area that I don't know any unemployed nurses.

[jane_doe]

I think community college is the way to start your nursing career. Study hard and earn good grades and you will be fine. When you are interviewing be sure to mention that your goal is to earn a bachelors and they will be more inclined to hire you. It is all about having a positive and determined attitude. When you get hired the hospital can help pay for your bachelors so it is a very smart move on your part.

I wish you the best of luck!