RN vs RN/BSN? Help!

Go straight for the BSN RN. Here in Cali, all hospitals "prefer" BSN.

The hours are just a bit longer. Totally worth it though.

It depends on where you live. Here where I live in PA there isn't a preference for BSN or ADN and there isn't a huge difference in pay. So look into what they are hiring in your area. If I had stayed in NYC in would've pursued my BSN. Also the school I am applying to has very little prerequisites, so although I am only just starting this year I can get accepted into next year's program and I will know by February.

MY plan is to get my ADN IF AND ONLY IF I get accepted for next year's program. If I get rejected then I will complete more prerequisites to apply for a BSN because I'll be waiting an extra year anyway.

I wanted to add that I will be pursuing my BSN anyway because I eventually want to be a Midwife. But I have a family and if I get my ADN i can work and complete my RN to BSN online and have my job assist in paying for schooling so I can limit my student debt.

Where did you hear the RN is being phased out? An ADN and BSN are both RNs. It really all depends where you live. Some areas want the BSN, and in some areas it doesn't matter. See what your local hospitals are hiring. There will always be a need for all kinds of nurses. Whether it is a LPN or a nurse practitioner. Do what is right for you.

In which state do you live? If you're in Humboldt County, CA, you will be OK with your ADN (realize that both ADN and BSN = RN). Since HSU no longer has a BSN program, most of the RNs there are educated through CR these days, thus, have an ADN. You can do your ADN, work at St. Joe's (or a SNF or something else), and do an online BSN program if you choose.

There's a difference between understaffed and actually hiring. Most hospitals have job listings, but that doesn't mean that jobs are abundant. For new grads, the market is TOUGH in most areas, some more so than others. Most positions, if you look, require acute care experience, or at least a year of experience in whatever.

In my area, hospitals are only hiring BSNs, but ADNs can get jobs at nursing homes, doctor's offices, etc. I do plan on getting my BSN, but the only school in the area that offers a 4-year program is outrageously expensive. I am getting my ADN through my local community college; I can afford to pay for the program out of pocket since it is very affordable and I got some financial aid. Once I graduate from there, I plan on taking the NCLEX and then evaluating on whether I want/need to get a job and do a part-time online RN-to-BSN program, or whether I can afford to go full-time in the same program to complete it faster. As I can do that through a state school as well, it will save me thousands of dollars in the long-run, although it may take me an extra year of time.

Where I'm from (Ohio), hospitals are starting to not hire RNs with associate's. Not sure how it is where you are, but if financial aid covers it, definitely go for the BSN. BSN seems the best in the long run, plus you won't have to worry when and if you do want to continue your education to possibly be an NP or become more specialized.