Second degree ABSN during this economy?

CrufflerJJ, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Jul 11, 2009

Not sure if you've already thought of it, but many ADN programs have a long waiting list (2-3 years). Accel BSN programs may not have such a long waiting list. Depending on your current job (& income), it may make sense to spend the extra $$$ for an accel BSN program & get through it in 12-18 months, rather than wait 2-3 years then spend another 2+ years for an ADN.

j450n, BSN, MSN, RN · Jul 12, 2009

Thanks, I appreciate your reply.

Over here, in the greater Seattle area, most ADN programs have abandoned a wait list system and have opted for competitive admission. The one I'm thinking of applying to has a points system, which I am fairly optimistic about my chances. Also, there is but one accelerated program in Washington state which is just about to accept applications for its first class ever. The cost is over $40,000. I feel like I could go out-of-state and pay even less, which I don't really mind either.

It is true what you mentioned though...I can't get over the fact that I could be done much earlier. However, I keep reading stories about how new grads are spending months at a time looking for jobs. If I'm one of those students after graduating, I know I will kick myself for not going through the ADN route because those months that I am searching for a job, I could have still been in nursing school, probably less stressed out, and saving a huge chunk of change. Furthermore, I pretty much lived off of credit cards throughout undergrad, and it's going to take me quite awhile to pay it off. The aforementioned is going to be much longer if I add a pricey nursing school on top of it.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Jul 13, 2009

Yeah, I completely hear you on that dilemma. I've opted to go the ABSN route for a few reasons: I'd be done earlier, I'd have my BSN already (I am 90% sure I want to pursue advanced practice eventually), the school has a positive reputation well out of the region (and I'm hoping that will be helpful in this job market), my husband is supporting us both now and doesn't want that strain for 2 more years, and because after paying my dues in prerequisites at the community college, I feel like I deserve to go to the fancy school ;-P

But I'm still not completely comfortable with the difference in cost. I'm not completely convinced that it's the best decision, and do feel like I'm going out on a pretty major limb. I wish I could see in to the future because *then* I think I'll know if I did the right thing.

We're able to be pretty flexible in terms of relocating, and I think that was a huge tipping-point factor for me in the end. If we were more tied to our current location, I think I'd have gone with the community college.

elkpark · Jul 13, 2009

It would be better to have less student debt than more, obviously, and, at this particular point in time, it might be better to go the cheaper, slower route -- that would give the economy more time to recover before you reach the job-hunting phase. Also, lots of people are able to work part-time in ADN programs, while ABSN programs are extremely rigorous and demanding because of the limited amount of time into which the program is crammed. The ABSN programs tell you right up front you should not plan on working at all while you're in the program.

As you note, many new graduates these days are having a v. hard time finding employment. There is certainly lots of discussion about that here.

Also, there has been some discussion here of how well ABSN grads felt prepared to enter practice, and their experiences when they do so, compared to "traditional" nursing programs. You may want to do a search for these older threads and review them before making a decision.

knina · Jul 15, 2009

Good questions. Thanks for bringing them up.

PackersFan · Jul 15, 2009

I am/was in the exact same situation. (I have my BS in Health Care Administration.) I applied to an accelerated BSN program, as well as 3 ADN programs for Fall 2009. In southern California, the competition is ridiculous! The accelerated BSN program at Cal State Northridge had over 350 applicants for 18 spots. One of the ADN programs that I applied to, Goldenwest College, had over 700 applicants for around 60 spots.

Luckily, I was accepted into one of the ADN programs that I applied to. I will be starting the program in about 6 weeks.

Also, like another poster mentioned, I will be able to work while in the ADN program (and keep my insurance benefits!) The accelerated BSN program's application specifically stated that you are not to be employed while in the program.

Basically, my opinion is to apply to both types of programs & see where you get accepted first. Then go from there. I completely stressed myself out over a situation that never happened. I am much more confident going right into an ADN program, as opposed to waiting to get into a BSN program. (Even if that means that I joke around with my friends that I'm "just" a junior college student, again!) :)

navy2001 · Jul 18, 2009

I was mulling over the same thing as I begin to take my prerequisites. I will be paying out of pocket because I cannot take on anymore debt. In any case, the ADN programs have a stupidly long and complicated way of going about admissions for all of the community colleges here in MD and the University of Maryland is the only public university with a BSN at a cost of just under $8000 annually for tuition and fees (the CNL program is $493/credit hour). I actually have two bachelor's -- a B.S. in History and a B.S. in Business Administration.

I personally don't believe in letting the economy dictate whether or not I follow a change in career that I believe should take place. Besides, it isn't like there aren't RN jobs out there, but you have to remember that some people present themselves better when they apply for jobs than others do. Don't let other people's misery or failures or jadedness dictate what you do with your life.

I hope that last part helps the most.