I'm currently taking my prereqs at a university. I only have a couple classes left to take. The nursing school I want to go to has a 25% acceptance rate. It's not only competitive, but it's the only place in my city that has a traditional BSN program. I've done well grade-wise, but I want a back up plan, just in case.
There's another nursing school in my city that has an RN and an RN-BSN program, which would take longer. But this nursing school requires an ADN in order to apply. Should I go ahead and start working on an ADN at a CC while I attempt to get into the more competitive school?
Please don't say "Apply at nursing schools outside your city." My situation will not allow that.
I guess it depends where you live. My area has a nursing shortage, they'll take ADNs without a problem. The hospitals just make you get a BSN within 5 years.
Apply to both. ADN is not a waste of time. I'm in an ADN program and already have accepted a job at a magnate hospital. I graduate in 13 weeks. I'll be starting the online bsn program next semester. I'll be making real money sooner while letting my job pay for my bsn.
No education is a waste of time. I got my LPN, cuz it only took 1 year, then I earned LPN wages while working on my ADN, instead of CNA wages. Either way it was 3 years to ADN, if you counted the year of pre-reqs. Now I am going from ADN to FNP, the course has a "bridge" component that earns me my BSN after only one year. I never bothered with a BSN on it's own, because in my career, it wouldn't earn me any more dinero. But many a career path requires a BSN or higher, so getting experience as an RN using the ADN degree is certainly worthwhile, plus it pays a heck of a lot better while you are completing the requirements for BSN. I wholeheartedly endorse going to a local school, if for no other reason than an easy commute. And unless you have a firm understanding of a career path requiring a BSN, which maybe you do, I think you will be pleasantly surprised at all the opportunities for ADN/ASN nurses.
I think there are several factors to consider. First, I agree with other commenters who seem offended by the characterization that an ADN program is a waste of time. Probably half of the RNs working in the US are ADNs and you won't make friends among them with that idea. Many of the ADNs I have worked with, an even diploma nurses, are some of the best nurses I know and I would be happy to have them take care of me or my loved ones. Second, it is true, nevertheless, that nursing is changing. Ever since the last recession, when many nurses returned to the workforce or had to delay retirement, it's been harder to get that first nursing job. My employer will only hire BSN new grads and this has been the case for a few years now. Thus, it IS important to get a BSN, and you may not get your "dream" first job with the ADN. However, you probably will be able to get a job somewhere and earn better pay while you do your BSN. I agree that you should apply to both places and make sure you have all prerequisites done. Also perhaps consider volunteering at a hospital? Work as a CNA to get some hospital experience? Something that can make you stand out a bit more on your application. I was originally an ADN, just finished my BSN and have been accepted to NP school. I love being a nurse, and I hope you do too. Good luck!
It depends on what you want to do when you graduate! I know that a lot of hospitals are requiring a Bachelors degree for new grads coming in, or at least it really helped me when I was applying for jobs :) The money issue is something that you'll have to figure out on your own, if you're willing to pay more for a BSN rather than taking a longer route with the ADN program, it's up to you. Personally, I'm glad I chose the BSN route. It's a vigorous 2-3 years (depending on the program), but then you're done. I'd look up the kind of job you want and see what requirements they have. :)
Also, there's a lot of scholarships out there to help you pay for your schooling! Just a matter of putting in the work for it :)
Good luck to you.
Agree. Most hospitals now hire only incoming RNs with a Bachelors Degree. Going straight to a BSN route may be a better option at this time nowadays.
Just wanted to add - out of 30 students, only 8 of us graduated my ADN class; the rest either had failing grades or poor clinical performances. Come in with the attitude that a CC is automatically less competitive, and it may (or may not) backfire.
I am currently a first semester ADN student and I love it. The main reason I decided to get my ADN as oppose to a BSN is the cost. My program at the local community college only cost $1,600 including books. I was able to get a schlorship to cover the cost of tuition. I did some research about the school and discovered that the NCLEX pass rate at my school is 96%. So I think getting an ADN is totally worth it.
Jcgirl
60 Posts
I guess it depends where you live. My area has a nursing shortage, they'll take ADNs without a problem. The hospitals just make you get a BSN within 5 years.