Should I regret going ADN over BSN?

daisygarten · Aug 7, 2012

After going back and forth, I have decided to get my ADN then later bridge. I will have to attend 7 semesters, total, instead of 5; but the fact is; as a career switcher, I need the flexibility to available to my family through the hybrid ADN program. If I go for BSN, the time and travel commitment are not a good fit. My goal is to get a couple of years working twelves then start the RN to BSN. I will get there eventually!

I advise you to go confidently forward :)

ap21ril · Aug 7, 2012

I'm going the ASN route because that is where I got in. I talked to my manager (I am a CNA in a hospital) and she said she would still hire ADN/ASN nurses if they worked for the hospital prior. Maybe you can look into working part time as a CNA/nurse apprentice to get your foot in the door to be hired after you graduate?

kdbean530 · Aug 7, 2012

I started the ADN route as well. In California they will still hire us, but it may take 6 months to a year. It's a lot easier to get a job as an RN if you already work in the hospital. My original goal was to get my ADN, work as an RN for a year or so, and then go for my bachelors. However, I went to talk to a nursing recruiter at the VA and she pretty much said dream on. Told me to come back when I had my bachelors. So now I'm starting to regret going the ADN route. But I don't think there's much time difference in going the bridge route compared to going straight through.

k_girl153 · Aug 7, 2012

My reasons for going ADN were strictly monetary. I made too much to get any financial aid although I had quit my job a few months before the program started. So I would have had to shell out over 40k out of pocket. My fiancé and I had that money earmarked for a rainy day so I just couldn't will myself to part with the money.

Availability of NG jobs will vary by area. Many people who graduated in May from our school ended up with jobs prior to graduation or shortly thereafter..at the biggest hospital in town nonetheless. Some were techs there during school. I completely agree with working as a tech during school. Many of the hospitals I worked at guaranteed you a job once you pass NCLEX. The hospital I work at now has already discussed transferring me to a nurse position when I graduate in May 2013.

I hope you learn to become more comfortable with your decision. There are different paths to the same destination and you have to choose the one that fits you at that time. Good luck!

PNicholas · Aug 8, 2012

I am so glad that we do not have that problem in our area. It is unheard of around here that you can not get a job with just an ADN! The way I see it...we take the same test to get our license...why are they not hiring?? I don't know another program that requires 12 hour clinicals...mine does!! Anyways...I'm going to jump off my soap box now! Good luck!

veggie530 · Aug 8, 2012

A lot of getting a job with an ADN out here in CA is who you know. I'm kissing so much butt that my lips are chapped.

So hard to draw that line between butt kisser and brown noser, too. I swear, I'm gonna have to marry someone's daughter to get a job.

kdbean530 · Aug 9, 2012

Where do you live k-girl?

Katie71275 · Aug 10, 2012

Im my area, ADN are fine! They have no problems. Im in North LA. In fact, a lot of the grads from our program are preferred over others b/c of how well rounded we are and apparently some programs here the BSN's don't help with baths/bed changes, etc.

So I would be confident with your choice!

k_girl153 · Aug 10, 2012

@kdbean....I live in cental IL :)

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Aug 10, 2012

depends on where you live. In my area there are way more ADN nurses than BSN so we hire them gladly.I went the ADN-BSN route myself but that was years ago. Focus on school and getting a license. Let the future take care of itself.

kdbean530 · Aug 15, 2012

I am willing to move anywhere that will hire new grads! So please share where I could go! Illinois sure sounds good!