State University vs Technical School Employer Perception

[audreysmom]

Hi all, I am brand new to this website and I have a general question to ask. Earlier this year I quit my job to have a baby and stay home to raise her. I have been at home for almost a year and I am ready to take on the challenge of going back to school. I already have one undergrad degree in Psychology. My intent is to pursue my ADN and work part time or a couple of shifts every week.

The nursing program at the State University in my hometown is very good and very hard to get into. I took the HESI and got an 87, but it had just been a long time for the anatomy portion.

MY QUESTION. Does it really matter to employers if I get an ADN from my State University or would it be ok to spend less time and less money by pursuing one from my local technical school?

Thank you for your input.

[RN2784]

There are several ways to become a nurse. I really don't think employers look down on one versus another but I am not a hiring manager or in HR or anything. Not having a BSN may limit you in some ways though.

For instance, if you wanted to get your Master's degree or maybe go into management. Some complanies I have seen advertise jobs that specicifically say you need a BSN to apply. I would recommend taking a look at the hospitals or places you would like to work in your area. Look at the job postings and see if they specify. You could always get your ADN or Associates and hope for an employer that gives tuition benefits to pursue your BSN once you are working if that's your interest.

You're in a kind of unique, and very similar to my own, position with having a prior BA however. I have a BA in psychology and worked in the field for 10 years before becoming an RN. I went to a ADN program but got extremely lucky. My schooling was basically fully sponsored by the hospital I worked for in exchange for 3 years work agreement. So as you can guess that was the reason I went to the ADN program. I then worked full time and took online classes to finish out my BSN. It was only 24 credits and was pretty easy and convenient. I only did my BSN because I know I want to continue my education and the programs I am looking at are very competitive and I didn't want my BA in psychology and ADN to put me out of the running.

One other thing you might want to look at is an accelerated BSN program. I know where I used to live there was a school that had one. It was basically 1 year full time school and it was for people who had a bachelor's degree but wanted to become an RN. You finished the program and had your BSN. I don't think there are many of those around though but I'm not sure. Good luck though!