Student looking for advice!

[California92]

Hi Guys,

I had some questions and wanted to know everyones thoughts/opinions/your own personal experiences. Currently I am a student at a community college here in California. I have 2 more years for my pre-reqs depending on my choice of what "path" I decide to take. Now there is a school called Samuel Merritt University that is my dream school even though it is an arm and a leg.That school offers the RN to BSN program and other programs I am interested in. The school has a 3% acceptance rate and a high rate for its students passing and getting a job within a year of graduation. I know I have to keep my options open (which I am) but here's where I need advice. I was told by my school counselor that it would be in my best interest if I did the "bridge" program. Get my ADN then go to a CSU and do the RN to BSN program. I am just worried that eventually when I get my BSN and looking for a job...would they choose someone who went straight to a BSN program over someone who got an ADN and then a BSN?

Your thoughts are appreciated!

Thank you

[SanDiFrangles, RN, NP, CNS]

Hi California92! I'll take the first crack at your question, if you'll permit me.

1. ADN -> BSN vs. BSN Direct? So let me answer your final question first, would an employer look favorably over a student who obtained an BSN right away versus someone who obtained your ADN first and then went on for your BSN. The short answer is no it wouldn't matter. I regularly tell graduates it doesn't matter how you get to a BSN as long as you can get there. Ultimately, hospitals like BSN grads simply because it improves their BSN % rates if they are applying for ANCC's Magnet designation. I actually might suggest that doing the ADN route will get you in practice potentially sooner, which would give you a leg up if you were to just do the BSN track alone.

2. SMU. I like SMU very much - they have some great faculty there, and a phenomenal program. It's my belief that it doesn't matter a whole lot where you go for undergraduate nursing education, I would save your $ if you can. If graduate school is ever in the picture, I feel its worthwhile to go to a good graduate school. Most employers will provide assistance but you certainly don't want to borrow $ as an undergraduate and then be limited for graduate school. As a rule, don't borrow more than what you'll make on average as a RN in a year. For the bay area, salaries are inflated so if you can borrow significantly less than what an entry-level RN makes you'll be better off.

Anyway, hope that answers your questions. Don't just listen to me, I'm sure others will chime in as well.

[California92]

Hi Pennccrn!

Thank you so much for your response, I really appreciate it! That definitely helps and makes a lot of sense to me! Yeah SMU is wonderful and one of my friends got the opportunity to go there right after high school and she just graduated last year and already has a really nice job.