Trying to decide between an ADN or BSN

[Luciano_mateos]

Hello everyone,

I recently graduated with a bachelors in Health Services Administration from FIU, and I'm aspiring to become an RN. I am aware that the BSN is the best option, but I missed the deadline to apply for the accelerated program so I will need to wait about a year and a half to begin the program. However, I can start an ADN program this spring in a nearby community college. The ADN program is also accelerated so I would complete it in three semesters. By pursuing the ADN program, I will be able to start working sooner, and therefore, be able to pay for my BSN in the future. My only concern is if the ADN is useful in the job market these days. I know that many industry leaders are making the jump to BSN, and I do not want to be stuck with a degree that would make it difficult to break into the job market. Would my current bachelors help me stand out among other applicants? What would you do in my situation. Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[windsurfer8, BSN, RN]

Contact the hospital where you want to work. See if they are hiring new grad ADN nurses. The "best"option may not be the "best" for everyone. Your current bachelors MAY make a difference, but more than likely won't. The reason is you would be hired to be an RN and would count in their numbers as ADN RN. Who knows...just gather info from the actual source.

[liane90]

I am in a similar situation. I have my bachelors in health sciences, and I applied to an ADN program that starts in the fall. Because I already have a bachelors, there are many programs that I can go straight into an MSN program online, and complete in the same time as I would have a bachelors.That is the route I chose due to finances and wanting to work. The above poster made a good point though, check the applications procedures of your nearby hospitals.

[jaycam, RN]

Around here the the saying is "the best program for you is the one that accepts you." There is a caveat that it needs to be accredited so you can continue on later, and do continue on.

[mirandaaa]

For me, I got into the ASN program because it only required a semester a pre-requisites and 4 semesters of the program, but the BSN programs nearby required 2-4 semesters of pre-requisites and 6 semesters in the program.

I chose the ASN to get my nursing license quicker and I can begin working while taking an online BSN program. The thing I like about this is that it'll essentially take the same amount of time for me to do ASN-BSN as the students just doing BSN only BUT the catch is that I can start working and gaining experience in the field long before them.

Just check around your local facilities on if they accept ASN-RNs. A lot of times they do as long as you make it clear you're going to start working on your BSN immediately and generally you'll have to obtain your BSN within a certain amount of time in order to remain employed.