Trying to be realistic.. Opinions?

Epic_RN · Feb 16, 2012

I have an ADN, graduated in December, most of my classmates had Versant Residency program spots before graduation and the others chose to wait for their licenses and then apply at the local county level 1 trauma center. Depending on geographics, jobs are out there for ADNs.

subee, MSN, CRNA · Feb 17, 2012

I know soooooo many people have discussed the topic of ADN vs. BSN... but I need help making my decision.
As of right now, I am not interested in any management positions which BSNs are often needed for. I am only interested in bedside nursing.. MAYBE management far in the future.
In today's job market, realistically, is it possible to get a job with your ADN only? Or would I struggle to find a job until I finally earned my BSN?
I live in Vermont, but very close to Darmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. I know that the area of the country has an affect on whether or not BSNs are required in hospitals.
Thanks in advance!
-Sarah

Sarah, congratulations on knowing what you want to do. But you are under the misconception that BSN degree is only for people who want to work in management. I got a BSN in the 70's in New York City. 40 years later...I never lost a job because I had a BSN and since I wasn't intrerested in management, went on for MSN and still work with patients. While going to school I was very poor and, for a brief time, on food stamps. I also had a job, took some loans, got a few scholarships. If you can possible do it, go for it. You never want to have to work in a setting because they're the only shop in town who will hire an ADN. And you never know your future so don't limit your options. More hospitals are requiring BSN for bedside nursing - it's the future so don't prepare yourself for the past.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Feb 17, 2012

I also live in New England, but not in Vermont or New Hampshire, though I'd guess that Dartmouth (being the "premier" teaching hospital in NH and a Magnet hospital to boot) would probably give preference to BSNs, if they don't require the BSN for consideration. Hospitals of that size and reputation often do because they know people want to work there just because of their reputation. My advice- go for the BSN.

Sarah96 · Feb 18, 2012

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! Another thing I've been considering is getting my ADN first, then doing an RN to BSN completion option.. This seems to be the fastest and cheapest way to get the BSN, and still have a lot of hands on training from the ADN!

Sarah96 · Feb 18, 2012

KelRN215, my sister in law works in human resources and hires a lot of nurses for DHMC. You're correct on them giving preference to BSNs, but in some departments are still willing to hire ADNs. What is your opinion on the RN to BSN completion options?

Sarah96 · Feb 18, 2012

KelRN215, my sister in law works in human resources and hires a lot of nurses for DHMC. You're correct on them giving preference to BSNs, but in some departments are still willing to hire ADNs. What is your opinion on the RN to BSN completion options?

kuhRN · Feb 19, 2012

Sarah, I did the ADN with the RN-BSN completion. My school had both programs so I did the ADN and my last semester I took BSN courses as my electives. I didn't miss a single semester I went straight on and started working toward my BSN. I talked with the director of the RN-BSN program and I was admitted with the stipulation that I had to get my RN license within the first 2 months. This option was great for me because I was able to work as a nurse while I worked toward my BSN. I did both full time and while it was difficult at times it wasn't impossible by any means. My most important piece of advice "don't lose sight of your goal." When you finish your ADN and start working it is wonderful t have some cash flow but don't stop, finish your degree!!!

Sarah96 · Feb 19, 2012

Thanks for telling me about the path you chose! :) Knowing the experiences of others is so helpful!