What to do after an ADN. Completing BSN. Need your advice

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Hello nurses,

I recently graduated from an ADN program and would like your advice on my career plans. I plan on completing my BSN, but I am torn between two options. I can start at Purdue Northwest in August, or I can take 3 prerequisite classes (2 in the summer - Psych and Sociology; and one in the Fall semester - Life Span Human Growth and Child Development) and attend UIC. I would really like to know if there is a difference in the jobs I can get or even future degrees if I choose Purdue Northwest over UIC. I would love to attend UIC since it's one of the top nursing school, but does where you get your BSN really matter as long as it is accredited?

Also, would you recommend starting as a CNA before getting a BSN? It would be at a prestigious hospital and the pay is higher than average for CNAs. I did my clinicals at the hospital and the level of care is amazing. I would really love to work there one day.

Do you recommend other schools or other options that I have regarding my career plans?

Thank you so much in advance!

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I'm not sure why you would work as a CNA if you've graduated from an ADN program.

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I guess to get my foot in the door in that hospital, and also so my workload isn't too heavy while completing my BSN. :)

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It would be better for you to get a job as a new grad RN.

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Thanks for your advice! :)

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

There's no way in Hades I'd work as a CNA if I had an associate degree in nursing under my belt. It is best to accrue RN pay and RN experience, even if it means missing out on prestigious hospital employment. You worked hard for the degree. Use it.

I'd pick the most affordable BSN completion program.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Moved to the Diploma/ADN/BSN forum to attract more replies.

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Employers would be more interested in paid nursing experience rather than which BSN program you choose to complete.

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Specializes in Rehab, Ortho-Spine, Med-Surg, & Psych.

The BSN is not a grueling as the ADN. Apply for RN positions and work on your BSN. It's doable! :yes:

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I was a diploma grad, worked for years before I completed a BSN online. Just finished my Masters Degree last Saturday (hybrid course from a brick and mortar school designed for working RNs). A step at a time. Work as an RN, gain valuable experience. Take a class at a time. You'll be finished with a BSN before you know it - and will have a couple of years of RN experience as well. Good luck to you.

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First off, congrats on graduating. It certainly exciting to have made it this far in your nursing journey. To echo what everyone has said regarding starting as a CNA, I would say absolutely not. Getting RN pay/experience is more valuable. As far as where you go to school for your BSN, I don't think it matters as long as the program is accredited. I work at one of the top teaching hospitals and there are nurses there who went to top nursing schools but there are also several nurses who did not. My point is that we are all at the same institution regardless of where we went to school.

I would recommend to start getting your Acute care experience as a nurse wherever you can find it, learn your craft, and then you'll have more options open up to you once you get some experience under your belt. Best of luck to you

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Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.

You can't work as a CNA if you have an RN degree. Not in my state anyway

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