Which program

Editorial Team / Admin · Oct 14, 2017

What does the job market look like in your area? Will you take any job to be working or hold out for one in acute care? Are employers looking for those nurses who already have a BSN? It would behoove you to research these things and take the answers into consideration.

Pdev · Oct 14, 2017

Very good questions. Since I'm in Houston I could go either way because we have a huge medical center and many job opportunities in the health field but bigger hospitals are looking for BSN's. The RN's are able to work in some hospitals but not the ones I want to work at.

I would absolutely take what I could but my husband will help me until I finish either program. It's me that feels the pressure because I don't want him to have to wait so long.

Again, these questions are very good and I will continue to evaluate both options. í ½í¹Œí ¼í¿¼

cleback · Oct 14, 2017

There is really no guarantee that even with a bsn, you'd be hired at a specific organization. Just food for thought.

Orion81RN · Oct 14, 2017

The way my ADN program worked was we took our prereqs before the program, then in the program you would complete your 1st year. Then in the summer take peds and OB if you want to sit for the NCLEX-PN. You were then eligible to take the NCLEX-PN to become an LPN.

Many students take the NCLEX-PN, start working as an LPN WHILE continuing in school to finish the 2nd year. Then you would sit for the NCLEX-RN. Then do a year long RN-BSN program WHILE working as an RN.

(During the second year of the ADN program we had a more in depth semester of peds and OB.)

The benefits of this are great.

1. You save a LOT of money not paying for 4 years at a university. You only pay university cost for the one year bridge program.

2. You are already a nurse making money even before graduating from the ADN program.

3.This puts you at an advantage compared to your classmates who didn't obtain the LPN. You have the advantage of greater knowledge bc you have been working as a nurse gaining experience.

4. That gained experience makes you much more

competitive in the work market. If you work 1 year as an LPN while obtaining your RN, then work 1 year as an RN while obtaining your BSN, you will then have 2 years nursing experience once you obtain your BSN.

If I were a nurse manager at a hospital, I would hire the BSN applicant with 2 years experience over the BSN applicant fresh out of school with no experience. Both of you just graduated with a BSN degree, but YOU graduate with your BSN AND 2 years experience.

Now, that is not best for ALL students. That's up to you to decide which route to go. Not everyone can handle the pressure of working as a new LPN AND complete the second year of nursing school simultaneously. Also, many people cannot handle working as a new RN while finishing school to get the BSN degree.

Pdev · Oct 14, 2017

Wow, this is such a wonderful breakdown. Thank you Soooo much! I feel like there are so many ways to becoming a nurse and I love it!

I've never knew about this option but I will look into it too.

AmberK1026, ADN, BSN · Oct 15, 2017

I just graduated from a very reputable ADN program in Austin and was able to easily find a job as a new grad with my RN. This was the much cheaper option for me and less time than going for my BSN from the start. Plus, my employer offers tuition reimbursement after 6 months so Im just working and gaining experience before starting my RN-BSN program. I don't feel like I "settled" by going the ADN/RN route- in fact many of the employers prefer students from our program because we get so much more clinical experience over the BSN programs.

Pdev · Oct 15, 2017

Thank you so much! The more I read about this option the more excited I am about it!!

maggie0, BSN, RN · Oct 16, 2017

I had a very similar situation: I had planned on doing an accelerated BSN program, since I already have a BA in another subject. However, after a ton of thought and research I've decided to do a two-year RN program at my local community college, then doing a RN-BSN bridge. It just seems more manageable: both less expensive and with more opportunity to work while studying (the accelerated BSN is so intensive I wouldn't be able to hold a job and attend the program simultaneously). I also have kids. It's really tempting to go for the more prestigious and intense program, but heck, I'm human--I think I'll do better if I take my time. GOOD LUCK.

Pdev · Oct 16, 2017

That option is looking more tempting.

Thank you!

meginnurse · Oct 26, 2017

I had a very similar situation: I had planned on doing an accelerated BSN program, since I already have a BA in another subject. However, after a ton of thought and research I've decided to do a two-year RN program at my local community college, then doing a RN-BSN bridge. It just seems more manageable: both less expensive and with more opportunity to work while studying (the accelerated BSN is so intensive I wouldn't be able to hold a job and attend the program simultaneously). I also have kids. It's really tempting to go for the more prestigious and intense program, but heck, I'm human--I think I'll do better if I take my time. GOOD LUCK.

Yes. This is the route I'm taking as well after researching the BSN programs. It's going to save a lot of money and I'll be able to start my ADN program sooner since it requires less prereqs than the BSN program. I plan to bridge to BSN and will end up graduating in the same amount of time as if I had only done BSN.

Since you would like to get into the job market sooner, take a look at this option, especially since you're in a market where you can get a job with the ADN. It would also give you a break between programs if you need one. Best of luck!

Pdev · Oct 26, 2017

Thank you so much!!! I certainly will look into this option.