Which route would you choose?

DarkBluePhoenix · Aug 6, 2011

OMG that is almost the exact dilemma I am in!

I am applying to a BSN program this oct and some ADN programs this aug for spring. IF I get accepted to an ADN program then I might want to start it. But i will still be waiting for the BSN program decision for fall. Do I attend the ADN program for a semester than if I get accepted to the BSN program, do I drop out and do BSN or keep ADN? really tough descisions......

I would see how the hiring is where you are. If hospitals and clinics and stuff are asking for BSN nursings then I would apply for Miami, if not then do your ADN.

Just gotta see whose hiring I guess?

Unfortunately for me, I am getting mixed results. Some places says ADN some say BSN and I see a lot of ADNs no jobs AND BSN so I dont know...Maybe you will have better luck

***BTW unlike you, I do not have a guaranteed spot in an ADN program, its just a big IF I get accepted, what do I do? Who knows, if the ADN program doesnt accepted me then the decision is made for me. But I know how you feel, I mean when an opportunity presents its self...you just wanna take it eh?

Tough call

heroldbe · Aug 6, 2011

I live right between two major hospital districts! I have about 5 major hospitals to the south of me and about 3 to the north so I'm pretty set when it comes to finding a job. Alot of the hospitals say BSN preferred but I'm not against working in flu clinics or at a LTC facility until I'm able to complete my BSN and if I can't find a job with an ADN I plan on going straight through for my BSN anyways. I don't want to wait to complete my BSN because I know I'll get lazy and not want to go back haha. But then I face not being a new grad with no hospital experience..ugh what to do what to do??

DarkBluePhoenix · Aug 6, 2011

I don't know. I am on the fence everyday. I see post about how ADNs dont get hired but some of them do. BSN is preferred especially the new grad programs. I mean, my whole though was, why do 2 years of hell and not have a job waiting for you (I mean, obviously its not going to be handed to you lol)? But you know what I mean!

I dont know, my decision really boils down to my summer grades and my TEAS V score. I have calculated that as long as my summer grades are at least B's (preferably A's) and I get the score I want on the TEAS V reading and english (90% or higher) then I think my chances for the BSN program are pretty good. But the competitiveness can always increase or decrease! You never know!

Also, I think about being done with my straight BSN in 3 years! I mean no going back to school, no more worrying you wont get into the RN-BSN program! Its nice. Just do your stuff, get your BSN and your good.

One thing though, around where I live in SoCAL is that there aren't many BSN programs but there are A LOT of ADN programs. Now I think to myself, would I be more competitive with an ADN or a BSN? That pretty much always wins me over.

Now as I said, ask those 8 or so hospitals what they are hiring? Preferring BSN then skip the ADN and try for the BSN. YOu can always apply to more than one BSN program.

Good luck

GoldenDomer63 · Aug 8, 2011

You have a strong GPA and the B's in those classes will not kill you. Micro and A&P II are some of the more challenging classes, at least in my community college. I think you will be more than competitive and should opt for the route of the BSN, given that is where the trend in nursing is going at the moment. Moreover, should the employment prospects for nurses not improve over the next 2-3 years, IMHO you will be more marketable with a BSN than a ADN. Think of it another way: the more marketable you are, the higher your earnings potential will be, which will allow you to repay those student loans faster. I think that a four-year degree always trumps a two-year degree in that regard.

Also, you said that if you go the Kettering College route that some of your credits won't transfer and you have to take them again. So did you receive a conditional acceptance? It doesn't make sense that you have outstanding credits, yet they accepted you. I don't know that I would want to have to repeat ANY class to get into a school.

I applied for a couple of BSN programs with a GPA slightly higher than yours and a TEAS score in the 90th percentile and was accepted into every BSN program to which I applied.

With that being said, there are no guarantees. The GPA and TEAS cutoffs will be predicated on the pool of applicants; however, that is out of your control. It is a risk, but it is a calculated risk that will pay dividends for you in the long run.

Good luck!