Who really wants BSN degrees?

Nursing Students ADN/BSN

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Hello. I'm starting nursing school in January. I'm currently taking a Chemistry class that I thought I might need in case I didn't get in to a school, but I did. So I'm thinking of dropping the course because it's so much work, (and I hate it) and I really don't need it UNLESS I want to get my BSN someday. When I start nursing school I'll be 48, so I want to get my ADN and start working as an RN as soon as possible. I really can't see going back to get my BSN and spending another couple of years in school and however much money. Even with the BA I already have, it's a couple more years. But, I keep seeing "they want BSN" degrees here and there so I can't help but think, god forbid, I might end up needing it. I know once I finish nursing school I will be over school. Soooooo, I'm wondering who is it, or is there any one particular organization that is leaning towards BSN's only? I'm really hoping that (only) having an ADN (and a BA, if anyone cares) won't limit my job opportunities too much. Especially since I've learned on this website that they seem to make the same as ADN's across the board. And by the way, I'm in Los Angeles. I appreciate any thoughts!

Specializes in Oncology.

I don't think jobs being "more plentiful" with a BSN is your issue. In LA, getting a job AT ALL, BSN or not, is going to be your issue. Please listen to the Southern California nurses. They have been there (and I have as well). The market is tough and so many nurses think they will be the exception that will be hired with ADN only. Then they search for six months or more and come back here posting about becoming an "old grad" and asking what they should do. Why not give yourself every advantage you can? You're going to need it down there, that's for sure.

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Specializes in Emergency.

BSN=job security...of course its a dog and pony show...endure it and be done

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
And by the way, I'm in Los Angeles. I appreciate any thoughts!
You are in one of the worst employment markets in the entire country for new grad RNs. Without a BSN degree and connections, finding that first job will take at least six months, and it probably will not be a hospital job.

In L.A., the market for new grads with ADNs is strongest in home health, private duty, hospice, and other areas outside the acute care hospital setting.

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Specializes in Pharmaceutical Research, Operating Room.

I have to repeat what most of the others have said - get the BSN if you can. I live in NC, in a saturated area in terms of nurses, nursing schools, and healthcare organizations. The hospital systems in my area will not hire ADN nurses without their commitment to be enrolled in or complete a BSN within two years from date of hire. I completed a second degree accelerated BSN program and had no trouble getting a job - however, I started applying to jobs the January before I graduated (which was in May). I had my job offer in my hand by the end of March. My advice is to get the highest level of education you can and apply to every job you can find as early as possible - good luck to you!

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Specializes in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology.

I will second the comments that you need your BSN -- either now or down the road. However, see if you can figure out what clinical areas (i.e. host hospitals) are taking ADN students from your school and whether or not they have higher hiring rates for those students as new grads. This does indeed exist. If you persist in pursuing your ADN, this is a good way to determine what your chances are of getting hired as well as targeting those hospitals for student nurse/nursing assistant jobs while in school in order to get your foot in the door. Honestly, with all the extracurriculars I'm doing to help boost my chances of being a desirable candidate, I'm glad I went the BSN route because I need the extra year and the slightly slower pace to accomplish this things.

Good luck!

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Specializes in ICU, Telemetry, Cardiac/Renal, Ortho,FNP.

Well, the entire profession and representatives want you to have a BSN. Is it clinically necessary? No. Will you learn skills that you apply clinically? No, not really. But you do learn research and other stuff, you enter into a basic education background that other paraprofessionals "require" for their fields. So, bite the bullet and get the BSN over with. Nursing has made it very attainable to get it so don't spend more time trying to buck the system and just bite the bullet and do it. Yes, it will tick you off while you are doing it but it will be a requirement and eventually you will get doors closed on you b/c you don't have it.

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Well, thanks for everyone for the input, even though it's mostly depressing. i don't like the idea of finishing my ADN and then having to go back for even more schooling, for not much of a pay increase. But what concerns me more now is just finding work after graduating. Thanks for putting that fear in me. I'm kidding. Sort of. I knew it was competitive here for nursing, considering all the kids in every class I've taken were going into nursing and the fact that every program here is flooded with applicants and accept only a few. (Luckily I got in the first time.) But I still thought that it wouldn't be all that difficult to find work considering I see thousands of listings for RN's around here and have for years. I'm going to remain optimistic and I'll have to hope that being a little bit older with more life and work experience and being a male give me a slight advantage! And if I have to move, there's that. I'll keep the BSN idea in my sights and probably stick with this chemistry class a bit longer. If I decide to pursue a BSN, I'll need it, plus a few other classes before even applying. That's why I can't go for the accelerated program now. Thanks everyone!

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Specializes in Trauma, Orthopedics.
I'm going to remain optimistic and I'll have to hope that being a little bit older with more life and work experience and being a male give me a slight advantage!

Please elaborate on how being a male will give you an advantage.

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It was a joke.

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Specializes in Oncology.

I feel like posters like this don't really want answers. Like, thanks for all the input, but I'm going to get my ADN anyway and I really don't feel like going back to school after I finish that! Ok. Good luck with that, especially in LA.

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Specializes in Trauma, Orthopedics.
It was a joke.

Ahhh....hmmm, whatever you say.

I think you need to do more research. Job listing are meaningless-the hospital may have the position already filled, or hiring internally, and listing it as a formality. Or they want BSNs. Or they want experience. Or they simply want it to look like they're trying to fill positions they have no interest in filling. Your optimism will only leave you with a rude awakening upon graduation.....especially where you live. Where over 50% of new grads are still unemployed after 12 months.

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I asked for a opinions and got them and I appreciate them. It's something to think about. Did you think I was going to give up on all my hard work over the past few years and drop out of this ADN program that's so hard to get into and just start pursuing a BSN degree because a few people recommended it? It's food for thought, which is what I wanted, and I haven't discounted the advice.

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