Will i have the same chances of being hired if i get a ADN?

elkpark · Dec 28, 2009

The majority of RNs in the US are ADN-prepared and never move beyond that level (educationally, I mean). They are working. While it is true that some individual hospitals prefer or require BSNs, most do not. It is true that some areas of the country are v. "pro-BSN" and ADN grads have a hard time finding a first job in those areas and may have to relocate to find a job -- but plenty of new BSN grads are having to relocate to find work, too, these days.

You don't need to be concerned about hurting or limiting yourself by starting out with an ADN. If you decide later you want (or need) a BSN, there are plenty of BSN-completion programs for ADN grads.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Dec 28, 2009

You'll get hired. Maybe you have less of a shot at, say, Johns Hopkins, but the local hospital or LTC will be happy to have you.

RedXIII_ · Dec 28, 2009

Hmm ok i was getting a little worried lol. Thanks for the replies! :) I'm so excited to start! :) Thanks again!

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Dec 28, 2009

Good luck!

Mr I Care · Dec 30, 2009

As a ADN-prepared nurse you will have the same opportunities as a BSN-prepared nurse. Those hospitals that claim that they prefer a nurse with a BSN are simply stating the frivolous requirement as a way to make their facility seem more appealing and/or equipped with highly skilled medical professionals. I will bet money that those same hospitals are staffed with 50% or more ADN-prepared nurses. Go for your ADN with confidence, because having a BSN does very little for nurses as it relates job opportunities, salary, and competency in nursing skills.

RedXIII_ · Dec 30, 2009

awesome thanks! :)

elkpark · Dec 30, 2009

As a ADN-prepared nurse you will have the same opportunities as a BSN-prepared nurse. Those hospitals that claim that they prefer a nurse with a BSN are simply stating the frivolous requirement as a way to make their facility seem more appealing and/or equipped with highly skilled medical professionals. I will bet money that those same hospitals are staffed with 50% or more ADN-prepared nurses. Go for your ADN with confidence, because having a BSN does very little for nurses as it relates job opportunities, salary, and competency in nursing skills.

I agree with this as long as we're just talking about starting a nursing career out of nursing school -- but there is no question or argument that an RN with a BSN will have a wider range of professional/career opportunities within nursing over time, as you grow your career, than someone with an ADN.

That is a consideration to keep in mind. However, as I said earlier, there are lots of BSN-completion programs available if someone who starts out with an ADN decides later that s/he wants or needs a BSN.

llg, PhD, RN · Dec 30, 2009

Anyone asking this question should really check out the true facts for their local area and for any hospitals they are particularly interested in. There are some hospitals that actually hire more BSN's than ADN's -- particularly in certain specialties.

For example, my hospital strongly prefers that new grads hired into specialty areas such as ICU and ED either have previous experience working in such an environment (as an LPN or tech of some kind) or have gotten extra experience as a student in an in-depth senior-year preceptorship, externship, etc. Those kinds of preceptorships are common in BSN programs, but rare in ADN programs. Thus most of the new grads those units hire have BSN's, not ADN's.

In fact, most hiring managers in my hospital (even on general care units) prefer the new grads with "special experience' in a related area and only ocassionally hire a new grad without that type of indepth preceptorship, externship, or relevant previous work experience. That gives our local BSN's a strong preference in hiring -- unless the ADN has experience as an LPN, tech, etc. We rarely hire an ADN grad without any special previous experience.

So ... the OP and others should investigate the local job market -- and take their desired area of specialty into consideration. Because the situation varies from place to place.

Mr I Care · Dec 30, 2009

After getting my ADN it will only take two semester to get my BSN. The main reasons why I choose this route is because it is a cheaper way to go~plus I can start working as a nurse sooner.

At the hospital were I plan on working they will pay for my BSN and some funds towards my MSN.

Mr I Care · Dec 30, 2009

After getting my ADN it will only take two semester to get my BSN. The main reasons why I choose this route is because it is a cheaper way to go~plus I can start working as a nurse sooner.

At the hospital were I plan on working they will pay for my BSN and some funds towards my MSN.

elkpark · Dec 30, 2009

As a ADN-prepared nurse you will have the same opportunities as a BSN-prepared nurse. Those hospitals that claim that they prefer a nurse with a BSN are simply stating the frivolous requirement as a way to make their facility seem more appealing and/or equipped with highly skilled medical professionals. I will bet money that those same hospitals are staffed with 50% or more ADN-prepared nurses. Go for your ADN with confidence, because having a BSN does very little for nurses as it relates job opportunities, salary, and competency in nursing skills.

After getting my ADN it will only take two semester to get my BSN. The main reasons why I choose this route is because it is a cheaper way to go~plus I can start working as a nurse sooner.
At the hospital were I plan on working they will pay for my BSN and some funds towards my MSN.

Well, now I'm confused -- if you really believe your first statement, that there's no difference between having an ADN and having a BSN, and no real advantage to having a BSN, than why are you planning on getting a BSN yourself??

The two statements seem contradictory to me. I'm not trying to be argumentative; I'm just puzzled.