Will I get hired as ADN in PA?

kellykaneRN · Sep 20, 2011

well congratualtions if you are already in the program! I graduated from DCCC this past may, passed my boards in july! I loved DCCC's program, I was at chester countys campus and I had a great experience in school.

I have actually just started looking for work and I will admit that it probably will be tough for me, no experience, and having an ADN. However, some hospitals will sign you on (and help pay for school depending on where you work) so long as you get your BSN within 5 years, main line health being one of them and some hospitals still hire ADNs period it all depends on what area you're looking into. BUT getting that BSN/MSN is SO important because that's where nursing is headed! Chester County has hired serveral people who I graduated with at DCCC because they are fantastic nurses (I believe all of them also worked at the hospital as aides/techs which I can only assume worked in their favor also)! Many, many nurses on the floors are graduates of the program as well.

Overall, it is up to you and your situation. If you have the time and money to go get your BSN first, I would do it but if you are a little crunched for time and money as so many people are, go ahead and get your ADN and work on your BSN as you get work experience. DCCC has affiliations with different colleges (WCU, for example has a deal with DCCC, RN to BSN and there are a lot of fast track schools)

Good luck!

Columnist · Sep 20, 2011

Moved to PA Nursing Programs Discussion forum for better response.

hulahoops · Sep 20, 2011

Hi kellykaneRN!

Thank you for responding! Your comments are very helpful. I have not been accepted yet, but I am hopeful. Did well on TEAS - fingers crossed that it is good enough!

I really do think that the DCCC program is one of the best around, it is just confusing when you read these blogs about the magnet hospitals and BSN requirement. Money and time are an issue - I am a mom with 3 children and limited funds so DCCC is my first choice based on cost. I do plan to continue and get my BSN and MS, and it would be awesome to have financial assistance from an employer.

I am going to attend WCU info session just to cover my bases. It sounds like the WCU BSN program is just as competitive to get into.

I was wondering, if as a new graduate ADN - you have "work experience"- does it help in finding a job. I have worked in the corporate world as a manager and teacher for 10 years and ran my own business for 4 years - or do they only look at nursing experience?

Keep your fingers crossed for me that I get into the DCCC day program - we won't hear until January! I will keep mine crossed that you find the perfect nursing job!

kellykaneRN · Sep 20, 2011

I understand your confusion! Many times I asked myself if I was going about school the right way, but I am glad that I did the program. Personally, I think all that really matters is that you *will* be working to get your BSN at the time you are hired because associate degrees are seeming to be phasing out unfortunately. No matter how you go about it, it will be difficult at times. Most of those in my class were mothers and fathers, or working or both and in school! There was no way that could have been easy! I started the program at 20 with no committments so I give them and you major, major credit!

I believe any experience in a hospital or any health field related area would be very helpful in getting hired as a new nurse, associate or BSN. I certainly think employers would look at your other work experience, also, especially since many of the same principles can also be applied to nursing. Management is incredibly important in nursing! Even though it won't totally be the same, you will be using time management all day long, every day of your career, have to collaberate with many different people, take charge of situations, and delegate out tasks. As a teacher, you had to be intune to others learning needs and adapt to others way of learning. Patient teaching in nursing, also huge. Patients need a nurse to be good, effective teacher to understand medications, treatments, conditions, and so on. I think your work experience definitely brings something to the table!

I knew a few people in West Chester's program and I hear nothing but good things about it. I hope to go there and get my BSN, their RN to BSN is designed for the part time student, which is nice, I believe the nursing classes for that are only one night a week.

If I can help you with anything else, please message me. I hope I wasn't too long winded with my responses! I hope to hear from you in January with good news! Best of luck at DCCC or where ever you end up!

:)

hulahoops · Sep 21, 2011

Thank you for your support and honest advice! Congratulations on completing your ADN and best of luck with a new job and pursuing the BSN. At least you will never be bored!:) At 20 something you have an exciting career and full life ahead of you - it is a great time! I will definitely weigh all of my options with your advice - ADN vs BSN. Either way I am really excited to get started - so hopefully I get into "a nursing" program! I have to say that I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to experience several different careers - you never know were life is going to bring you - so enjoy the ride!