Straight from ADN to RN-BSN program?

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Jan 23, 2007

I waited a few months before even beginning part-time on the RN-to-BSN program. The first year working as a nurse does tend to be pretty busy. Will the RN-to-BSN program consider part-time students?

caliotter3 · Jan 23, 2007

Personally, I think probably too much at one time. For many, the first job, is jolting, to say the least. You should be trying to give yourself an edge at adapting to your new job. Hopefully, you have found a unique position and/or you quickly adapt and can keep school away from work (might as well throw in personal life too). Good luck. BTW I tried to hold down full time jobs, as well as part time jobs, as well as full time BSN prog (commute), as well as single mom to teenager, and I bombed, so I am speaking from experience. When it works, it works; when it falls apart, it falls apart. My school people did not sympathize w/my situation, and my work people did not sympathize w/my situation. That's why I would suggest, that whatever you do, try as much as possible to keep your separate activities as much as possible to yourself. Good luck.

mjweeks · Jan 23, 2007

In response to your question, I think you should certainly wait a bit. Get your license under you, get settled into a job, which by the way, do you have a nursing job lined up yet? I graduated from nursing school last year. I am just starting my RN-BSN online now. I am a mother of 2, working full time too and just feel settled enough now to start "school" again. Don't over do it!

Good Luck!

RN and Mommy · Jan 23, 2007

I began my ASN to BSN program right after graduating. Well, I took the summer off because the classes didn't start until August. I took boards in June and started working as a RN in July. It sucks, but I know if I didn't go back right away, I wouldn't and would always regret it. I am now in my final semester of the BSN program and am 4 months pregnant! It's exhausting, but I am finally starting to feel more confident at work (some of the time) and while I hate going to class, I keep telling myself I will be glad when it's over and I know I will be! Good luck!

juicy_jade · Jan 23, 2007

There is an online program through UTMB. I was thinking about checking that out in the distant future for myself. It even states on the website that clinicals can be done through you local hospital.

We'll see....

jjjoy, LPN · Jan 24, 2007

Wow! Were you working full-time? What type of RN position? Did you have previous experience such as a comprehensive externship as a student?

I began my ASN to BSN program right after graduating. Well I took the summer off because the classes didn't start until August. I took boards in June and started working as a RN in July. It sucks, but I know if I didn't go back right away, I wouldn't and would always regret it. I am now in my final semester of the BSN program and am 4 months pregnant! It's exhausting, but I am finally starting to feel more confident at work (some of the time) and while I hate going to class, I keep telling myself I will be glad when it's over and I know I will be! Good luck![/quote']

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jan 24, 2007

The GN I am precepting now is doing it and she said she has periods where she feels overwhelmed, but she's managing. I also precepted a nurse a couple of years ago that quit her ADN to BSN program feeling overwhelmed.

If it were me, I would concentrate on studying for boards and getting my grove on in my new job before tacking a BSN program.

But the BSN programs are half-time and doable while working full time, so it can be done. Plus if you're getting financial aid, it's easier just to keep on keeping on.

Good luck!

randybayrn · Jan 24, 2007

I just graduated in December, am taking my boards on Feb 5 and start my new job orientation Feb 9th. I will be in orientation for 6 months, CHOC NICU, and then once I have had a year of experience and feel comfortable in my current position, I will pursue my BSN part time through the on site satellite through Cal State Fullerton. They have a program that is three years, I think it is like two classes a semester. I think this is a great way to go so that you don't get overwhelmed, but if you are the type of person that will not return to school if you wait a year, then keep going. The way I see it is why overly stress yourself if it is not necessary. I mean your only talking about a year. Good luck!

Chaoticdreams33, MSN, RN · Jan 24, 2007

Wow, thanks everyone for all of your helpful responses. With your input, and my mom's and boyfriend's guidance I have decided to put it off for a year. Cause like randybayrn said, it's only a year. I would much rather focus on becoming the best nurse I can be during my first year as a RN. Thanks again!!!

Personally, I think probably too much at one time. For many, the first job, is jolting, to say the least. You should be trying to give yourself an edge at adapting to your new job.

That's what I am afraid of. I know it is going to be a huge transition for me. I don't want to sacrifice any amount of time or effort that I should be putting into my new career.

In response to your question, I think you should certainly wait a bit. Get your license under you, get settled into a job, which by the way, do you have a nursing job lined up yet? I graduated from nursing school last year. I am just starting my RN-BSN online now. I am a mother of 2, working full time too and just feel settled enough now to start "school" again. Don't over do it!
Good Luck!

Thanks! I guess I'll be in your boat (well minus the kids,... maybe) next year. I think the year off will definatly help me get settled.

I began my ASN to BSN program right after graduating. Well I took the summer off because the classes didn't start until August. I took boards in June and started working as a RN in July. It sucks, but I know if I didn't go back right away, I wouldn't and would always regret it. [/quote']
Hmm, that's something I am a little worried about- that I won't want to go back after some time off. But I've been going to school full-time including summers for 5 years now (yeah, and I'm only getting my ADN- can we say indecisive?) so I don't know what it will even be like without school! I hope I don't love it TOO much!
The GN I am precepting now is doing it and she said she has periods where she feels overwhelmed, but she's managing. I also precepted a nurse a couple of years ago that quit her ADN to BSN program feeling overwhelmed.
If it were me, I would concentrate on studying for boards and getting my grove on in my new job before tacking a BSN program.
But the BSN programs are half-time and doable while working full time, so it can be done. Plus if you're getting financial aid, it's easier just to keep on keeping on.
Good luck!
Thank you. I have a feeling that I will be overwhelmed enough as it is with just my job your advice on getting more comfortable with my job first is a great idea.
I just graduated in December, am taking my boards on Feb 5 and start my new job orientation Feb 9th. I will be in orientation for 6 months, CHOC NICU, and then once I have had a year of experience and feel comfortable in my current position, I will pursue my BSN part time through the on site satellite through Cal State Fullerton. They have a program that is three years, I think it is like two classes a semester. I think this is a great way to go so that you don't get overwhelmed, but if you are the type of person that will not return to school if you wait a year, then keep going. The way I see it is why overly stress yourself if it is not necessary. I mean your only talking about a year. Good luck!
You are so right, it is only a year! I guess I forget that I'm not rushing for any reason anymore.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jan 24, 2007

Good luck to you. I'm glad we were able to help.

I think the main problem the people I precepted where having was not having to study for boards and BSN classes at the same time. Too much.

You don't have to wait a year though. Maybe when you pass boards, you can think about starting. But as you say, a year's not that long.

Good luck!

RN and Mommy · Jan 28, 2007

Wow! Were you working full-time? What type of RN position? Did you have previous experience such as a comprehensive externship as a student?

Yes, I am currently working full-time 3 12 hour shifts/week and I go to school Tuesday nights and ALL DAY on Wednesdays. It's not fun, but do-able. It's only 2 semesters, right! No, we really didn't have any comprehensive externships as a student. I am working on an Ortho/Neuro unit. I worked there for 4 years as a CNA before graduation, so I think that helped a lot too!