[chnc1024]

I'm not really worried about getting a BSN. I know I'm in the minority there, but from nurses I talked to here, getting a BSN does not get you much more money at all (I was quoted $0.50 and he has been a nurse for 18 years...) I figure that when I get out with my RN, I'll decide whether I want to stay where I'm at, or I can just go for my MSN.

Chancie

[PreRN Katie]

Originally Posted by serendipity123

...I can definitely see myself doing bedside nursing forever. Am I the only one? I don't think there's anything wrong with wanting to go to grad school and advance your career in that way, but I don't know if I want to. Especially lately I've been thinking I just want to stay an RN. But what about the rest of you? Any ideas of what you want to do? Anyone else just want to be a nurse like me?

You're definitely not alone. I'm applying to a gazillion nursing programs (both ADN and BSN) and I'm not really sure what I want to specialize in yet. If I start off with my ADN I think I'll probably do a bridge program for my BSN eventually, but I don't know if I'll go further than that. I want to do NICU or Mother/Baby I think...or maybe forensic & SANE nursing. I already have my B.S. in Criminal Justice so it would be nice to use that degree a little and not feel like I wasted it completely. I just want to be a nurse...I will be happy wherever that takes me!

[dee78]

I plan to get my MSN. As I've found in my life, things don't always go the way we plan. I will take it one step at a time. I don't know what I'll specialize in.

[MedicalNerd]

I want to get the ADN and then right on to the BSN. Afterwards I would like to go for the NP. I think that I will like the clinic hours and ability to work regular hours.

[gemberly]

It seems like it will be forever... LOL

I want to get my ADN, then my BSN, then MSN... and possibly be a CNM. We'll see.

About dealing with dying kids. The nurses I dealt with while my child was sick and later in hospice were invaluable to me. I don't know how I would have gotten by without them. Know that if you choose that route, there are many parents and children who would benefit from a caring, competent nurse.

I always say that I got by because if someone was going to walk my child to heaven it was going to be me, but without a support system to help me take care of my child along the way, I know they helped me, help her, in all the best ways.