[wlb06]

Hi everyone,

I graduated with my B.S. about a year ago and I decided to go back to school for Nursing. I also decided to go to a community college and get my ADN rather then going and getting my a.B.S.N.

My reasoning for this was because my GPA was a little low and I figured it would be easier to get in and get my RN and then maybe go back and get my BSN while I am working as a nurse.

Was this a good decision?
Has anyone been there done that?

Thanks
WLB

[NJ2008]

What was your first degree in , and did it invlove you taking any science classes? How low was your GPA? Was it higher than a 2.8. If so, you might have been able to get into an accelerated program which takes about a year to complete. Most schools in my area ask for a 2.75 or higher.

If your GPA is lower than a 2.7, than it might be hard for you to get into an acclererated program, I don't know. In that case a two year RN program might be best.

I am in the same boat as you, I also have a Bachchlor's degree in another field and I am trying to become a nurse. I think I am going to try the accelerated program but if that dosn't work than I will try the two year RN program. I read on these boards that sometimes two year RN programs are also hard to get into.

[methylene]

I'm in that position. I could have done an accelerated second degree, but it isn't that much shorter than the ADN.

The big reasons I chose community college are money and location. It is substantially (thousands and thousands) cheaper to do the ADN in my situation. Additionally, the community college is in my neck of the woods versus driving an hour or more in rush hour traffic to the medical center.

[wlb06]

Originally Posted by NJ2008

What was your first degree in , and did it invlove you taking any science classes? How low was your GPA? Was it higher than a 2.8. If so, you might have been able to get into an accelerated program which takes about a year to complete. Most schools in my area ask for a 2.75 or higher.

If your GPA is lower than a 2.7, than it might be hard for you to get into an acclererated program, I don't know. In that case a two year RN program might be best.

I am in the same boat as you, I also have a Bachchlor's degree in another field and I am trying to become a nurse. I think I am going to try the accelerated program but if that dosn't work than I will try the two year RN program. I read on these boards that sometimes two year RN programs are also hard to get into.

Ya my GPA was around that area but I still don't think I could slip in. My BS was actually in Exercise Science with a minor in BIO and PSYCH. with a bunch of other science classes so as far as that goes I would probably be good there. Ive already been accepted to the CC so I figure i will just save the money and go through with that.....I was just maybe thinking about saving some time because I am SICK OF SCHOOL

[wlb06]

Originally Posted by methylene

I'm in that position. I could have done an accelerated second degree, but it isn't that much shorter than the ADN.

The big reasons I chose community college are money and location. It is substantially (thousands and thousands) cheaper to do the ADN in my situation. Additionally, the community college is in my neck of the woods versus driving an hour or more in rush hour traffic to the medical center.

I feel the same way...i like saving that good bit of money and I can probably work almost if not totally full time while doing the ADN

[NJ2008]

wlb06,

If you have already been accpeted to a two year RN program, than that is great. Congratulations!! Also, you're right the accelerated programs are very expensive. Good Luck in nursing school!!

[elkpark]

I often post on threads like this to encourage students with BA/BS degrees to be sure to investigate all their options, including community colleges in their area, and not just assume that an accelerated BSN is the best choice for them. There is typically a huge difference in cost between a community college ADN program and an ABSN program, the time difference may not be that great (i.e., the ABSN may not "save" you a great deal of time), and the ABSN programs are incredibly high-stress and fast-moving -- which may be fine for some individuals, but a v. poor choice for others. An ADN program will give you a much more thorough grounding in the clinical skills you will be expected to know and use when you get an entry-level nursing job after graduation. There are lots of threads on this board started by ABSN grads who found, after they graduated from a v. expensive and intense program and started their first nursing job, that they felt they were v. poorly prepared to actually practice as an RN. Nobody says that about ADN programs!

There are so many different paths to RN licensure these days, and so many individual variables to consider, that there is no one right, best answer that applies across the board. If you feel like this is the best option for you, good for you and congratulations! And, as you note, if you decide later that you really want or need a BSN, it will be comparatively easy and inexpensive to complete one while working as an RN.

[wlb06]

Originally Posted by elkpark

I often post on threads like this to encourage students with BA/BS degrees to be sure to investigate all their options, including community colleges in their area, and not just assume that an accelerated BSN is the best choice for them. There is typically a huge difference in cost between a community college ADN program and an ABSN program, the time difference may not be that great (i.e., the ABSN may not "save" you a great deal of time), and the ABSN programs are incredibly high-stress and fast-moving -- which may be fine for some individuals, but a v. poor choice for others. An ADN program will give you a much more thorough grounding in the clinical skills you will be expected to know and use when you get an entry-level nursing job after graduation. There are lots of threads on this board started by ABSN grads who found, after they graduated from a v. expensive and intense program and started their first nursing job, that they felt they were v. poorly prepared to actually practice as an RN. Nobody says that about ADN programs!

There are so many different paths to RN licensure these days, and so many individual variables to consider, that there is no one right, best answer that applies across the board. If you feel like this is the best option for you, good for you and congratulations! And, as you note, if you decide later that you really want or need a BSN, it will be comparatively easy and inexpensive to complete one while working as an RN.

GREAT POST, THANKS!

[pdmech73]

I just came across this post and wanted to let the original poster to know you're not alone. I finished my degree in Kinesiology- Exercise Science (health professions option) this May. I hoped to get into an accelerated BSN or 2-year BSN program, but I felt I would not get into either of them due to my GPA realistically. I got accepted into a community college ADN program this Fall. I am phreaking ECSTATIC about it!

I live within 5 miles of the ADN program I am attending compared to a 25 mile commute to the MedCenter for a BSN program. The cost & travel time really works out. I hope to be able to find work as RN utilizing my BS degree and not let it go to waste. Good luck on your journey!

-Paul :-)