[fnimat1]

do you plan on taking the boards and if you pass it do you plan on going in the work world immediately or contiinuing your education and earning your b.s.n. I've been trying to map out my plans. I am married and the mother of 4 so I do need the extra income right away. But I'm also concerned about being hired with just an A.S. degree in nursing. I was thinking about working part-time and pursuing my b.s.n part-time. What do you all think? What are your plans?


Fatima

[Love-A-Nurse]

Hello, and how are you!

With 3 more semester to go after this semester, I am looking to complete school, pass NCLEX-RN, work and get my BSN after my last child is off to college. I will spend time with them before they leave the nest.

In fact, one year from graduation, if it is God's will for me, my daughter will graduate high school the next year and two years later, my baby will be graduating high school.

They have and is being patient with me and I will give my attention to them before getting BSN.

[New CCU RN]

What are your long term goals? Do you want to go for an advanced practice role or management or do you anticipate working as an RN for a while.

If you want to work as an RN in virually any setting ... an AS qualifies you for this.

If you plan on going to school to be an NP, CRNA, or CNM or any type of management position you are gonna need the BS.

Don't know what your plans are, but keep in mind that the AS degree will qualify you to get any RN position. Some places things such as case management may ask for the BSN.

If you do decide that the BSN is what you want, you may want to at least start out working full time. It is hard to orient as a new graduate and not be full time. Many places will request that you work full time during the orientation process. Also, it takes less time for you to catch on if you are spending 36-40 hrs there vs 20.

There are many options to getting your BSN also. You can do it part time, full time, online. Good luck to ya.

[Love-A-Nurse]

Thanks for your post, New CCU RN. The I's got the best of me and forgot to say do what is best for you, Fatima.

[RN 2005]

Hey Fatima,
I plan on working immediately after getting my Associates. I am also a married mom of 2 and am nearing 40. I know that I may not have as many opportunities for advancement but I feel that for my situation just becoming a nurse is more than enough to fulfill my needs and goals. I have to be realistic in my goals and for the sake of my family I feel that this is the best decision for us. Completely based on my situation though! I know there are so many online bridge to BSN programs out there that I am sure if I get the itch to go on that option will always be there. I have no worries that an Associates will not be enough. Now if I was just out of high school and my parents were paying my way I may have a completely different opinion! Then I would probably be going for a Masters!
Good luck to you in your education!

[memphispanda]

Well, I'm not getting my ADN, I'm getting a diploma. I plan to go straight to work. After I am eligible for tuition reimbursement I will think about going back.

[Cynthiann]

I understand having a family and needing the income right away since I'm in that same situation. I decided to go for my associate's just so I can work sooner. If you are like me the extra time and money for a BSN will be too much stress for my family. I do plan on getting a Master's degree but will just take a little longer to get it. It really depends on your situation and what's best for your family. Decide which is more important- income now or getting your BSN asap. For me it's income now. Good luck.

[kavi]

I plan to go straight to work with my ADN, I need the money. Then I'll work part-time on the BSN. Everything I've heard, the pay is not that much different. And I assume the experiences will help me in BSN classes. But mainly, I need the money after all the costs of school.

[PhePhe]

In the BSN program you will learn more about dull theories of nursing practice, like Orems primary care model, learn how to write a research paper(s), and other prerequisites required by the university like philosophy or religion. You will prabably be able to challenge some nursing courses. You will breeze right through the clinical. If you are over 40, I wouldn't bother getting a BSN unless you want to do other than staff nursing. Most places do not have a differential for having a degree.
I got my diploma first, then went back 10 years later for a BSN (tuition reimbursement), and then 10 years later got an MBA. Didn't have to pay for that either. Take advantage of tuition reimbursement. The courses go quicker than you think. Good Luck!

[USA987]

I plan on working first...maybe I can get in somewhere where they offer tution reimbursment for going on...

All I know is DH says I need to make a little bit of $$$$$ first!! He's beginning to think that I'm a career student!!!