[traumamomtx30]

The short and skinny is: I've been a nurse 10 yrs and desperately want to go back to school and get a 4 yr degree; currently have an associates degree in nursing. Any insite out there? I know I don't want to do any form of healthcare management and also don't want to do bedside nursing forever. Any suggestions on an alternate degree other then BSN that I can achieve and still stay in the health care world, and not be going to school for eternity? I'm thinking Business or general studies of some form.

[JamesJr.]

Have you considered being a CRNA or is that something that you are not interested in?

[baldee]

Originally Posted by traumamomtx30

The short and skinny is: I've been a nurse 10 yrs and desperately want to go back to school and get a 4 yr degree; currently have an associates degree in nursing. Any insite out there? I know I don't want to do any form of healthcare management and also don't want to do bedside nursing forever. Any suggestions on an alternate degree other then BSN that I can achieve and still stay in the health care world, and not be going to school for eternity? I'm thinking Business or general studies of some form.

If you just want to take 'something', then the skies the limits. Lots of ripoff educational opportunities abound in Recession times, especially in this industry. At any time, it looks like about 40% of all medical labor is interns: CNAs to Doctors. Its the same with truck drivers or any of the few industries left that China (mfg), India (tech), or illegal aliens (everything else) have not took yet.

Its all big dollar opportunity until you take a high dollar training class, and then you are overqualified and unemployed. But its your fault, YOU WANT MONEY for your services!!

[lucky1RN]

A few ideas...
Law/paralegal, computer programming/informatics, journalism, politics/health policy, public health, social work, kinesiology, nutrition, forensics, etc. etc. etc.
If I interpreted your post correctly, you're looking for personal enrichment/fullfillment in your career...not necessarily an increase in pay. Just think about what makes you happy and maybe you can figure out a way to incorporate that with your nursing experience into a viable career.
Good luck!

[llg]

A BSN is NOT just for management jobs. A lot of other jobs in nursing prefer a BSN and many more will in the future. For example ... patient education, staff education, community health, discharge planning, infection control, etc. Sometimes it is easier to build upon your past education and career experience than it is to start over in an entirely new field.

Maybe a BSN is not for you. However, don't eliminate it from consideration because you mistakenly believe that nursing management is the only place it leads.

[RNperdiem]

Are you really looking for the hospital nursing escape route?
Many folks out there are too; there are a lot of competition for these jobs.
Before you invest lots of money in a BSN, look around at what else is out there and what education is required.
Make it a research project.

[jackson145]

What about computer infomatics? We've had a lot of nurses switching to that department lately.

[LesMonsterNS]

Informatics is one of my considerations since I already have a BS in Computer Information Systems.

[angel337]

believe it or not having a BSN isn't the big deal it used to be. in fact, alot of bedside nursing jobs are now "BSN preferred". more and more nursing jobs other than bedside are requiring a MSN for entry level.

[pantheon]

Originally Posted by angel337

believe it or not having a BSN isn't the big deal it used to be. in fact, alot of bedside nursing jobs are now "BSN preferred". more and more nursing jobs other than bedside are requiring a MSN for entry level.

I have a question for anyone that has the knowledge to do so. What BSN program would you recommend? I'm hoping to find one that will take most/all of my credits that I already accumulated toward a BSN. I am a RN and I have been so since 1998. I obtained a Diploma which I don't regret at all because I was in the hospital my second week of school! I had clinicals in every field of nursing there is some longer than others. When I graduated and started in Med/Surg/Oncology the nurses actually said to me you went to a diploma program didn't you? I said yes but how did you know? They answered your skills and knowledge are excellent for a new grad.They did bad mouth BSN nurses saying it takes them atleast a year to catch up to skills like a diploma RN have mastered. Now, I have nothing against those who did the BSN programs I am just quoting what many nurses have said. But sometimes I do wish I just got it all over with because it's hard to get back into some of the Bull Sh*t classes you have to take. I took extra coarses for my BSN such as Statitics, Nursing Research, Therapeutic Touch, Computers, Art, Scultpure, BSN trends, Theoritcal Basis of NSG,Intro to Medical Science and History. I can honestly say those coarses did not make me a better nurse. The ones I enjoyed the most were Hx and Computers. My diploma school required A&P 1&2 w/ lab, Micro, Chem 1&2 w/lab, Psych 1&2, Developmental 1&2,Survey of Drugs,Cultural anthropology,Principles of Sociology,Fundamentals of communication 1&2,Current issues in Nursing,Practical Nutrition,besides NSG 101,102,201,202,203,301,302. I'm sorry this is gettting so long! Also what I don't understand is what makes my education different from an Associate's Degree? It seems like I had to take more coarses and credits. I say this after speaking to nurses that have an AD and are surprised when I tell them what I had to take just for a Diploma! Thanks to anyone that has some helpful information especially about the RN to BSN program. By the way I live in NJ 20 minutes from NYC. I would either do an on campus or computer based program. Just need some help deciding!!HELP!!!!!!!!!!! And yes I have done some research but I'm still not sure. Felician College??? 19 month program?