[FutureRNMichael]

Hello hello! I used to post on allnurses years back when I first considered nursing. Now I have an offer and plan on (finally) making the jump to be an RN.

I've worked as a Psych Tech/CNA since I graduated high school about 5 years ago. I work for a large government agency, DHS, which has recently began offering the current staff a chance to enter a 1.5 year program to obtain a 2 year RN degree. They pay for all of your RN program but you must work for them about 2 years afterwards.

The good is... I will only have to take out loans on the pre-reqs. I have a guaranteed job right away at a decent salary w/ great benefits. Many friends have tried for several years to get into an RN program here in the Portland metro area - the programs here are stuffed full for years in advance. This program provides a direct entry.
The bad is... I'm stuck in Psych for awhile (I like Psych but not great for acquiring RN medical skills).

I'm a little concerned about graduating then being stuck in Psych nursing for my first two + years post graduation. I'd like to explore many areas of nursing, ICU/ER/NICU/Surgery especially, so will this two years in Psych set me back much?

How hard will it be, logistically, to go back to school for a BSN then Masters? Not for sure I will have to motivation to do this but it is a thought.

Lastly, would you consider this program a good deal? Should I go for it?

Thanks for your time!

[Jolie]

I would jump for it in a heartbeat!

You will have a direct path to an RN program that others wait for years to enter. You will finish school with only a fraction of the debt that most new graduates have. You will have a job with an employer whose strengths and weaknesses you know well. Most new grads take a crapshoot on their first jobs, not knowing whether they will be a good "fit" with their first employer.

I understand your concerns about not having more varied clinical experience in your first years as an RN, but that can easily be overcome: If you continue (at your employer's expense) to obtain a BSN, you can focus on gaining med-surg-peds-OB-ER-ICU experience in that way. If you decide not to continue your education, you can take a second, casual position in another setting such as a nursing home, clinic, or general hospital unit in order to gain more clinical experience.

Congratulations on having this opportunity. Best of luck to you!