Choosing a program troubles...any thoughts?

[ZenStudent]

Hello all! So I have three very different paths to choose from on my journey to becoming an RN and I am having a very hard time deciding what is best! Any thoughts on the matter will be helpful to me so please do share if you can!

Background--I graduated with a BA over a year ago but decided to go the nursing route soon after graduating. I have been taking pre-reqs at a CC for about a year and a half (ug) and I am living with my parents (bigger ug) but staying out of debt and not worrying about rent. I was accepted into three programs (yay!) but all of them come with major pros and cons and I am basically back and forth going insane.

Choice one: An accelerated BSN (under a year!) in another state but at a HUGE cost. I already have about 5,500 in loan debt and this program, which is private, will run me about at least another 55K--possible even more. So lets be safe and say 60K at least. So while it will give me a BS in a short time--I will have a huge elephant ready to sit on my head when i graduate. Also--I worry about having a program be so condensed. I want to be a great nurse and really absorb all that I am learning.

Choice two: BSN at a well known state school (Rutgers in NJ) that will take me a whopping three years. I still have a year of pre-reqs to go before I start the clinical rotation so they tell me it will be three years before I am done. Tuition isnt too bad but could end up costing me just as much in the end and will take me soooooooo long! But the school has a good name and I could potentially work a bit and use some money of my own rather than rely fully on loans.

Choice three: ASN at the local community college which will cost peanuts (well not really but it will be much much cheaper than the above choises.) It is a two year program and has a good reputation and is about 6 minutes from my home. Not thrilled about living with my parents for this long but the rent is free and my mom is a fab cook :) So this choice is financially a great one--socially not so much but who has a great social life during nursing school anyways??? I worry about this choice because so many hospitals are saying they want BSN only. I do want to get my MSN at some point too and feel like if I spend 60K plus for the BSN I will be too far in debt to think about getting a masters. But I also want to get a job when I graduate and be able to leave my poor parents in peace and get my own place and worry all the hospitals will want a BSN.

I am having such a hard time because I get such mixed advice. Some people (nurses included) are like just go get your BSN at whatever cost and others are telling me I'll be crushed with debt and will regret it (my father he he he). I am back and forth all the time and could use some outside guidance! Thanks so much!!!

[NotANut]

Does Rutger's have an RN to BSN track? If so, a fourth option would be to do the less expensive ASN, then complete your BSN while working as a nurse. Seems like that might be the most cost-effect way to achieve your goal, if such choice is available.

[ZenStudent]

I believe they do--good thought :) thanks!

[josinda421]

girl, do the ASN track. It's cheaper, and less headach. Think about it this way...even though most hospitals prefer a BSN, not all nurses have a BSN degree; so that's why MOST hospitals pay for their nurses to go back to school and get their BSN and work for them for a certain amount of time. I think its a win-win situation:)

[SteffersRN87, BSN, RN]

Here is my little rant... Having a BSN as a graduate nurse has little value. You have to have NURSING experience before you can land one of those BSN REQUIRED jobs. I graduated from a little hospital based diploma program and then went on for my BSN. The RN to BSN program than I did was 13 months, just one night a week for 4 hours. And, my employer gave me tuition reimbursement.

[KatyBear3]

I'm on my way to get through a few pre-reqs before doing a second-degree, accelerated 1 year BSN. I thought about an ADN but like you, am considering an MSN or other advanced nursing degree down the road.

My 2 considerations: 1) After all the school I've done, do I really want to get an ADN, go back for an RN-to-BSN, and then go to school for a Master's? No. If I know I want a BSN I'm not going to do anything else. 2) Even though your first option racks up a lot of debt quicker, you'll be making a salary 2 years earlier than option 2. Can't forget about 'lost income' when comparing costs here.

Example: You'll total ~65,000 in debt by 2011, but will have broke even halfway through 2013. If you have a 3 year program you'll have ~65,000 in debt by 2013, and won't have it paid off until halfway through 2015. (Considering you put the entire paycheck into it, and that whereever you work part-time won't substantially lower the total debt)

Good luck, whichever way you choose!

[Multicollinearity, BSN, RN]

I might say go for the BSN so the degree is done with and you don't have to go back to earn the RN-BSN. However your #1 is too costly and your #2 takes too long. I'd go for the ADN and graduate in a shorter time-frame without debt crushing you.

[jhsRN]

I have the same issue, BS degree in Business. All prereq complete except microbio and nutrition.

Decided to apply to ADN and Accel Bsn - see which accepts me! This info helps me. Thanks!

[d!gger]

As my Dad used to say, "These are good problems to have. "

Don't be worried about your education taking a while. You'll have more time to learn the crucial stuff, and learn why it's crucial. For me the latter is really important. ANd you'll know it more solidly once you're out working.

In this economy, taking on more debt is not wise.

There are plenty of ADN->BSN programs out there.

I'd be worried about the 1 year accel program too unless they have massive amounts of clinical time or a really good Sim lab.

Are you already admitted to any of these programs? That might sway my judgement too as a bird in the hand, well....uhhh... shouldn't throw stones.

to mix proverbs,

dig

[ZenStudent]

dig--yea my Dad says these are good problems to have too :) I keep reminding myself that!

I was admitted into the bsn accelerated program--even already put down a deposit but have been totally uneasy about it the entire time. I suppose I can still think about it. I used to think you just get gut feelings about things and you would know what to do--but this time I reallllly don't know and everyone I know says something different!

Thanks for the advice everyone! It has been helpful to hear what others have to say!