Confused and could really use some advice from current nurses!

time4meRN · Nov 13, 2007

I would say go for your BSN first. Be sure you like nursing before you invest a lot of money into the feild. It seems there are so many new nurses that go through school and for some reason surprised at how hard the job is after they graduate. Besides, I'm all for learning the skill of nursing before you go to any sort of management or teaching postition. You can make good money while getting your msn.

Snuffy · Nov 13, 2007

I agree with RN1989, get your BSN first and get some experience under your belt and then decide on your specialization if you choose to pursue your Master's. IMHO it's difficult to go straight into an MSN program without previous nursing experience. In terms of loans/money, if you are single and don't mind relocating, there are some places you can go and work a two year contract and have your loans repaid. I came to Bush Alaska with $40,000 in nursing school debt, worked for two years out there and my debt was paid by Indian Health Serivices as I was in a severely underserved area and working with Alaska Natives (Eskimos). Look into underserved areas, a lot of places are offering loan repayment. Good luck with everything!

raynbabe07 · Nov 13, 2007

Yay, I'm so glad I found this site a few months ago, there really is a wealth of information on here and all you fabulous people to help me!

I am definitely going to apply to accelerated bachelors programs, but I am worried about whether or not I'll get in! Should I apply to ADN programs too, or just wait til I get accepted to a bachelors program, which could take who knows how long?? I want to end up with a BSN, but I'm scared of not getting into a BSN program, deciding to do the ADN instead, then not wanting to do MORE school to get my BSN.. I'm already burnt out on school and I'm just doing prereqs now! I just want to be done already!

Also, my boyfriend has a great job here in northern california but he said if i got accepted to a school further away he would move with me to go to school for a year or 2, but I have no clue where I would even begin to look for schools. I dont think I'd want to move to far away, like to Alaska or New York or anything, but I can't seem to find schools closer.

I think it would be fun to live in another state for a year but I definitely want to end up where I am now. Is that a bad idea though? or is it better to just wait until I get into a school in my area?

Ugh there are too many things to consider! ADN, BSN or MSN, stay in nor cal and wait til I get accepted or move somewhere else and make my boyfriend get a new job.. I'm sure my boyfriend is getting tired of me asking him what I should do! So.. thats why I'm here, asking all of you fabulous people!! You really are helpign me a lot :)

Oh, and I agree too with everyone who said it is better to get your masters when you have more experience. I dont want to jump feet first into a huge, difficult masters program when I might end up not even liking nursing! (Which i really really hope I do because it seems like an awesome, rewarding career.)

I volunteered in the NICU last summer and loved it, all the nurses I talked to loved their jobs and all seemed so happy and friendly. I definitely want to end up doing something with babies, either labor and delivery or the NICU. I'm going to try to volunteer at least an hour/week this semester, even though I am already so overwhelmed with chem and anat and work.

jlcole45 · Nov 14, 2007

Go for the BSN since you are closer to finishing it and since money appears to be an issue. Why waste the time and money on a Master's when you don't even know if its what you want to do?

I don't care what your friends say a a Master's in Nursing is an advanced degree (meaning you already have proven yourself as an RN) and many programs require the you have working experience. A masters is for RN who wants to teach, be managers, or work as a practicioner of some sort, but NOT for a new nurse.

You are young and you never know what you might end up doing, so start as a regular RN, with a basic Rn degree which in your case is the BSN. And yes it might be worth your time to apply as a backup to the local ADN or diploma programs. Quite frankly, the 2-3 year degrees often offer better clinical experience (more hours on the floor) - do a little research and see for yourself. I have both degrees so I can speak from experience.

One question - how do you know you want to be a nurse? Have you worked in health care, say as an aide? Do you really understand what it takes to be an RN? If not then, my advice would be go work as an CNA at the local hospital while you start the BSN and that will tell you pretty quickly whether or not it's the right career for you. At least you will know one way or another. You have nothing to lose but a little bit of time.

Volunteering is nice but it is not the same as working. The nurses will treat you like a co worker not just as a nice volunteer, get your feet really wet! I learned so much more as an aide in a busy city ER then I did as a nursing student. It was a fabulous experience.

I only say this because many people have deluded, almost romantic idea of what nursing is really about. No one really knows until they've done it - taken care of a patient who is rotting from bedsores, or cancer, or cleaning up diarrhea for the 6th time that shift, or ... I could go on and on. What happens is we end up with people who are stuck in nursing, but they never should have become an RN.

But I don't want to end this on a negative note, nursing can be the a good career choice for many people. You can take a lot of satisfaction from caring for the sick and injured - much more then many other professions. Nursing offers decent pay and flexible hours and it gives you a whole new perspective on life that not many other people have.

Because you become a witness to some very personal moments in other person's life. You are privy to the worst and best of what humanity has to offer, sometimes on a daily basis.

Good luck in your decision.

raynbabe07 · Nov 14, 2007

jlcole45 - Thanks for your input and the reality check! I definitely want to have some kind of experience before I start school, since I know myself and how I change my mind so often! I really wanted to be an elementary school teacher until i volunteered in a classroom and realized it wasnt for me. The earliest I can start school is in June 2009 so after I finish prereqs in summer 2008 I will try to take a CNA class and start working in a hospital. Hopefully by the time I start nursing school I will be 100% sure that it is where I should be! Thanks for your input! :)

oh, and I'd rather not just be a waitress now if i could help it, I would love to be in the health care field but are there any jobs out there for people like me who have no experience? and that arent full time and make decent money? also, what does an aide do, and what does it take to be one?

Miss Mab · Nov 14, 2007

Oh, this turned out way long....

I honestly don't even know why I actually did some legwork here. I guess I think the OP is just plain getting BAD advice, however well intentioned.

Let's boil it down to a couple of salient points:

OP wants to be an RN sooner rather than later and would like that entry level floor time to figure out where and what kind of nurse she'd like to be. The decision of advanced practice doesn't and shouldn't weigh in here. Happens to be a great plan and one I wholeheartedly agree with---exactly why i did leave CA for a year and got the ABSN. Turned out to be MUCH quicker than hanging out on some ADN waitlist in the Bay Area and i was able to do so "unencumbered."

However, facts, OP already has a BA. From her posts and info it appears that she already has undergrad student loans(15k), is young, unmarried and thus likely to be considered "dependent" status when applying for future loans, even maybe in 2009, and seemingly willing 'to get outta Dodge' for a year or two(I could only bust out one--admirable) in pursuit of said RN licensure.

Things to consider---and you shouldn't assume I'm all rah-rah for alternatives to advanced entry--it just is what it is:

Accelerated BSN programs run, on average, 30-45k for the single year. Duke I believe is 60k+. There is NO option for free federal money, scholarship only slightly more likely--and the rest will end up being loans. As a second bachelor's degree student you are limited to the amount you can borrow from fed(especially by things like dependency status and prior amount borrowed for the equivalent degree). I believe the lifetime cap of Stafford's in your presumed status is 23 thousand---15 of which Op has already used up w/that first degree. So now you have an available 8k in federal loans and 22-37 thousand in i guess private loans or PLUS(?)--keep an eye out on those interest rates. They make Suze Orman cry for a reason. Then, both because most ABSN programs don't let you work and OP says she wouldn't during school anyway, I guess you can add on another 15k or so for living expenses. For the one year and an equivalent educational degree and the new RN? Upwards of 45k in non federalized loans. Okay, it's certainly one option and I know many who've done so.

In an alternative corner, in many programs in fact, MSN generalist is the entry degree(DePaul in Chicago and UCLA come to mind)granted. This also wouldn't be my first choice, however, to each his own and they do exist and are ever-growing despite previous poster. The positives are you get the same RN, you haven't declared an advance practice role interest, though when/if you do you're already a step closer by now needing only a post-master's certificate, and you are out practicing w/ all other new NCLEX passers and can decide where your nursing heart lies. The BIG bene, however, you are now studying in a graduate capacity, federal loan limits are way higher and almost always, and certainly guaranteed if in- state, your total tuition cost will be less than virtually any ABSN out there. Even with the sometimes additional 6-8 month format.

Finally, you have the myriad "direct entry" master's. Yes many, though by all means not all, require you to declare an intended APN focus on application. Okay, pick Peds for the sake of argument. EVERY well repected program, again I'll keep it in-state for ease (like UCSF) will grant ability to sit for NCLEX after that same first year and then you are required, not encouraged, required to take a "step out" year (or longer)to actually be an average new grad nurse and be on the floor and figure out where you need and want to be.

So, say you wanna stop right there? Okay. Forget that whole MSN thing--turns out it really isn't for you and you don't feel prepared or just don't plain want to continue after your required working and fully paid experience time--and now you just want out of academia for the forseeable future like you originally thought you might. BTW, one of my co-workers did just this. Now you have spent the exact same year as ABSN---you've studied under the more flexible(read cheaper) graduate student status, you still have your already earned BA, you're again a licensed RN and now you're a floor nurse doing exactly what you wanted to do in the first place w/out heading to BF(no offense) looking for a huge 45 grand loan payoff. Plus, some schools actually do also grant the BSN after that first year(Woo hoo--bonus) though not in my UCSF example.

BTW, if you did decide to go on, cool beans you're all set. One way, I guess to avoid being disenchanted in a new career and thus "stuck" as previous poster mentioned. You might be surprised with where you are after a year or two working and that's to be expected and not to be looked at as a sign of defeat or some crushing of wrongly placed lofty idealism. Some people just do gravitate toward APN or managerial or whatever work they are more drawn to after getting the suggested bedside experience. The sentiments expressed above are actually another reason i generally support BSN entry. Then maybe all those people you are seeing and don't feel are right for nursing wouldn't feel in any way "stuck" because at least w/a bachelor's degree(in whatever) an immensely greater array of professional options are available to them in both the nursing and, seemingly now more importantly, the non-nursing world.

PS, after all of this, your lottery number at Ca. CC finally came up and you just now finally got into the ADN program!

It sounded like it's all about that solo pre-licensure year to get you out and working, and if $$ is a factor as you stated, it just seems a fairly easy choice--way less money, way more options, same timeframe---AND you might even get to stay closer to home.

Thems my facts--take it or leave it. Advice from someone seemingly much closer to your stated position not too terribly all that long ago.

raynbabe07 · Nov 14, 2007

Miss Mab - wow, you really layed out all my options in your post, you are amazing!

So to sum up what your'e saying..

1) i could do an accelerated program but most likely would end up with TONS of loans since I wouldnt get much fed money since I already have a bachelors

2)I could do a generalized masters program

3) I could do a direct entry masters program with a specialization, which requires 1 year in the field after my RN liscensure, and I have the option of stopping then if I dont want to go on further to get my Masters. This sounds like a great plan, but I really doubt I could convince the admissions people that

4) OR if while I'm applying to all these programs and finishing additional prereqs, I am also waiting on getting accepted to an ADN program and trying to get experience in the health care field through volunteering or a job.

I think I've weighed my options and decided I am just not ready now for a masters. Even if I was, if I didnt get in, I need back up plans. Right now I plan on applying to:

1) 2 local community colleges and one a few hours away. i can apply Fall 2008 and IF accepted to one I can finish by Fall 2010, and Spring 2012 at latest.

2) 1 ABSN program : I can apply to sacramento state Fall 2008 and IF accepted, can be done by summer 2010. I think this is my last choice, because even though itd only take me 15 months to complete, i would exit with with a BSN, as well as tons of loans to pay off..

I am thinking right now, money wise, it sounds like it would be best for me to just go for the ADN and if I do end up waiting a while to get accepted I can take more classes and be able to work in a hospital and get experience and figure out if nursing really is the right path for me. The BSN and MSN sound like they take way too much time and money that I dont have!

I've also read some posts somehwere on this site that some hospitals pay for nurses to get more education? Is this true? If so, that's another option for me later down the road if I ever want to move up!

Thanks again everyone for helping me figure out the right plan for me. I have been going over this for soo long now, I am always looking at this site and researching schools, and going over pros and cons of different programs, Hopefully I won't change my mind again tomorrow!

Also, if anyone has ideas for jobs I could get in the meantime to give me more experience, let me know!

jlcole45 · Nov 15, 2007

Raynbabe07,

The first thing call the local hospitals human resource office and start asking about their benefits for tuition reimbursement (or whatever they are calling it) for their employees. Then make an appointment to visit them - make sure you dress appropriately! NO jeans, No open toe shoes, cover any tatoos, No facial rings except one set of earrings, natural colored hair, and cover your belly! I know it's CA but most hospitals are run by conservative people. Business casual (slacks and a nice shirt) business is fine. Be ready to apply for any entry level positions but focus on ones that have contact with the patients. They won't pay great (it is entry level after all) but it's the benefits and work experience you are after.

Make sure you get all the details you can. How much do they pay for school - is it a different amount if you are full time vs part time employee? Is there a limit to the money? How long do you have to pay back your debt to the hospital? How long do you have to finish your degree? Do they pay for books and supplies as well? Are there scholarships through the hospital that you can apply for?

Many hospitals will reimburse you in exchange for passing grades and a commitment to work there after graduation - for example a year for a year. You might be pleasantly surprised and how much financial help they will extend BUT you have to be willing to make a commitment. It may take you a little longer to finish but you might be able to get through school with minimal debt. I know 2010 sounds so far away but I swear to you it will fly buy in a heart beat because you will be sooo busy!

One other thing - can you find cheaper housing? Move in with family?

Anything to help cut costs and reduce debt. Think about this and plan it carefully. The last thing you want is more debt - and there are ways to reduce it.

Quick question for all the RN' s out there --- How many of you work with Masters degreed RN' s who are staff nurses??? I am interested to know if this is a growing trend. Because I have been nursing for almost 20 years and have worked all over the country - but not in CA, from big city 1200 bed facilities to 40 bed rural hole in the walls and I have never worked with a Masters degreed RN unless they were working as a manager, an educator, or some other advanced practice nurse.

This country has a terrible shortage of nurses and the sooner this gal can see if it's for her (hopefully it is) the better for all of us!

ceecel.dee, MSN, RN · Nov 15, 2007

Well, you have to get a bachelors before you can even think about a masters, so ... natural progression and all that.

mariesmist · Nov 15, 2007

Wow you sound like where I was 4 years ago. I also graduated from a pricey private college with a BS in Human Development, didn't want to go into social work or psych either, and had about $15,000 in gov't and private loans. I just want to say that I took an even slower route to an RN than you but I am completely satisfied with my decision to forgo the masters at that point. I worked a year or so in hospital administration, then went to a city college for pre reqs and my BSN/RN. I did not have any further debt upon completing my second degree due to a combination of merit scholarships, low cost tuition, and a part time job. I feel that am now in a much better financial position to pursue my NP or MSN should I choose to do so. But you know, I've decided that I'm happy being a staff nurse for now and I'll probably go for my NP sometime in the future. Work would reimburse tuition fees, and I like that I'd feel more comfortable in an advanced practice position with floor nursing experience.

Oh and I'd like to add that's it's pretty ironic that I'm still slowly paying off the gov't loans from my first degree with what I earn from my second degree. Good luck!

EmilySN · Nov 15, 2007

I definitely agree with everyone else! If you get your BSN first, you will gain priceless experience in the nursing field that will only help you when getting your masters. Also, there are SOO many areas that you can specialize in, you might not know exactly what you like until you start getting some experiences in different areas of nursing (I would have never thought I would have enjoyed some of the areas for which I am so passionate now!). Another benefit of getting your BSN is that you will start earning some money, and some hospitals will help you pay for grad school, both of which will be incredibly helpful financially! I would look into some accelerated nursing degree programs if they are in your area. They are often fairly rigorous, but it helps you get your BSN in a year instead of three. Good luck with everything!!!