HELP! need a nurse's opinion on career path! please

Servingshots · Mar 1, 2011

Option 2 for sure! What people don't realize is that an associates is not going to get you working much faster than a bachelora. You need about 2yrs pre reqs for both and 2 years of the nursing program ( this is how they usually work). Also, in my area they are not hiring nurses with an associates, they are highering bsn grads over adn grads. IMO option 2 is the better one depending on your situation. HTH

October97 · Mar 1, 2011

I am a pediatric nurse and have been for 7 years. I don't have the opportunity at this time to go back to school, but I have some advice for you. I would continue in school and get your BSN. Then go to work as a nurse for a few years. Get some good solid experience under your belt. Then cut back your hours or go into a position with lots of flexiblity such as weekend option, where you work only on the weekends and get paid for full time. Many hospitals have these types of shifts for people who have been there for a few years and this would provide you with time to work on your studies during the week. I would not become a practitioner in any specialty without a few years of experience in that specialty simply because as a practitioner you carry a lot of responsiblity with the decisions you make for the patients. In nursing, actually doing the job is a whole different animal than what you are taught in school and your experience nursing will help you make better decisions for your patients once you are a practitioner.

jaredsgirl · Mar 1, 2011

Thank you so so much! This really DID help!=)

I think that is exactly what I am going to do...get my BSN out of the way..

This is sort of off subject, but do you know of any hospital jobs I could work at while in college?

Part time of course...i do not think i could handle full time both.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Mar 1, 2011

If your goal is to become an NP, I would maybe suggest getting your BSN, then work for a year or 2 before going for your NP. You really need the bedside experience first, in order to maximize options for employment. I know they offer these programs, but, realistically, your chances are slim of gaining NP employment without the experience.

j621d · Mar 1, 2011

I would advise going the second route. Get your BSN first - there are no spring breaks in the real world, and why rush to work if you can get your 4 year degree?? (again, no spring breaks in the real world). Enjoy your college years (I did!)