Nursing as a Second Career

ADN route here!!! I am a RN and I am not in debt for my nursing school expenses. I was able to work two part-time jobs in the process and lived off of savings to support me, my kids, and my husband. Now I am in a RN-BSN program and paying cash for that too while working full-time as a nurse. It was not easy, but any other route would have put me in financial hardship both because of student loans and because I would have lacked a job.

The New Grads who have a BSN at two hospitals I worked made no extra money as New Grads. Money and benefits were paid out based upon years of experience with that particular hospital or contracts signed (some people moved to be here). After 1-2 years then education will come into play for those grads as well as the ones who have an ADN. In the meantime, ADN New Grads can gain work experience and have a BSN by the point when it will matter for promotion (Note, no one hires New Grads into management unless they are insane, in which case, you do not work for that employer).

Like many of the others that have posted, I, too, switched to nursing. Although, I was already in the medical field. I chose to obtain an Associate's Degree in Nursing because I am 32, married, and have a 2 and 4 year old. I am three weeks away from graduating and starting in my new career. I am glad I decided to go through the Assoaciate's program first because it is a much shorter length of time (4 semesters - a total of 2 years). I began in January of 2008 and am about to finish. Also, I opted for my school's evening/weekend program and never even had to quit my full-time day job! What a blessing. I had class on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and had clinicals in the hospitals on Satrudays. Don't get me wrong, it has been difficult. Working full time, going to school full time, and not to mention having the responsibilities of a home and family take their toll on you - but in the end it is well worth it. It is only for a short time.

I understand that the BSN is more research related whereas the ADN is more clinically focused. I also chose the ADN because the local state university offers an RN to Master's bridge program, in which I will be able to 'skip' the BSN course work and continue on to obtain the MSN for Nurse Practitioner (in the future). If your ultimate goal is to go into research or nurse education, BSN is likely the appropriate degree, though there are BSNs on the floors.

I wish you luck in whatever you decide. It is never too late to switch to something that has the potential to fulfill you. I know it has for me.

Michael -

Nursing is an excellent profession! There are accelerated BSN programs out there, but most require a previous BS degree. I would suggest taking the hospital-based diploma program or associate degree route. You can always go back for a BSN later, often with financial assistance from your employer. I attended a hospital-based diploma program (22 months) and obtained my BSN in 13 months.

Respectfully, the BSN is not "more research-related," although it does prepare you to evaluate research as a nurse. Generally speaking, BSNs receive as much clinical training as ADNs. Although I obviously am not familiar with each and every ADN program, those in my area do not include individual courses in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and public health, all clinically relevant and required for my BSN.

Hello, I also want to change my career to nursing. I have a bachelors in Criminal Justice, and am trying to go the ADN route. I have been doing some research and, I do eventually want to get a BSN, and oneday a Master's! But for now, I want to get into the field to see how I really enjoy everything. There are so many bride programs, RN-MSN, RN-BSN, there are many opportunities for advancement once you get through the ADN program. Let us know what you decide! It is an exciting and scary time, changing from one career to another! Good Luck in your decision.