Start with ADN or BSN

Nurses General Nursing

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I know this has been asked before, but I'm hoping I can find a more specific answer to my question(s). I graduated in 2000 with a BS in biological conservation, but now I want to go back to school for nursing (I think). I want to stay in the Charlotte area and so far have not found a program for people pursuing their second degree in nursing. I eventually want to get a BSN. Here's my question: should I go for the BSN right away, which would take at least three years, or should I do a 2 year program, get an ADN, then start working and gaining experience, and going for my BSN. Has anybody had experience with this?

Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds.

It really depends on what your needs and living situation are. Do you need the money, are you short on time? If this is so, then the ADN route would be the best for you. This is what I did. Then, 2 years later, while I was working fulltime, I attended an excellend RN-BSN program at a nearby university (only requiring 1 day/week presence--rest was on the internet) and completed my BSN. The hardest part of it all was getting all the prerequisites out of the way (such as biochemistry and statistics, which weren't required in the ADN program and which you had to have out of the way before entering the RN-BSN program). I feel like I received the best of both worlds, having attended both a two-year ADN program at the community college, and getting a taste of university ("professional nursing") for the BSN program.

Doesn't UNC have an accelerated BSN program?

Check out this forum too-it helps for those switching careers to nursing with prior undergrad degrees-

http://www.340clifton.com:81/apnforum/index.jsp

Good luck,

Beth

It is so interesting how ADN programs vary. Mine did require biochemistry. Also, we sat for the LPN Boards after the first year so we were able to work as LPN's during our senior year. Now, my suggestion. Check out how many classes you need to take. Since you already have a degree, you may need only a few. If so, I would go for the ADN, get licensed and get my BSN while working as an RN. You could do this online or by correspondence if you wanted. It works best for me to start applying my knowledge ASAP. Best of luck to you.:cool: :p

Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

Check the UNCC catalog. It lists the prereqs for the BSN. Also check Queens College. It may be possible to take the needed courses at a community college and then apply for admittance to the Univ.

With a BS already I believe you would do better going for the second BS in Nursing.

I also am in a similar situation. I am now just now starting my pre-reqs for nursing program. My goal is to get into Queens ADN Fall 2011 or Spring 2012. So for a year, I am takingn all pre-req's necessary for Queens as well as to get into UNC-Chapel Hill's RN-BSN program.

I chose to do it for a number of reasons. One we are having 2nd baby this fall, the only work I will be able to do while in nursing school is CNA which is a huge paycut for what i do now, then my ADN degree will allow me to go ahead and start work as an RN. I've always wanted to go UNC and this will give me the opportunity to get a BA from them without us having to move because we really like the Charlotte area.

Good Luck to you!!!!

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