40 something wondering which program?

Maisie · Dec 17, 2004

I am nearing 50 and am trying to decide between entering a ADN or a BSN program. How long does it take a nurse with a BSN degree to advance to position open only to those with the BSN degree? I see no point in spending additional years going for a higher degree when it could take many of experence to progress to a higher level once I am a nurse.

I really want to know should I in my late 40's spend the additional money for advanced degrees?

crh5 · Dec 17, 2004

I am nearing 50 and am trying to decide between entering a ADN or a BSN program. How long does it take a nurse with a BSN degree to advance to position open only to those with the BSN degree? I see no point in spending additional years going for a higher degree when it could take many of experence to progress to a higher level once I am a nurse.
I really want to know should I in my late 40's spend the additional money for advanced degrees?

Everyone is different. For me, in my mid-40s, I opted for an associates degree. I wanted the flexibility that the local community college offers. I also wanted more clinical time, and in my area, the community college program offers more clinical time than the local university. I don't really feel the need to advance up into management, so an associates degree is fine. Again, where I live, other than nurse managers, or patient care directors, there isn't anywhere that is closed off to an associate's degree nurse. Critical care, ER, CCUs all take associates degree nurses here, probably due to the shortage. Most of the techs and EMTs around here go the associates degree route as well. I figure that if I get out there and work for awhile, and find that I want to continue my education, I'll do it, but the facility will be paying for it as a benefit...which they all do. I also already have a bachelor's degree...in a totally unrelated field...but can do an RN-MSN bridge program down the road. You just need to analyze your long term plan and current situation in terms of the time and money you have to offer a program. Good luck!

crh5 · Dec 17, 2004

I am nearing 50 and am trying to decide between entering a ADN or a BSN program. How long does it take a nurse with a BSN degree to advance to position open only to those with the BSN degree? I see no point in spending additional years going for a higher degree when it could take many of experence to progress to a higher level once I am a nurse.
I really want to know should I in my late 40's spend the additional money for advanced degrees?

Everyone is different. For me, in my mid-40s, I opted for an associates degree. I wanted the flexibility that the local community college offers. I also wanted more clinical time, and in my area, the community college program offers more clinical time than the local university. I don't really feel the need to advance up into management, so an associates degree is fine. Again, where I live, other than nurse managers, or patient care directors, there isn't anywhere that is closed off to an associate's degree nurse. Critical care, ER, CCUs all take associates degree nurses here, probably due to the shortage. Most of the techs and EMTs around here go the associates degree route as well. I figure that if I get out there and work for awhile, and find that I want to continue my education, I'll do it, but the facility will be paying for it as a benefit...which they all do. I also already have a bachelor's degree...in a totally unrelated field...but can do an RN-MSN bridge program down the road. You just need to analyze your long term plan and current situation in terms of the time and money you have to offer a program. Good luck!

llg, PhD, RN · Dec 17, 2004

A lot depends on where you live, your specific unit of employment, and the quality of your job performance. I have seen some recent BSN grads perform extremely well on the job and be promoted quickly (within 2 or 3 years) into BSN required positions. They impressed their supervisors and were rewarded for it.

In some areas, the number of BSN's are so small that people are routinely promoted without it. In other areas, no one is promoted without it.

So ... it will depend on local factors and your performance, making it a difficult question to give a firm answer to.

llg

llg, PhD, RN · Dec 17, 2004

A lot depends on where you live, your specific unit of employment, and the quality of your job performance. I have seen some recent BSN grads perform extremely well on the job and be promoted quickly (within 2 or 3 years) into BSN required positions. They impressed their supervisors and were rewarded for it.

In some areas, the number of BSN's are so small that people are routinely promoted without it. In other areas, no one is promoted without it.

So ... it will depend on local factors and your performance, making it a difficult question to give a firm answer to.

llg

peaceful · Dec 17, 2004

Both programs will make you work super hard. You might as well come out with as high as of degree as possible.

peaceful · Dec 17, 2004

Both programs will make you work super hard. You might as well come out with as high as of degree as possible.

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · Dec 18, 2004

As an older student myself, I chose to go the ADN route and get out there ASAP.

(Another reason for me was that I had two degrees already.)

All the best to ya!

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · Dec 18, 2004

As an older student myself, I chose to go the ADN route and get out there ASAP.

(Another reason for me was that I had two degrees already.)

All the best to ya!

stressgal, RN · Dec 18, 2004

Another "older" student here and second career as well. I am attending a local community college that shares the campus of a Big 10 college branch. I am enrolled in the community college's ADN program, am also taking university classes that will then transfer to yet another private college for my BSN/MSN. The good part about this is I am able to take the University courses at the community college prices, much cheaper per credit hour. When I graduate I will have my ADN degree, good enough to get started, and then will transfer into an ADN to MSN program at the private college( If that's what I still want to do). The best advice I can give is to get started and find out as much information about the schools you are interested in. Good luck!

stressgal, RN · Dec 18, 2004

Another "older" student here and second career as well. I am attending a local community college that shares the campus of a Big 10 college branch. I am enrolled in the community college's ADN program, am also taking university classes that will then transfer to yet another private college for my BSN/MSN. The good part about this is I am able to take the University courses at the community college prices, much cheaper per credit hour. When I graduate I will have my ADN degree, good enough to get started, and then will transfer into an ADN to MSN program at the private college( If that's what I still want to do). The best advice I can give is to get started and find out as much information about the schools you are interested in. Good luck!