which degree is right for me?

sunnyjohn · Sep 15, 2005

If you are sure the scholarship will cover the BSN, you have the motivation to go straight through, and you have enough money to pay your personal expenses during your studies, I'd say go for the BSN.

Since you do want to go to graduate school I think the BSN would give you a clearer shot.

Apply to both the community college and the University of Tulsa program. Maximize your chances.

I've applied to 5 schools ADN, BSN and direct--entry MSN.

sunnyjohn · Sep 15, 2005

In most hopsitals nationwide there is no difference in pay for a new grad ADN vs. a new grad BSN.

Sicne this is your first degree I would encourage you to get as high a degree and as much education as you can. Life has a way of sneaking up one us.

Remember, education is never a bad thing.

HeartsOpenWide, RN · Sep 15, 2005

At the school I got to they just started letting high schoolers come so they can earn there AA/AS degree when they gradute high school. They are, who are many years younger than me, going to graduate and be right behind me. Kids are getting smarter and smart these days we need to keep up so they do not out smart us LOL. (smilies not working)

Go for as far as you can, see if you can take boards early so you can be registered while you are still getting your BSN. If you only worked two 12 hr shifts a week, like weekends which even pay more, at say $25 hr, it would seem easy to finnish and your getting experience while you are doing it. This way if you want to go on for your masters and become an FNP or CNM you are already building up experience hours which are required for the MSN....thats my take on in.

My friend just got in. She is a single mom of two girls,a teen and a pre-teen and she is doing it...and has a social life. I think it is amazing, but single mom's have this extra drive about them, I think we should all be a little envious of. Hang it there and you what YOU think is right for YOU.

nursemommyof3 · Sep 15, 2005

I applaud you, for attending school as a single mom. My husband and I are on only his income, have 2 sons and one on the way, so I understand how things are tight from week to week.

From what I understand, ADN and BSN pay can differentiate from 25 to 50 cents, if any.

If I were you, understanding how it is to struggle and sacrafice (we live on 1600 for the 4 and one on the way, to pay bills, groceries, etc), I would get your ADN. Pass the NCLEX, get a job as a RN. Then you can fast track (online/night) for your BSN in a year. You more than likely will qualify for a pell grant, which would pay for your schooling/books. You would have income coming in (more than you probably have now), and still be able to go to school.

Here is a link to a school in Tulsa:

http://www.cba.utulsa.edu/depts/nursing/RNtoBSN1/Recruitment_2005.doc

It explains the RN to BSN program. You can check out other schools around you that also have this option. From what this one looks like, some of the work is done online, then your class lectures. And if you are already an RN, your hospital will more than likey work with you on a school schedule, and may even offer tuition assistance!

That's what I would do, and am in the process of doing right now. Congrats and good luck to you!

HTH!