School almost done...what now? Looking for opinions...what would you do?

[tenjuna, MSN]

Looking for opinions more than anything since I am wrapping up my ADN program this next year.

With all of the pre-reqs and co-req classes I will have been in school full-time for 3 years. I am burned out on school to say the least. I am a 42 year old single dad with 2 teenagers who are almost out of the house, and assuming I get my license next year I will be in the unique position of being able to do whatever I want.

So far my choices are:

- Continue full-time to BSN and possible advanced practice

- Work while doing RN to BSN

- Get a Surgical Tech degree/certification

- Stay where I am and joining the nurse residency program at University of Iowa

- Moving somewhere else in the country and doing one of the above

I am so far finding that a place in Surgery is what I want to do, but I only have about 300 hours of clinicals under my belt so my experience is limited as far as the different types of things a nurse can do. I still have OB and Peds rotations coming up, but I don't expect to find any interest there.

Since the beginning I have found much interest in becoming a traveling nurse, but I know that I need 2 years of experience for that so that's a future goal. For now, I am thinking that the internship might be my best bet, since I could do the RN to BSN online while I do that...this means I get that crucial first year of experience and will be close to my BSN as well. On the other hand, I am sick to death of school, and the intern pay is ridiculously bad. While I could hold out long enough to swing it, the loan payments will be harsh and eating will be a luxury lol.

If you had the options above, what would you do?

[A&Ox6, MSN, RN]

I'm in the same position. I'm not sure how it works where you are, but I would say that if you find a job with an ADN I would say to take it, but if you are planning on doing travel nursing, you might want to get your BSN anyway because many places are now requiring that. Also, you might not get a job right away, so maybe you can look in to BSN programs that you can start as full-time. Then when you get a job, if necessary you can go part-time.

[DisneyNurseGal, BSN, RN]

I am in a similar situation. I will graduate in December with my ADN. At my school you get your ADN you are automatically enrolled (if you want) in a one year BSN program. If you stop going to school, it is so much harder to go back. Eventhough I am tired, burnt out, and will be taking the NCLEX in January, I am going to continue with the BSN and just get it over with. The nice thing is our BSN in 100% online, so I can get a full time nursing job and still work. Plus there is the added benefit of putting off the student loans for another year. Last thought... if you do decided to go back to school later, who knows... maybe the financial aid money won't be available any longer.

[sgort201]

I'll tell you what I AM going to do and I am in a similar situation (41, 2 kids).

I am going to find a med/surg job wherever I can. I am working part time as a PCT in a small hospital so I think my prospects are good there. I would not even consider continuing full time to get a BSN. Most employers offer some sort of tuition reimbursement. Let them pay while you work. At the same time I will be getting good experience as I work toward my goal of a job in the ER.