To everyone who is in an Associates program

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Apr 11, 2003

Originally posted by Nessa1982
i'm currently a first semester ADN student who is 20 yo (21 on 4/12!!) so I shoud be done with my ADN by the time I'm 22 (and some change). I think I would like to take 1 semester off before I go for my BSN because I've been in school full time since HS. Or maybe Ill work full time and go to school part time (which will aslo seem backwards becuase usually I do school full time & work part time). It all kinda depends on my family and how long I can take thier craziness for (living with parents & 2 siblings in a house that is Waaay to small).

I think you shoould get your BSN right now since you have no kids, etc. I am 29 year old mother to 2 very young kids (ages 4a nd 15 months) and how I wished I would have done this before kids- it would have been a LOT easier then. But I am getting my BSN now and am doing great, but if I were you I would get my BSN since you eventually want to anyways. The RN with a BSN here make anywhere from 50cents to $1 hour more and since Nursing doesnt pay great ($16 hour here to start but cost of living is low) everything helps. Im getting my BSN because I want to get a masters (CRNA, Practitioner, Midwife, etc).

Good luck with whatever you choose. But since you are young and have no kids, etc you should really just get in your BSN (since you asked! LOL) get it out of the way.

Marilyn

NurseDixie · Apr 11, 2003

I plan on taking a couple weeks off when school is over and going to work after that. In the future I may take some evening classes and work toward my BSN. I don't graduate until Dec.

camkib · Apr 12, 2003

Hopefully I will receive an acceptance letter to my ADN program within the next 4 or 5 weeks...

Upon graduation I plan to immediately enroll in an online RN to BSN program while working on the weekends.

LaVorneRN · Apr 14, 2003

Originally posted by fnimat1
do you plan on taking the boards and if you pass it do you plan on going in the work world immediately or contiinuing your education and earning your b.s.n. I've been trying to map out my plans. I am married and the mother of 4 so I do need the extra income right away. But I'm also concerned about being hired with just an A.S. degree in nursing. I was thinking about working part-time and pursuing my b.s.n part-time. What do you all think? What are your plans?

Fatima

Fatima,

What do you mean you are concerned about being hired with "just an ADN"? I have my ADN and believe me it is not "just an ADN" and you NEVER have to fear getting a legitimate real live nursing job. You are not as limited as you think you are. And I would hope that anyone who took the time to go to nursing school plans to take their boards. Otherwise it is all in vein. Are you aware that when you take your boards you will become a registered nurse and hospitals will hire you? Before I even graduated I was offered jobs working in a Radiation Therapy clinic, 2 oncologists offices, 2 medical/oncology units in 2 different hospitals, and a cardiac/ICU/CCU unit. They all knew I would have an ADN. Some places don't even care if you have an ADN or BSN depending on where you are looking. Have you called your local hospitals and spoken to their human resources dept. or nursing managers and asked them what their requirements and starting pay for new grads is? Look online for those facilities in your community and see what job positions are available. Don't limit yourself before knowing what's available to you. Having your ADN is not like having a certificate in basketweaving. It is a degree you have earned and worked hard for and it is recognized and respected in the medical profession.

I plan on working for about a year or so and then begin persuing my BSN probably online. My goal is to become an oncology nurse and do some other things in nursing along the way as well as get a MSN as a nurse practitioner after getting my BSN. There are other areas of nursing I like(labor and delivery, teaching, critical and cardiac care) but oncology is my love.

It is not impossible to continue your education under your circumstances. It is more challenging but nothing is impossible. I have seen it done. If you want something bad enough you can make it happen-just do the research and see what it takes. You can do whatever you put your mind to.

fnimat1 · Apr 15, 2003

LaVorne,

I am concerned because of the ads that I have been looking at lately in the Health Careers Classifieds that I see on Sunday. Many of the employers specify that a "BSN is preferred w/experience." Of course there are many employers that will hire you with an A.S. Believe me I know this. I'm just trying to map out my career. Being married and a mother of 4....I have to make careful and wise decisions. I just wanted to get a feel of what other students plan on doing.

Good Luck in your future endeavors.

Fatima

LaVorneRN · Apr 15, 2003

Fatima,

I can understand your concerns, believe me. Try not to worry too much. You will get hired, like you said, in spite of the ads. They say one thing and then when you speak to someone it's another story. I am sure any facility would be glad as well as lucky to have you. To be honest, I don't know why they print that. I kind of ticks me off because they know good and well they won't turn a ADN nurse away unless there was some BSN specific thing they were hiring for. Personally I think it's rude and an insult to us(ADN's) But that's neither here nor there, step out and do your thing and I'm sure your family will reap some great perks from their mommy/wife being a nurse now. That's the cool part!

rnmi2004 · Apr 17, 2003

I have thought long and hard about this because my instructors seem to be pushing us to go on & get at least a B.S.N. after graduation.

But honestly, their arguments for the additional education don't apply to me. I want to be a nurse so I can provide patient care. I have no interest in teaching or management. From what I've seen in the Help (Desperately) Wanted ads, I will have no problem finding a job with a two-year degree.

You need to look at what type of nursing you are interested in doing as well as your financial & personal situation, and decide from there.

giggles66 · Apr 17, 2003

Hello, Members

I am have visited this site on several occassions but this is my first time posting my concern

I am hoping to enter into pre-nursing program in the fall 2003 and after I do two years full time in it I will be eligible for entry

into their ADN program, but I really want my BSN because I am thirty-six years old and when I graduate I do not want to have to return to school. I have always wanted my BSN, but I have been told that this ADN pre-nursing program is really good and it will prepare me for the their two year RN program. I want my BSN because I do not want to be limited in the areas that I can work with a ADN. I am not interested in a advanced degree or in administrative work. After I graduate I want to work as a Medical Surgical Nurse and them either become a Nurse Case Manager or a Visiting Nurse. My questions is should I go for the ADN or BSN? If I chose to go for an ADN program what career limitations would I have vs having a BSN. I have heard that even with the nursing shortage any student who is considering a career in nursing should think about getting a BSN. What do you think I would appreciate any input.

:confused:

SirJohnny · Apr 17, 2003

Giggles66:

I too am pursuing an ASN (I am 39 yrs old), due to time constraints with balancing clinicals during the weekends and maintaining current 40+ hour work weeks.

When I get the ASN done, then I plan on going back for BSN. I have heard that hospitals will help pay for BSN courses. I know in the computer field - we get US$5-US$10K/yr for college courses - but they have to be computer science related.

John Coxey

([email protected])

CRNA4me · Apr 18, 2003

Originally posted by Belgndogs
I am currently taking pre-req's and hope to start in the fall of '03 in the ADN program. I looked into trying to get into the Univ. of WA since my grades are good enough, but was told by an advisor that I probably wouldn't get in since I already have a B.A and they 'don't like handing out second baccalaureates.' The good news though is that since I do already have that B.A. I can go straight into the MSN program.

I am also finishing my pre-reqs in WA. I am going to apply to the ASN program at BCC, they have a transfer program into UW/Bothell for the BA degree. I think that the reason that the counselor told you that your chances were slim was because of the competition to get in. I read something not too long ago about more budget cuts at UW, and why they don't have more teachers for more students, etc....

ANYWAY, I have a little bit of advice for everyone who is having trouble paying for their education. At least one hospital that I have checked into offer educational reimbursement for any hospital employees persuing a Nursing Degree. My plan is to get hired in ANY department, just so they can pay for my schooling. They also have a position called a Nurse Tech. just for Nursing students who have completed their first semester of Nursing school. That way you can get experience and make money while still in school. Hope this helps somebody.

RN Zeke · Apr 25, 2003

We are never too young or old to get more education!! I have learned alot from older students and friends, just by listening to what they say and watching what they do. When childern leave the nest, parents just began to start a new life and sometimes that is with more education and a change in job fields. It is very unfair to label someone 40 or over as someone who should not return to school. Shame on you!

RN Zeke · Apr 25, 2003

We are never too young or old to get more education!! I have learned alot from older students and friends, just by listening to what they say and watching what they do. When childern leave the nest, parents just began to start a new life and sometimes that is with more education and a change in job fields. It is very unfair to label someone 40 or over as someone who should not return to school. Shame on you!