Diploma + BA/MBA = Anything?

Hi all,

I'm sure you've all heard stories similar to mine, but since I'm new to this site, I hope you won't mind the repitition!

I'm a 40 y.o. potential career changer with a BA in Marketing and Advertising and an MBA. While I've enjoyed aspects of my career (creativity, new challenges), I've reached a point where my professional path simply doesn't excite me. My personal priorities have changed...at the end of the day I don't feel that my work leaves a true impact on anyone or anything. Nursing seems to offer an opportunity to have a positive effect on peoples' lives in an environment that offers a new challenge every day. I think I would be a great fit.

I've researched my academic options. There are no accelerated BSN programs close enough for me to attend, and from what I've read on these boards an ADN or diploma are comparable to a BSN anyway. My best option (geographically and time-wise) is a local RN diploma program.

Which leads me to these questions.....

Would my BA/MBA combined with an RN diploma offer me any advantages over other graduates straight out of nursing school...or after I gain experience?

Is it typical for a newly minted RN to initially work bedside in a hospital, or would I be able to go into a certain specialty right off the bat...say orthopedic nursing?

Thanks for your feedback. I look forward to hopefully joining you. I appreciate everything you guys do!

Matt