Have a bachelor's degree and want to become an RN-do I get 2nd degree BSN or other?

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To anyone who can advise me:

I'm 32 years old, a single mother and want to go back to school to become an RN. I have a bachelor's in science already and don't know the best way to attack this career path. I have always wanted to be a nurse but until my daughter came along, I wasn't focused enough to go for it. I'm also going through an awful divorce from a man who's quickly become a "dead-beat-dad" and hasn't seen or financially supported his daughter in over a year (she's 15 months old). My point is that I'm serious about this career in nursing and being able to financially support myself and my daughter and all her needs from here on out.

Should I go back to school for a 2nd degree BSN? Or do I go for an associates degree? What's the best way to go about becoming an RN where I'll make enough money to support my family, feel confident that I'm well prepared and can become one somewhat quickly (w/in 2-3 yrs)??

Thanks for your time and any advice you can give. I've asked this question many times and never seem to get a well-educated, satisfying response...I'm hoping this will be different. :)

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

So sorry you hare going through this ((((hug)))).

I would advise you to check in with your local nursing schools. Make an appointment to talk with an admissions counselor & take a long your previous transcripts. They will be able to provide specific information about prerequisite courses & GPA needed, admission processes, cost, financial aid available, etc. Be prepared for bad news about your previous courses. Many schools do not accept science classes that are >5 years old.

If your area is like most, you will have a significant wait before you are actually accepted into a program. It will probably be longer than you have anticipated. Please don't succumb to the temptation to rack up huge student loans needed to buy into a commercial school - a nurse's salary will not support this kind of debt and you don't want to mortgage your (and daughter's) future. In the meantime, do what you need to do to keep afloat and care for your precious little one. I don't know about your state, but Tx has assistance to ensure that child support is paid - get the r*t b**t**d to pay up.

You may also want to consider a co-op living arrangement with another single mom or family -- you will need this level of backup for childcare when you begin nursing school.

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I am 33 years old and currently have a Bachelors as well. I have just been accepted into a BSN program. I spent 3 months taking some pre-reqs. I suggest that you apply to both ADN and BSN programs, but check to see what pre-reqs you need.

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Thank you!

That's what I'm hearing (ADN and BSN)...is the difference just money? or knowledge and schooling? When I ask schools this question, they promote whatever their school offers so I feel like I'm never getting an unbiased opinion.

Congrats on being accepted! How long did it take? I also have a few months of pre-reqs to take.

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HouTx

Thank you for your kind response and advice. I'm lucky in that I have an extremely supportive family and while I'm in school my daughter will be baby-sat by close family so I won't break the bank with daycare and sitters. I'm currently a massage therapist and had to take a lot of the pre-reqs less than 5 years ago so I'm HOPING they'll count the courses I've already had and aced.

As for my ex...don't worry, the Department of Revenue is going after him...it won't be long now!! :)

I've heard that there are some great scholarships and grants out there, have you heard the same or witnessed the same?

Thanks again!!

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Actually I spent 3 semeseters taking my pre-reqs a total for a total of 6 classes, but I only needed 2 of them for the school that I got accepted into. I was a nursing major 12 years ago, so I had most of my pre req done. I only applied to school that did not have a time frame on math and science classes because they were 10 years old.

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That's wonderful that you have such a supportive family to help with childcare. Nursing school is time-consuming and being a single mom at the same time sounds like a huge undertaking!

I have my first bachelor's in biology, and just started a 12-month accelerated BSN program. In many areas, ADNs are being phased out and many hospitals require a BSN. You could still probably get a job in LTC, but it seems like healthcare is moving away from ADNs, at least in cities. I'd check your local job postings to see if "BSN required" is typical in your area. Maybe even call a couple of hospitals' HR departments and ask if they hire ADN-prepared nurses. Many of the hospitals also offer a BSN differential if they hire both ADN and BSN nurses. I'm certainly not saying you have to have a BSN, or even an RN, to be a great nurse. Definitely not the case. I'm just talking about job prospects in the cities I've lived in. It was an easy decision for me since I have a previous degree. It would be at least 2 years to go through an ADN program, and the traditional pace of a BSN program would take 2 years. My area (St. Louis) has several accelerated BSN programs, and other schools offerred 15 to 21 month programs. I figured that if it would take less time for a BSN program, and if it would ever impact if or where I could get a job, I'd rather go with the BSN.

Good luck! I hope you find something that works for you!

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Hi TarynCMT

Yes, the ADN and BSN are different. The ADN have more clinical skills and the BSN have more theory. A lot of hospitals are leaning toward BSN because they feel that they provide better patient care

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Hi TarynCMT

Yes, the ADN and BSN are different. The ADN have more clinical skills and the BSN have more theory. A lot of hospitals are leaning toward BSN because they feel that they provide better patient care

This depends on your area. My area still has several diploma programs, as well as the associate degree and bachelor's degree. OP, check out the programs in your area. If you have an associate's program, you may only have to complete the nursing courses. I would check with those programs and request a transcript review and ask what the wait list is like. If you do the ADN, you are always able to complete the RN to BSN either in person or online. Again, you'll be able to transfer credits from your original BS, so you're still ahead of the game.

Additionally, do the same with second degree programs. Get a feel for dealing with the admissions/financial aid people at all of the option schools and see which school and offices work best for you.

Good luck!!

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Hi TarynCMT

Yes, the ADN and BSN are different. The ADN have more clinical skills and the BSN have more theory. A lot of hospitals are leaning toward BSN because they feel that they provide better patient care

I don't think this is accurate. ADN's and BSN's usually have the same amount of clinicals, however, BSN's have more theory on top of it. Some BSN programs may have another clinical or too.

I think the best route is an accelerate BSN if you can do it. After pre-reqs, I understand it takes around 1 year to get your RN. Many job offers say "BSN preferred." That doesn't mean they won't hire an ADN, but a BSN will have an advantage (all other factors constant.)

Let me just say, good for you for pursing your dream, even if it's later than you originally planned. My mom put her dream of pursing nursing on hold to raise me, and now she is in school with me. I couldn't be more proud of her.

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Thank you all for your help and support! This has been GREAT! I've researched my area (western Massachusetts) and a BSN degree is definitely what they're looking around here so that's what I'll do!

I'm excited to begin the next chapter in my life and make my daughter proud that her mommy went out there and took care of us both!

Thanks again!

-Taryn

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I elected to go the BSN route for the following reasons:

1. ADN or BSN it's going to take two years here regardless

2. I wanted to take the pharmacology, pathophysiology, and management course offered to the BSNs

3. It seemed to make more economic sense.

I already have a B.S. degree with all the prereqs and sundry work experiences in EMS and law enforcement so I've certainly been around nurses. Most of them around here still seem to have only associate's degrees. Until moving very recently (like 8 weeks ago) to go back to school yet still work, I was a supervisor at my job. I enjoyed that and by all accounts was good at it so I'd like to pick that back up in my future endeavors.

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