EEEK! do I really need a bsn???

[okie2]

Just got back from an application workshop for OU. I am not happy. Many things just didn't sit well with me and some info has changed in just the last few months.

*the cost for the BS-to-BSN has gone up from $9,000 to $13,500!!

*Last year they had over 600 applicants!! for all bsn programs

*they filled 120 spots and put 179 people on a wait list!!! that's crazy!

*the first 8 weeks is lab intensive --then the program becomes ONLINE intensive! I'm not paying that kind of $$$$$ for online courses.

*the nclex pass rate is actually a few points less than the CC and they said it was due to the fact that the student body was young and didn't take the recommendation to get out and WORK to get real experience needed to pass the nclex! that's crazy too.

*AND after this semester they're not accepting A&P combined course--I was previously told by the counselor to take it---I was getting ready to enroll on MONDAY!!! now they only take separate classes.

*after the bs-bsn program has been advertised as a great second career shift and family people encouraged to apply---they said to be able to get rid of your kids over the summer, to camp or grandma, because you won't be able to do both! you will not have a life at all.

maybe I was under some illusion about OU--it has such a reputation.

sorry for the rant, but so many things are different than when i spoke to the counselor in august. I have considered the RN program at the OKCCC and I think I will go with it! I have a previous bachelors and I really want to be an RN, do I really need the BSN?????. I've been working on pre-reqs which will count toward the ADN. In 06 when I'm ready to go full time, I can do just the nursing courses, and maybe have some time for the family too.

Thanks for listening........................................................

Good luck to all!!

[hypnotic_nurse]

I have an ADN from a community college in KS in 2000 (and a BA from OU which I finished in '80). I have a great job doing research (actually at OU) and I make about $25/hour with some pretty decent benefits. No, you don't NEED a BSN. :)

Once you have an ADN, if you want a BSN, you can do an ADN to BSN through Panhandle State, all on-line, for $200 PER CLASS (classes range from 2-3 credit hours, so it's not a bad price).

I really enjoyed my community college experience; I worked for KU at the time and I think we got more "hands-on" experience than the BSN nurses at KU did.

[Megsd, BSN, RN]

You may want to consider a "traditional" BSN program rather than a second-degree program. A lot of the second-degree programs (like the one at OU, it sounds like) are fast-paced, intensive, full-time programs. They tend to cost more than the traditional programs.

At least at the school I'm looking at (I'll start nursing school in 2006 and graduate with a BA in an unrelated field in May), any classes I've taken toward my BA will transfer toward my BSN if they're transferable (which I'm meeting with them on Thursday to check on that). The traditional BSN program has fewer prereqs than the second-degree program and while it'll take longer, it's a slower pace so I can still work part time.

A second-degree program is NOT your only option if you're a second degree student.

Meghan

[okie2]

:) Thanks!

Hypnotic Nurse- glad to hear of your good experience in CC. I had the feeling that it would be more real-life approach, more hands on. Like you mentioned, with the RN I can go back to school later. Actually, with my previous BS, I can do a totally online MSN- & that isn't a bad price. Right now I'm paying $110/ HOUR thru OU correspondence. It adds up quickly!

I was just really shocked to hear how many applicants they had last year. I mean over 600! A few years ago they were begging for students-- actually couldn't fill all the slots one year! & the competition is worse for the regular program because most of the applicants don't have previous degrees. I just really don't like the feeling I get about either program. Maybe I'll feel differently after some sleep.

I'm really glad I went. I think I was under some illusion about OU. I worked for OU cardiovascular dept. @ OMRF way back in 97--I liked the environment and the people. I guess the school is different.

Thanks for the input. I need to meditate on it and focus on my true motivation and goals, & the best path for me.

Have a great week!