BSN now or RN-BSN?

[Tajin]

Hi everyone, I'm very fortunate to have been accepted to a private 2 year BSN program and a public 2 year ADN program. Here's the preface...I already have a BS, live with my parents, and located in California.

So my two options are:

Option 1: 2 year private BSN program - I would have to relocate 2 hours away from home and total cost (including COL) is roughly $50k.

Option 2: 2 year public ADN program then RN-BSN - this route takes 3.0 - 3.5 years to get a BSN but I can continue living with my parents so that'll save me money. Total cost for this option is $20 - 25k.

Do I attend the private BSN program to "get it over with?" Or attend the public 2 year ADN program then do a RN-BSN to save money? Some nurses that I have spoken to tell me they wished they had just done the BSN from the beginning. They say it's tiring balancing full time work and full time school but I'm a pretty frugal person lol. I would have to consider opportunity cost too. If I can work a year earlier that is probably $70,000 pre-tax in California. I would make back the initial $25k within the first year of working. Also, I have no trouble paying for either program. My parents have promised to loan me money for what ever my federal loans don't cover. I don't have any dependents so I don't need to work, but I will try to find a part time position if time allows.

My future plan is to become a psych NP and I would love to work for a major teaching hospital like UCLA and UCLA's new grad program requires a BSN to apply. But I'm not quick to dismiss the possibility of working at a smaller community hospital if I had no other options. UCLA pay new grads around mid $40s/hr, but the smaller community hospitals around my area pay low $30s/hr. The BSN definitely opens more opportunities, but does it justify spending extra money initially?

[ItsThatJenGirl, CNA]

Have you looked into Accelerated BSN programs? They are generally for people that have a previous Bachelor's degree and they take from 15-18 months.

[mmcu_RN, ADN, BSN]

Hi @Tajin! I was looking through your threads because I saw you also got accepted into the PCC Nursing Program for Spring 2018. I was just wondering if you were still considering this BSN program? If not, it'll be nice to start the PCC Nursing Program with you. I was kind of in a similar situation. I wanted to try and send you a private message, but I don't see that option. I don't think I can yet. Anyways, I hope we hear from PCC very soon. >_

[Tajin]

Hi @Tajin! I was looking through your threads because I saw you also got accepted into the PCC Nursing Program for Spring 2018. I was just wondering if you were still considering this BSN program? If not, it'll be nice to start the PCC Nursing Program with you. I was kind of in a similar situation. I wanted to try and send you a private message, but I don't see that option. I don't think I can yet. Anyways, I hope we hear from PCC very soon. >_ I Pmed you!