Decisions

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

Published

Specializes in Med-Surg/DOU/Ortho/Onc/Rehab/ER/.

ok let me get this off my chest:

I have been thinking about this a lot especially since I am getting closer and closer to applying....

I am torn between doing an ADN program or a BSN program

I soonest I can get into an ADN program is Jan 2012 (apply this august)

Soonest for the 3 BSN programs I am applying to get in is August 2012 (apply this august for one and jan 2012 for the other 2)

SO should I wait the extra semester to get my RN and BSN both done and out of the way?

(plus more time for me to work and save $$) problem: 4 years total (1 year from now to get in plus the program is 3 years)

Or should I go in ADN program, get my RN in 2 years and hopefully get a job that will pay for the BSN?

good: be done quicker

problem: no money saved up yet (debt to pay off first THEN SAVE) & rumor is in CA is that no one is hiring and a lot of positions have BSN preferred...

Decisions decisions....

So lets do a VOTE

***btw this is IF i get accepted which, if my calculations are correct, my chances, ironically are better towards the BSN programs then ADN :confused:

Specializes in CNA.

I had the same predicament. I applied to the ADN program at one school and didn't get accepted. I had all my pre reqs done and everything. I got declined twice from that school and got fed up so I switched schools. I saw they had a BSN program that was new to the school and just took a semester more of pre reqs (the BSN required a few more pre reqs than ADN) and applied and got in! Our BSN program is two years... same as a normal ADN program I THINK. I think it is worth it to get the BSN no matter if you get it now or after the ADN. The higher the degree, the more money you will make bottom line.

I would apply for the ADN program and if you get accepted then definitely take that opportunity. It depends which program is more in demand at your school. Maybe talk to the nursing department and ask questions about how many people usually apply for each. If you dont get in the ADN, then definitely go for BSN. Just DON't give up if you get declined a few times. Your time will come!

Specializes in Med-Surg/DOU/Ortho/Onc/Rehab/ER/.

Oh I definitely wont decline. BUT my chances are not as good for an ADN

the ADN programs I would be applying to, look at a bunch of non science stuff (which are like dev psych, english, anthro etc...) dumb things and my grades in science courses are great. The um, other courses? not so much

The BSN programs are all on a points system.

My thing is, I am 22, I SHOULD have my Bachelors by now. I just feel I should get my BSN rather because I already have associates degree, but in science (soooo not useful)

I calculated my points, and I have the classes already registered for and all I need are A's (they unfortunately are non science: philosophy and intro to psych) which isn't hard. I just didn't put much effort in my classes before.

SO basically with that said, waiting is the sucky part, but my chances are better...get it? lol

I am not worried about no being accepted (not to be cocky) but as I said, all I need is A's this summer and my points are definitely competitive.

So logically, BSN is the way to go, but I am REALLY IMPATIENT and want to start NS.

Specializes in CNA.

I know how you feel. I am 21 and notice all my friends graduating with Bachelors degrees. And I am sitting here with 2 years left. But, I like to think about all the *older* (saying this in the nicest way possible) people that are going to school with me for the same thing.

I say go for the BSN then definitely. Ours is on a point system too. I did well in science and fairly well in others. All A's and B's.

You think waiting now sucks.. wait until you apply for the program and gotta wait for that letter. Its the longest wait EVER.:)

Specializes in Med-Surg/DOU/Ortho/Onc/Rehab/ER/.

I know right?

I am thinking BSN

I have been teetering on applying and going wherever I get accepted to first or just do the extra semester and have the RN AND BSN done with. No going back to school no nothing.

Plus since the earliest I can get into a BSN program is *next* fall (as in 2012 lol) I will have plenty of time to pay off my credit cards and get some experience as a CNA (that also looks good on a few BSN schools I am applying too.)

I was thinking on see how I do this summer with those non-science (BS ) classes.

I was thinking, if I get A's then I will definitely do BSN, if I get B's then Ill do ADN. That is the only reason I am taking these classes.

We shall see eh?

Well shoot, I fall into the older category. I am 34 and working towards my ADN...I have another AA..woooo :p

Anyways, I would apply to all of them and hope for the best! Don't feel bad about not having a degree by 22, at least you are getting one!

Specializes in Med-Surg/DOU/Ortho/Onc/Rehab/ER/.

I know, but seeing as how I am practically the only one let that isn't even close!

Well thats actually my fault, I changed my major a lot and would be in NS if I didn't change it to engineering at the last minute (couldn't get into pre req classes because my job didn't allow me to)

But cant go back in time.

Well, if you always compare yourself to someone else you will never measure up! Someone is always going to be doing something better. I started school when I was 20, almost 21, got married at 22, hubby was in the military so we moved a few times. Quit school to have kids. I am this close (like 5 classes away) from my psychology degree, but changed course and went for an ADN that I am starting this fall. I feel old, but oh well! You'll feel so accomplished when you finish wether it's an ADN or a BSN!

Definitely get your BSN. I see a lot of people on here say that getting your ADN is cheaper and you can just get your employer to pay for your BSN. But you need to be realistic, with this economy new grads are having a hard time even getting hired. Employers might have paid for your BSN back then but that is no longer true. I think getting your BSN will make you more competitive plus you can get more experience as a cna which will look better when you are applying for jobs.

Specializes in Med-Surg/DOU/Ortho/Onc/Rehab/ER/.
Definitely get your BSN. I see a lot of people on here say that getting your ADN is cheaper and you can just get your employer to pay for your BSN. But you need to be realistic, with this economy new grads are having a hard time even getting hired. Employers might have paid for your BSN back then but that is no longer true. I think getting your BSN will make you more competitive plus you can get more experience as a cna which will look better when you are applying for jobs.

That was my my number one reason why I always stayed away from doing an ADN. I knew that where I am was not a good market area for ADN's.

My hubby to be, he got his degree in hospitality, he works in hospitality. For him to make use of his degree or any $$ for that matter, he needs to be in a city like area. So that kinda sucks for me because the only places hiring is in the boondocks.

Kinda a catch 22 eh?

I am hoping, since it will take me a year to get in (even though my pre reqs are done this summer, you have to apply in fall for the next fall to enter) and 3 years to do the program; I am hoping the economy will be fixed in the what? 4 years i have until I am an RN, BSN?

I am just TRYING to be optimistic here:cool:

Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

My vote is for the BSN. I'm not in Cali, but I'm in the NE and they want BSNs, which was the deciding factor for me. The nurses where I do my clinicals are back in school for their BSN as their hospital are hiring BSNs only.

Also I want to add that there ARE hospitals that are paying for their employees to go back to school. They are called reimbursement programs. There are also programs that are paying for Nursing students tuition in exchange for their 2 year commitment. This may not be available in every state, but there are in mine.

Specializes in Med-Surg/DOU/Ortho/Onc/Rehab/ER/.

Wow. That sounds good.

I doubt we have that around here. I can check but there are probably some pretty hefty requirements for it.

The thing that is, as I said the more I think about it, the more I realize that BSN is the best shot. Not only will it probably give me better job opportunities but since the earliest to get in is next year so I have plenty of time to save money and relax before school starts

+ Add a Comment