HELP! What do I do?

[gingerdee]

Hello all, I am so glad I found this site! I was wondering if someone can help me, I will keep it short and simple.

I'm looking to go into nursing. I have a BS in biology, certified as a medical technologist, and have been working as one for 8 years. I also have a masters of health science in biomedical science/med lab sciences.

I am sick of being in the lab, I would like more patient contact. My hours are very rigid and I need more flexibility in my life. I also would like a career ladder and more upward mobility, which I will most likely not acheive being a med tech.

I cannot do a one year accelerated program, so I guess I have to do a BSN, however I do not have time to take classes, I work dayshift M-F 7AM to 3:30 or 4 PM

How can I go about obtaining my BSN online? I have most of the prereqs with my biology degree (I've taken A&P I and II, organic I and II, micro, genetics, advanced biochem, calc I and II, physics) can these go towards the BSN? Can I take some online courses then do the clinicals at a local hospital?

My job will pay for the degree (up to $12000) as long as I work as a nurse for 2 years here, so I would like to take advantage of this benefit, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[RNtoBe2017]

That's a great opportunity that the hospital is offering you!!! To obtain your degree online I would call the schools and ask them about their programs. Also, request information from the school you intend on attending. The classes from your biology degree should count toward some of the credits you need for the school you choose to apply to. It depends on the school and how long ago the classes were taken. Blessings!

[feeneishia]

I would say look into a night and weekend program at a community college. It shouldn't take you long if you've already taken those classes. You don't have to get a BSN, you can get an associates degree and do just fine. And do a RN bridge later. Those classes can definitely go towards a BSN as well. Good luck!

[sourapril]

Talk to your supervisor to see if you can work part time. Most nursing program has a clinical component which has even more rigid schedule because it's hard to find a clinical placement for students. Nursing school is very time consuming. You don't have to study full time but you should give yourself at least 15-20 hours a work for homework, group project, clinical and studying for exams. I know many of my classmates have young children and a full time job while they were in nursing school. So it's doable but you need to have a realistic expectation about how much time you can devote to nursing school.

[Sizzline]

I would look into a night program at a community college. I go to school Monday 5-8pm, Tuesday 6-9pm (although I generally go in at 3 to study or attend open lab) and have clinicals on Wednesday 4:30-10pm. Once I graduate and pass the NCLEX, I'll do an online RN-to-BSN program.