RN or BSN

[madzchemist]

I have been pursuing a career in nursing for sometime now. Unfortunately life happens. I was unable to physically attend school. For the past 1.5 years I have been taking classes online. I'm currently enrolled in a SUNY school which allows me to take all my classes online. I am one class away from obtaining my AAS. I am also taking a medical math as a prerequisite to an extremely competitive nursing(RN) program at BMCC. My question is should i try to get into a bachelors program for nursing or do the RN program and eventually do BSN? Like most I work full-time as a Medical Assistant. I am married and I have two kids. I have to work in order to pay for school so although i have thought about it i cant quit my job and go to school full-time. what do i do? NYC doesn't have a lot of option for evening programs. I don't know what to do. any suggestions?

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

RN is not a degree, it is a license, so I'm assuming that you're trying to decide between a BSN or ADN program. What's best for you will depend upon your own circumstances as well as the job market in your area. Many people opt for an ADN and go on to complete their BSNs after passing NCLEX and getting a job. It can be a much more affordable pathway for anyone who is adhering to a "pay as you go" plan in order to avoid racking up a lot of student loan debt.

Please do an in-depth analysis of the job market for ADN-RNs in your area so you'll have a realistic picture of what you'll be facing as a new grad. If hospitals are only hiring BSN grads, it is good to know this up front. Wishing you the best of luck on your educational journey.

[madzchemist]

Yes and thank you. My mistake I meant ADN or BSN. I live in NYC the opportunities for ADN and BSN vary. The magnet hospitals only take nurses with Bachelors degrees, but the public hospitals take ADN-RN. I happen to work at one of the magnet hospitals as a Medical Assistant. I think my worries, are based on finances, time and the fact that I'm not as young as most nursing students, I feel I have more of a time crunch, then again time is part of the journey. hopefully i will figure it out.