what are the best majors to better prepare you for an ABSN program?

[aggiepack177]

I just transfered to UCD from a CC and start my first quarter this fall and I have been really interested in pursuing a career in nursing. After months of research I think the best pathway for me is to go into one of Samuel Merritts ABSN programs but am a little unsure as to what the process is like, so hopefully those who have finished or are currently enrolled could give some much needed insight.

What major can better prepare you for an ABSN program? I've read that there are prereqs for the ABSN program, if so what? What is the application process like? What else, other than GPA, is put into consideration for admission?

[Jolie, BSN]

A BSN is a 4-year program. If you have already completed a number of prerequisites, you could probably finish a BSN program in 3 years or less.

If you are planning to move into the field of psychology, then perhaps a Bachelor's degree in psych would be of benefit to you. As long as you work the pre-requisites into your Bachelor's Degree program, you could then enter a Master's Entry nursing program to earn your RN while ultimately specializing in Psych and Mental Health Nursing in the Advanced Practice portion of the program.

There are many options. I just don't see the benefit of doubling up on Bachelor's Degrees :)

[aggiepack177]

so if i do go the ELSMN route am i eligible to sit for the nclex after the first year?

does anyone know what the price differences are for ELSMN and the ABSN?

thanks again for the input!

[jennafezz]

so if i do go the ELSMN route am i eligible to sit for the nclex after the first year?

does anyone know what the price differences are for ELSMN and the ABSN?

thanks again for the input!

Both of those depend on the schools :) UCSF, for example, lets you sit for the NCLEX after the first year, and the total cost (for all three years) is about equal to the cost of the one year ABSN at Samuel Merritt (except you get a master's degree with UCSF..).

[Asherah, BSN, RN]

What I see most people do is that they pursue nursing to use as a stepping stone and they get stuck with that not being able to do what what they wanted to do in the first place.

Eh? This is news to me...

If you want to purse Psych nursing, go for the BSN, forget the BA or BS Psychology. As someone who holds a degree in that field, just trust me. You would be taking the long road with very little benefit.

As an aside, many students entering nursing school believe they wish to specialize in one field, and then come out of clinical rotations loving another. Until you spend some time as a nursing student on a Psych unit, don't dedicate every waking moment to that dream. Keep an open mind about all of the possibilities.