Becoming a RN after high school

[vvikhrev]

These questions might sound really "stupid," and I'm not even sure I'm wording this correctly, but I really want to know:

1. What is a BSN (in reference to a RN)?

1. Is it better to attend a two-year community college and get my ADN, or is it better to attend a four-year college and get my BSN?

2. Is it true that I can become a RN with a BSN in about four years right after high school?

3. Can I become a PA (hopefully with a PhD) after I get my BSN?

4. Last but not least, What are the (close to exact) steps I should follow right after or during high school in order to get my BSN?

Thank you so much!

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

I think we need to remember that in different areas of the country....different terms are used for certain positions.

Unfortunately this is common in the medical profession....actually it is that way in everyday life......I was stunned the first time I asked for a milk shake in New England and they brought me shaken milk ......it you want ICE cream...it's a frappe!!! A bubbler is a water fountain and a patient gown a Johnnie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Johnnie???? I thought a John is where you went to the bathroom???

It is semantics that is the difference....I have seen Physician's Assistant/Medical assistant used interchangeably (note to the apostrophe s) Which is different from the Physician Assistant...PA-C....however....I have never seen a surgeon without a MD/DO.

Allnurses loves good discussions.....but they need to be polite......

you are free to disagree with anyone on any type of subject matter as long as your criticism is constructive and polite. Additionally, please refrain from name-calling. This is divisive, rude, and derails the thread. Our first priority is to the members that have come here because of the flame-free atmosphere we provide. There is a zero-tolerance policy here against personal attacks. We will not tolerate anyone insulting other's opinion nor name calling.

Our call is to be supportive, not divisive.

Thread reopened.

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

LOL on the shaken milk...I'm from a half-Yankee, half-Rebel family (dad from PA, mom from VA) and I was born in Hawaii, have lived all over, went to high school and college in the South, and am married to a Brit - a lot of times it gives me a distinct 'cultural' and linguistic advantage! :)

And I apologize if I detracted from the discussion - back to the thread!!

[PMFB-RN, RN]

I have never seen a surgeon without a MD/DO.

*** You probably have and didn't know it. If you ever worked with a physican who was trained in the UK, or in any of the countries who follow their medical education model. THe BMBS (Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery) is the professional degree for physicans. When they come here, as a matter of courtesy, the are called MD. Even my health systems web page lists physicans who do NOT have an MD degree as "Dr. John Smith MD" even though that physicans does not have an MD. You can read more about it here:

Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[patriece1991]

1. A BSN is a 4 year nursing degree.

1. It depends on what you want. If you want to be out working quicker, you can get your ADN (2 year) and then if you wish go back to get your BSN

2. Yes you can get your BSN straight out of high school, without going to winter and summer school. I graduated high school in 2009, started college that fall. I just graduated this May with my BSN; it was a 4 year traditional bachelor's degree in nursing (no summer courses required).

3. A PA has a completely different scope than a nurse...closer to a physician (focus more on the disease or illness). In nursing we are taught to treat the person. A nurse practitioner program would be more fitting since this would build on your education and you actually have a broader scope of practice than a PA (varies by state).

4. You really need to research and read about a nurses role, ADN vs. BSN and decide what is best for you. I would also, if I were you, read about advanced nursing degrees. When you decide on the college you want to attend, look at their nursing program, the curriculum and check your states nursing board website to see their NCLEX pass rates (your education won't matter if you can't pass it).

I hope I helped you out some! Nursing is a wonderful career!! I found it best to get my BSN. In my area, even for a BSN, jobs are VERY hard to come by now for nurses. Here, a BSN definitely makes you more marketable. I also always knew I wanted my Bachelor's degree. However, it is your preference. There are wonderful nurses with both degree! Good luck to you!!

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

The other thing I preferred about nursing over PA was I felt like I had more options as an RN and even as an NP. Don't want to do family practice anymore? Go get some experience and be a midwife! Don't want to work oncology anymore? Go apply for the NICU program! Acute care, geriatrics...I just feel like you're more pigeonholed with a PA even though I know they're everywhere. I feel like an RN/NP can be more fluid.