ABSN/DirectEntryMSN/ADN

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Howdy All...newbie here with what might be a redundant question.

I am considering going into nursing after several years working in Healthcare Admin (I have an MPH in Health Systems Mgmt) and I'm trying to figure out the best course of action. My ultimate interest is in possibly becoming an ACNP or CRNA...but I'm also genuinely looking forward to being a staff RN until I have enough experience to A)decide if one of those are right for me and B)I have the necessary experience to apply to an MSN program.

My family situation dictates that I need to go to school locally, however I do live in NorCA which presents me some limited, but decent options:

A) There is one ABSN program about an hour from me, which is incredibly expensive at $51K just for tuition. (In comparison Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, etc are "just" $37K for same program.) I like the idea of being able to get started quickly, but get queasy at the idea of almost doubling my existing student loans...not to mention that fact that I'll have to spend easily that much when/if I go on to get an MSN.

B) We have great ADN programs at three different Community College within 45 minutes of me, but they've all got a "2 to 3 year waiting list"...followed by the actual schooling of 2 years. Factor into that I'll have to attend a BSN completion program at some point and we're conservatively talking 6 to 7 or more years before I can even think about applying for an MSN program. Nonetheless, the specter of spending less than $5K for the entire program is very attractive. (Of course I also wouldn't be earning a salary for that 2nd year that I'd be in the program...but I digress)

C) UCSF, (2 hours from me) as some already know, has a direct entry MSN program and offers the ACNP specialty...but I'm not sure I want to commit myself to that specialty before having a chance to do some real work as a staff RN and decide if that's truly the direction I want to take. In addition, I've been to their info session and they seem a little "snobby" with many of their admission and program rules and procedures. I've also read some blogs of current past students and it doesn't sound like the most supportive faculty/staff. (But I suppose when you're amongst the best MSN programs you can act like a demigod and get away with it)

I've spent a long time contemplating the choices and there are pros and cons to each...but I'm becoming almost circular in my logic, so thinking on my own isn't much help, LOL

Here's my question:

Has anyone out there had similar "problems?" If so, what were your thoughts? What decision did you ultimately make?For those of you who are current nurses; can you offer any special insights which might help me find an "ah ha!" moment?

Thanks!

John

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Just a clarification; I'm not interested so much in which program is "better"...I know that from a capabilities stand-point each the ADN and ABSN would provide me with the same skills (theoretically) as would the initial portion of the Direct Entry MSN.

I guess what I'm hoping for is to offer some suggestions based on their personal experiences and/or those of their colleagues...what combination worked well for others?

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Specializes in SRNA.

Just to let you know, the JHU ABSN tuition is $57,000. ;)

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Just to let you know, the JHU ABSN tuition is $57,000. ;)

Good to know...that actually does make me feel a tad bit better. (I'd still rather pay $57K for a degree from Johns-Hopkins than $51K for a school with less recognition as being a world class center of academic excellence...but again, I digress, )

Out of curiosity; how do they calculate that? On the JHU website it mentions the BSN program costing $15,732 a semester.

Thanks again Asherah!

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Specializes in Maternity, quality.

That's a tough choice. From the pure academic point of view I'd say to go for the ABSN simply because of the timing and the fact that you know that you want to go on for an advanced practice role so you'll need the BSN anyway. The idea of spending 2-3 years waiting to get into an ADN program, then two years in the program, and then an additional 1-2 years to bridge to the BSN wouldn't be my cup of tea. That being said, finances are a concern and the cost of the ABSN program is quite high. Have you checked with the school to see if there are any scholarship opportunities or how other students pay for it? Also, you might want to look into whether master's programs in your area are willing to take RNs whose bachelor's degree is in something other than nursing. Some schools will allow you to do an RN-to-MS program and just integrate some of the BSN coursework into the program. That might make the ADN program more attractive.

As for the direct-entry program, I would want to know what the flexibility is. How difficult would it be to switch specialties if you decided you wanted to? Is it possible to drop down to part-time and/or take a leave of absence after the pre-licensure portion to get experience and relieve some of the financial burden? I'd also be concerned with the two hour travel time.

Good luck with your decision!

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Specializes in SRNA.
Good to know...that actually does make me feel a tad bit better. (I'd still rather pay $57K for a degree from Johns-Hopkins than $51K for a school with less recognition as being a world class center of academic excellence...but again, I digress, )

Out of curiosity; how do they calculate that? On the JHU website it mentions the BSN program costing $15,732 a semester.

Thanks again Asherah!

This page on the JHUSON site lists the cost of attendance for both the Trad and Accelerated BSN programs:

http://www.son.jhmi.edu/academics/finaid/info/cost.aspx

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