ABSN vs. RN-BSN

[MissShaneS]

Hello All!

I'm sure there is probably a thread out there that address this question but I am struggling with finding in my search. I am deliberating over two different ways to achieve my BSN. Single, no children, will be living at home, second degree.

Option 1: Apply to an ABSN program (~$25,000) and go full steam ahead starting Fall 2016, hopefully graduate with a BSN.

Option 2: Start an RN program at a local community college (1.5-2yrs), while subsequently becoming a CNA (program requirement). Complete coursework, become certified RN and then enroll in a RN-BSN program at the local university (3 semesters or so). Potentially work as an RN while completing BSN if I am able to find a job.

Option 2 would allow me to "test the waters" without the full cost of the ABSN program and determine if nursing is absolutely what I want to do, however, it will take more time overall. Option 1 is what my instinct is telling me, yet there are pros and cons to both routes. Most nurses I know are saying ABSN.

What are the thoughts and opinions of those of you who have gone through the process of becoming a nurse as a second career? I don't have hands-on experience in the field but plan to shadow nurses as much as possible and explore the career field as I go along. Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

One thing you should do to help you decide is research the job market in your current area or the area in which you wish to work after licensure. Many areas are seeing an employer's market at this time, and many more applicants exist than open positions to fill. To help filter out applications, many positions are requiring BSNs or a certain amount of experience. Look at job postings for nurses in your area to see what is being required, and if you want to work in those facilities, let the requirements guide which path you take.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Totally agree with PP. If hospitals in your area are only hiring BSNs, this will have an impact on your decision.

BTW, you left out an option. What about a 'generic' BSN program? Much less expensive than ABSN but does not take much longer. ABSN programs frequently have substitute sim lab or other activities for actual clinical experience so the generic grads (who have more exposure) are much better prepared for actual clinical practice. Employers already know this.

[estrellaCR, BSN, RN]

Not exactly true. Some ABSN programs are excellent, especially those at city and state universities where the tuition IS affordable and there is a limit to how many students are accepted (50 per year or less). I graduated from a CUNY (city university in NYC) and i had real clinical experiences at hospitals in the city with number of hours comparable to a "generic" BSN program. SUNY (state universities) such as Downstate, Binghamton, and Stony Brook also have a good reputation among hiring managers. The ABSN programs that arent that great are those that accept many students...for example NYU has 300 students graduate with ABSN Per Semester ot almost 600 per year and all from one unviersity! I spoke with Nyu students doing their clinical at my workplace and they admitted to having simulation labs instead of clinicals due to their class having too many students and the hospitals in the city could not accomodate them all. And of course NYU being private school, tuition is very high. Other private universities in NY and elsewhere in the US are in the same boat.

Therefore, if you want ABSN...try a public university. Yes admission is more competitive but you also can apply to the "generic" BSN programs as a back up.