Admitted to graduate Master of Social Work Program but considering going for an ADN

LaeDeesNP · May 9, 2008

If I were you, I would look into persuing your bacholer's in nursing as a second degree. I know that some universities offer that kind of program. If there isn't one in your area or you're unable to relocate at this time, you can always persue the ADN program and finish the BSN part once you've begun working as an RN. I have a friend who is currently going to school for her BSN and she already has a bachelor's in health admin (I think! I know it's some sort of admin/health policy degree). Since her previous bachelor degree has no A&P, Micro, or clinical component, etc, she needs those courses which are part of the "Nursing as a second degree" program. I believe it will take her 2 years to finish this program which is comparable to the ADN programs.

Anyhow, every school/university is different but it's an option to look into. I admire you for considering nursing. It is a tough, but rewarding field. It's most rewarding when you've figured out which "niche" is yours and it certainly sounds like you have. Good luck!

RhodyGirl, RN · May 9, 2008

Just be aware that even ADN programs these days can take 4 years or more to complete. I am in a BSN program and by the time all is said and done, it will have been a 7 year deal.

I wish you the best of luck in your decision and career success!

Sunflower3 · May 9, 2008

I agree with RNKatePSU-there are numerous BSN programs that are for persons who already have a bachelor's degree in another field. Usually these programs take about a year, then you are awarded a BSN degree. If you want greater diversity with a nursing degree (expanded opportunities, etc.) then the BSN is the way to go. I'm a graduate student (already have a BSN degree) in nursing, and as long as you graduate from an accredited program of nursing, employers should view an RN-MSN program favorably.

Hope this helps,

UnitRN01

kristenncrn · May 9, 2008

I have a previous degree in psyc and communications then some grad school.

I got my ADN and I'm glad. It was three years, but that was part time (and cheap!!!) That was better for me because I was a single mom at the time and needed the flexible hours and the $200 a semester tuition. Really!

I'm working on my RN-MSN bridge program through Walden (slowly but surely.)

The hospital sees no difference where I'm at in BSN vs. BA/BS to MSN.

My friend who is an MSW on our floor would say that she gets paid very little, no one seems to understand what she does or how well-trained she is in her field, she gets very little respect and as a SW in peds - her case load is heartbreaking. OTOH - she works M-F, semi-sets her own hours, has her own office, no being on call (though she definitely comes in in special circumstances) and she is very autonomous.

If I could go back and not fail out of grad school at 21 years old, that'd be great, but that didn't work out for me. :) I think they are both great fields and I'm not sure I could say one is better than the other... Nursing probably has more flexibility as far as different options for the future, though, if you don't see doing social work forever...

Best,

Kristen

elkpark · May 9, 2008

There are so many individual variables involved that there is no one "best" route (to RN licensure). I would encourage you to talk to "live people" at all the nursing programs in your area (ADN, traditional BSN, accelerated BSN (if there is one)), find out what they have to say about how competitive a candidate you would be, how much of your previous coursework would transfer in to meet their requirements, what the time frame for completion would be, costs, scheduling, etc., and then spend some time puzzling out which is the best option for you in your specific circumstances.

Lots of people will tell you that anyone who already has a BA/BS "should" go to an accelerated BSN (ABSN) program, but that's not necessarily true. Those programs tend to be comparatively expensive compared to other nursing programs, and they are extremely fast-paced and intense -- which might be great for some people, but a poor choice for others. If a lot of your previous coursework would transfer in to meet the requirements in a traditional BSN program, you might well be able to complete just the nursing courses of a traditional BSN program in not much more time (than an ABSN program) and possibly save a lot of $$$. Ditto for an ADN. Or, you might find, after investigating, that you are best off with the ABSN program. All other things being equal, you'll be better off, in terms of growth and options within the field once you're in it, with a BSN than an ADN, so, if it turned out that you could get a BSN in about the same amount of time, for about the same amount of $$$, as you could an ADN, I'd encourage you to go for the BSN. Some employers consider an ADN + BA/BS (in something else) the equivalent of a BSN degree for their own, internal purposes (promotion, management positions, etc); many employers (and graduate schools) don't. BSN curricula include specific nursing content that ADN curricula don't, and a baccalaureate degree in another field doesn't change the fact that you haven't had that additional BSN-level content/experience.

My point is :rolleyes: , the "best" option is going to be different for everyone. Whichever route you end up going, you're going to invest a whole lot of time, effort, and $$$, so it's well worth putting in the extra effort up front to be sure you're making the right, best choice for you.

As for your other questions, most people with previous degrees (and there are plenty of other threads here about this! :)) are v. disappointed to find that their previous degrees don't benefit them in beginning a nursing career. Basically, no one's going to care that you have another degree; a new grad (in nursing) is a new grad is a new grad. However, it may be of benefit to you as you move forward in your nursing career over time.

I'm not sure what you mean by "What do employers think of RN to MSN graduates?" If you want to clarify what you're asking, I'd be happy to offer an opinion. Best wishes!

futurecnm · May 9, 2008

I am a soon to be ADN graduate with a previous bachelors degree. like someone else said, there are many options. I looked into an accelerated program but it was so expensive that I just couldn't do it. I also have a family and 2 kids and it would have taken over my entire life (full time, can't work, have to do school basically the whole time). I opted for the ADN due to finances and time demands. I went to school 2 nights a week and had clinical every other weekend. I save so much money. I want to add that it takes 2 years for the NURSING part of the program, but there are multiple pre-requisites you have to have done prior to this (most programs are quite competitive and most students have them basically finished before applying, it would be really hard to take them with the nursing courses). It took me close to 4 years to finish it all.

Womanonajourney1983 · May 9, 2008

First all I want to thank you all for your thoughtful replies! To clarify about the whole RN-MSN question: Do employers view graduates of a RN to MSN (BA/BS in non-nursing field + ADN + MSN) program as favorably as they do ADN to BSN to MSN or BSN to MSN graduates or would that put one at a disadvantage?

For financial reasons. . .I am really thinking about going forth with the MSW program (it's one year), working and saving money to complete an accelerated nursing program later. I am 24 (soon to be 25) and I am the sole provider & caregiver for my six year old daughter. Two degrees in two years wouldn't be bad. . .there are no accelerated programs in my area so I'd need to relocate.

I feel that my experience in social work will be benefical to me as a nurse because it will help me to see the patients' illness, disease, or disability in a context that is related to the psychosocial issues such as the importance of their home environment, support system, etc. and as a nurse or nurse practicioner in a primary care setting or even in a general acute care hospital setting from trauma units to pediatrics--I love the diversity that nursing offers (!) (hopefully with a great deal of autonomy and possibly independent practice) I can provide patients & families with more holistic care that encompasses physical & mental well being.

Enough of my ranting!

Again thanks to all of you for your responses & encouragement! I love nurses & what the profession is about! NURSES ROCK!!!

P.S. I have been reading a book entitled Intensive Care: The Story of a Nurse by Echo Heron. .. can any of you recommend any other books about nursing?

StarryNyte713 · May 9, 2008

Hello! I have a B.A. in Psych and worked in Social Services for a couple years. Did NOT like it at all... but it put me into a lot of contact with nurses. I found that I was in the wrong "helping" profession.

I just finished my nursing pre-reqs and will be starting an A.A.S. program in nursing this August.

I had applied to a couple accelerated BSN programs, but I was put on waiting lists. Even if I get in, I would have need to relocate and take out tons in loans. The community college is an inexpensive alternative, and I will get my BSN/MSN through a bridge program while I'm working as a nurse.

Just look around at ALL of the programs, get information (tuition, pre-reqs, start dates), check out the NCLEX pass rates... see which is the best fit for you!

Good luck!

calliesue · May 10, 2008

Some programs like Texas Womens have a fast track bsn of nursing. I think it is 18 months if you have previous bachelors in any field.

I think I would do that.

kristenncrn · May 10, 2008

P.S. I have been reading a book entitled Intensive Care: The Story of a Nurse by Echo Heron. .. can any of you recommend any other books about nursing?

Well - a bit on the political side, but....

Nursing Against the Odds by Suzanne Gordon should be required reading for any RN program, in my opinion. You may not AGREE with her take, but I think her research should be considered by every person in our profession. Actually - I recommend any book she's written.

Code Green by Dana Weinberg too.

jjjoy, LPN · May 10, 2008

The type of work you mention being interested in (primary care, preventive health) often are rather select areas of nursing that aren't always easy to get into. I'm not saying you shouldn't pursue it, but keep in mind that the bulk of nursing jobs out there are bedside care (inpatient hospital units, TCU, LTC, etc). I know my nursing school paraded before us very unique and interesting nursing jobs that there was no way to get straight out of school and hard to get without a stroke of luck (being in the right place at the right time). Only just before graduation did they start to tell us that for many nursing jobs we'd need at least a few years of acute care experience.

Given your background, public heatlh nursing may be up your alley. Check out your local county health services and see if you talk to some of the nurses there.