ADN or accelerated BSN - specific circumstances, need advice

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Hello,

I would appreciate advice from anyone with an opinion on my situation. I have a bachelor's degree in journalism, but would like to change my career to nursing. I live in Connecticut, but would like to move back home to upstate New York. I could stay in Conn. a year or two longer, and take prerequisites at the community college so I can get into an accelerated bsn program. I have a job that is not very demanding so I might be able to take 2 classes a semester.

Or I could move back to New York and start an ADN program this Fall. But then I don't know what I would do for work. Perhaps I could work as a CNA (the school allows this after the first semester in the nursing program). I have no experience with nursing whatsoever.

One big problem is that all the accelerated BSN programs have different prerequisites, so I would have to decide now which program to follow and then there is no guarantee of getting in. Also, the accelerated programs are very intense (1 year or more of FT study and clinicals with no time for work).

The ADN route seems more my speed, but I am concerned about moving back home with no job (I probably couldn't find a job in journalism). I really don't want to stay in Conn. much longer. What would you do if you were me?

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I have the same issue and I have spoken to a few people about it. I have a Bachelors in another field, not medical related at all and I was told the Accelerated BSN program with no prior medical knowledge is extremely difficult. Not that I am afraid of being challenged but I don't necessarily want to be stretched too thin because I have a lack of medical terminology. The advantage of having a higher degree so that I may advance to a Masters that much faster is temping for me though. Both programs are 2 years and you can't work with either program so why not take the more difficult route?!! Then again, why shoot myself in the foot??!!

About the chance of not getting in, thats just the chance you have to take. And I know that they all want different pre-reqs too. I hated that, but its mostly AP 1, AP 2 and Micro and some want Chemistry, some don't; some want the TEA Test or the HESI or the NET....I know, I have researched. Maybe try finding the schools with the most similar pre-reqs. Maybe just choose one but regardless you can just start knocking out what you know your going to need- AP for example get on your way, then you can make the decision about where you will apply later. Its hard to make all of these decisions at once b/c you don't know where you'll be. And about working while in school- doable I am sure but you can always get loans- not the best case but I would consider it to get by.

If I were you I would try not to make every decision right this second. I only say that because I did that (and still do) and was driving myself crazy. Its in my nature to think, think, think and think.......... when all you have to do is take one step in that direction and the rest will follow. :)

Good luck with whatever you decide.

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Specializes in Adult Acute Care Medicine.

Yes that is a very tough decision, and there is no "right" answer.

The accelerated programs are supposed to be very difficult, however ALL nursing programs are very demanding. Do not underestimate a ADN program. You must learn almost all of the same infromation in both. (in order to pass the exact same licensure exam). I think that you could find lots of threads on how difficult ADN programs are here.

But yes, the accelerated program would certainly become almost your entire life.

My sister has recently decided to switch to nursing and just dealt with this issue. She decided to go for her BSN w/ accelerated program.

I also have a BSN and am very glad I chose that route. The floor where I work now only hires BSN prepared nurses.

I just graduated last April and I seem to remember talking in class about some current proposed policy that the state of NY would only employ BSN prepared...THis seems almost impossible but you may want to look into it if you will work in NY.

Also, if you have any interest in moving away from bedside nursing into a managerial or teaching role, or if you are interested in persuing your Masters then perhaps you should really consider the BSN.

Congrats on your new career choice, and good luck to you!

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It really depends on if you are willing to completely quit working for the duration of an accelerated program. If you are willing to bite the bullet, and quit working, go for the accel BSN. An ADN would allow you to work, but might take you longer to get in to the workforce.

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I have a 2 years RPN diploma from Canada and would like to find a school either in Canada or USA that offers Accelerated BSN program. If any one be kind enough to advise.

Thanks!

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
Both programs are 2 years .

*** Two years!? How is that "accelerated"? The actual nursing part of all nursing schools is pretty much two years. I think of an accelerated BSN prorgam as being 1 year or maybe 15 months like the accelerated BSN progams that the University of Wisconsin has.

For a person who already has a BS just going to a regular, non-accelerated, BSN program should take two years.

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.

I would go to whatever program gets you a license the fastest. Most ADN programs have long waiting lists so the BSN might be shortest.

I wish yopu good luck. Nursing is a good job and I enjoy it.

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Specializes in ED.

agree with the last poster - how long is the wait list for both?

also, are you thinking of ever getting an advanced degree?

a couple years ago I decided to totally change my path and started looking at schools, a friend who is a nurse and a nursing professor told me to do the BSN no matter what, but i don't think that's the case for everyone. that being said, I DID get into an accelerated BSN and I can assure you that I would in no way be able to work at all. I am married with a child and my husband can support us, my parents help with childcare, but I also am NOT a type A personality, I need a little bit of down time, and I need to have some fun (which, truthfully, I don't get that often) but I will be done in December with a BSN and the option to further my education later w/o going back to get a BSN

good luck!

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I checked U/Wisconsin site but failed to find any accelerated BSN program. Could you please be more specific about more schools offering that program. Thanks

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Hello Dear

May I know which school are you doing your BSN? Please provide me some info !

Thanks!

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Specializes in ED.
Hello Dear

May I know which school are you doing your BSN? Please provide me some info !

Thanks!

I'm not sure which poster you were asking this to, but if it's me, I'm going to San Jose State University, unfortunately I am the last of 3 groups of students given a grant to do an 18-month accelerated program so the program doesn't exist anymore (unless they get another grant...)

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I have a 2 years RPN diploma from Canada and would like to find a school either in Canada or USA that offers Accelerated BSN program. If any one be kind enough to advise.

Thanks!

Check out Minnesota State University-Mankato.

mnsu.edu

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