ADN/BSN: should I hurry to work?

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I am currently enrolled in a pre-nursing program, to get all of my lower division coursework completed before applying to NS. I plan on getting my MSN, but I have 1 year old twins, so I can't go full time.

My question is this: do I take the basic classes now(@ school #1), get my ADN/RN so I can go to work, then take all of the BSN non-nursing requirements and then the RN-MSN program(school #2)? This plan will take 5 years, part time, but I can start work as an RN a year sooner than if I do plan B; get all the non-nursing stuff out of the way, and do a ADN/RN then RN-MSN one after the other, with a job waiting tables in the meantime?

My brain hurts, as yours no doubt does, too after trying to understand the mess I just wrote.

I can't get my head around how I'm supposed to do this. I know a lot of moms have done this before, I have read their stories on the site. Inspiring, all of them. But how do we pay the bills? How do we pay for childcare? I am truly lost.

The question is, at it's simplest, do I try to start working as a RN as soon as I can? Or focus on school...then work.

Thanks in advance. :icon_roll

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I will tell you my plan. I have 4 kids ages 10, 8, 4 and 1. I start a two year Diploma RN program next fall. After I graduate I plan on working for one year before I start an accelerated BSN program. That way I figure I can really focus on learning all the things a new nurse must need to know to be a great nurse. After that one year and I am more comfortable in my job I will start the accelerated BSN program. The BSN program is set up that you just go one night a week for 1 1/2 years. I already checked into the program and I will have all the non-nursing class requirements done for my BSN program so it may be shorter than 1 1/2 years for me. I have no plans to go on for a MSN but who knows what the future will bring.

If you didn't have kids I would say go for it and go straight through. But you will miss to much time with them if you go straight thru without a break. Moments you will never get back. I know it is a hard decision. You have to think what is best financially for you and your family.

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Specializes in ICU.

I can't get my head around how I'm supposed to do this. I know a lot of moms have done this before, I have read their stories on the site. Inspiring, all of them. But how do we pay the bills? How do we pay for childcare? I am truly lost.

The question is, at it's simplest, do I try to start working as a RN as soon as I can? Or focus on school...then work.

Thanks in advance. :icon_roll

hi there,

I've got a 2 and 4 yr old right now, and my head is spinning right along with yours!! I'm also planning on eventually getting a masters (thinking CRNA, but keeping an open mind to see what I enjoy).

At first (last May) I decided to go the pt time ADN route, figuring that it would be less crazy trying to balance the kids and school, then get my RN-BSN while I was working.

My sister, an RN, convinced me to go the BSN route right away because most hospitals in my area only hire BSN new grads. I already have my BA in an unrelated field, so I started looking at accelerated 2nd degree programs, and found one that is really geared toward people with LIVES! It's 16 mos, two days a week for three semesters, with a 4-day/week summer schedule. I'm planning on doing childcare for the days I'm in class, and will be studying nights/weekends.

I plan to take out loans to pay for the cost of the program ($30,000) and a supplemental loan to help w/living expenses as I know I won't be able to work AND go to school full time AND take care of the kiddos.

I plan on working a few years and getting some experience before going for my Masters (plus my kids will be in school at that point, so childcare won't be as much of an issue).

Lots of plans... hopefully this will all work out! Good luck to you!!

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and found one that is really geared toward people with LIVES! It's 16 mos, two days a week for three semesters, with a 4-day/week summer schedule. I

Do you mind if I ask what school...where is this dream school? I've got to know! Thanks in advance!

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Thanks everyone. What is this dream school, Life's?

Seems like loans are the way to go for living expenses. I just hate being in debt. Do you all have unsub'ed loans? I can't decide if I should take out more than the grants I have gotten so far that just cover the cost of classes and books.

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Specializes in ICU.
Do you mind if I ask what school...where is this dream school? I've got to know! Thanks in advance!

LOL about the "dream school"! While everyone is different, it certainly is MY dream school, and I'm really hoping to get in. The program is at Curry College in Milton, MA--it's called their "ACCEL" program, a second degree bachelors BSN.

Praying I get in--it's pretty competitive from what I've heard. I have a 4.0 in my prereqs and a 3.85 in undergrad/grad (actually have my MA in another field), so I hope it's enough.

Really--I think it's hugely important to evaluate where you are, what you can handle, and what kind of support you have and find a program that will work for YOU. They are out there...

Good luck everyone! :)

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I have wondered this myself. I would love to have the luxury of having the choice! I am in an area of California where ALL the programs are so impacted, the decision will be made for me. I will take whatever program I get into first. I am on 2 CC ADN waitlists (appx number 200 at one school and 300 at another!) I am also going for a program with a lottery (program takes 60 a year) and applied to a Cal State BSN program that I think had about 400 eligible applicants last year - those accepted had GPAS at or near 4.0 and Teas results in the 90%. Very competetive. Not holding my breath - it might be another year or longer just to start.

I would like the BSN, but if I don't get in, I will happily do the ADN and then get the BSN on the other end if I find it necessary. It took me 2 years to get my prereq - even those classes were impacted and it took 2 semsters of trying to get into anatomy. I am glad just to be on waitlists!

Good luck

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