I am a nursing student currently enrolled in an ADN program. The question I find myself asking is this, "Should I continue where I am at and finish and then go on to a RN-BSN program or apply now for a BSN program?"
Here is some background that influences my decesion
1) The only schools I can apply to are UTHSC in Houston and UTMB in Galveston, I could apply to others but those alone are quite hassling so i decided just 2, or should I go for more if I can??? I guess thats a second question lol opps
2) I am in my first semester of the ADN program that currently has a pass rate of 98%, UTHSC AND UTMB have 94% or lower pass rate on the nclex..............from what I am told nursing school does give you knowledge you need to be a nurse but the nursing world is nothing like the textbook, I want to pass that nclex to be a nurse though so the first thought is "go with the school that has the highest pass rate BSN or no BSN and then further you education because you will have what matters most, your license"
3)When applying to these schools I know my classes completed and grades count, I have a 3.33 GPA and all but statistics and nutrition to take, everything else is done.
4) The biggest impact.............I am a single mom whose partner in parenting might as well be dead cause hes that much help. (jerk) anyways (Can you feel the bitterness??? i can) I work a part time job right now doing what i naturally do good and make decent money to pay bills which is make up, low hours and good pay, my original plan was to obtain my RN and get a better job and my son off medicade and then go on to the UTHSC in downtown or UTMB to do the RN/BSN program, because it would not only further my career but it will count towards my continuing education hours, I don't have the stress of passing the NCLEX and when I do get my BSN I will have a year experience in the nursing field and a BSN which is very in demand EVERYWHERE.
Thing is, I run into nurses a lot!!!! I met one that had a master's, she was very excited for me and was happy to just hear I wanted to be a nurse. Another graduated from the program I am in and she seemed very happy and encouraging to me. The one I met today seemed to be on pedal about telling me how it is and how I should be going for my BSN and not a demeaning ADN and that Texas and all other states are "getting rid of ADN programs in the next 2 years" ???? I kid you not she said that which sound quite unreasonable to me because of the amount of impact that would have, I know plenty of schools that would shut down if they didn't have their ADN program, but it did raise this question, should i just apply for the BSN program now??? or wait till i have completed what i started???
I know this is a long post but its a HUGE decision for me and my son and I need help, its the difference between a nice income 3 years from now or a so so income 2 years from now and a better one a year later
thank you sooooo much:redpinkhe:heartbeat:redbeathe:heartbeat:redpinkhe
OK so I read through everything and got a big chuckle about "doing away with the ADN programs"...they've been saying the exact same thing about LPN programs for decades...guess what we are still here. So, concentrate on finishing your ADN and passing the NCLEX then if you choose to go for your BSN there are plenty of options including online to do at your own pace.
You know how much more I'll make when I finish my BSN? Nothing.
My hospital does not pay any difference for BSN vs ASN. Most hospitals in my area do not, or pay less than $1/hr difference.
Since you've already started the ASN, finish it. THEN go on to the BSN. My RN to BSN program is online, very affordable at $170/credit hour, and I can take as long as I want to finish it.
I get asked this question frequently from prosprective nursing students....ADN or BSN and my answer is always it depends on your life circumstances.
For myself, a married mother of 2 with a husband whose business was quickly slipping into the toilet....ADN was cheaper and faster for me.
For a younger student who has the time and resources (ie parents contributing) a BSN makes more sense because even though online RN-BSN programs are plentiful and some are quite cheap it still adds an extra year onto your time for a BSN. 1 yr prereqs at cc plus 2 yrs nursing program plus 18 mos to 2 years to complete bsn.
In your situation I would definately recommend you complete the ADN then when you are working as a RN complete a RN-BSN program with assistance from your employer. It may take longer and you may not be able to get the financial aid you would get in your current circumstances but with kids who depend on you and unreliable help from your partner you need to know you can support your family quickly and an ADN will give you that.
:yeah:Thank you soooo much!!! I never dreamed I would see a response this fast and never even imagined I would see so many. Thank you so much. Y'all made me feel that the decesions I am making are the right ones and that I do know what is best for me and my son. The next time anyone decides to try to tell to do something I will remember you guys and know that I know what is best for my son and I.
Thank you again!!!! You saved me sooo much stress :loveya:
DogWmn
575 Posts
OK so I read through everything and got a big chuckle about "doing away with the ADN programs"...they've been saying the exact same thing about LPN programs for decades...guess what we are still here. So, concentrate on finishing your ADN and passing the NCLEX then if you choose to go for your BSN there are plenty of options including online to do at your own pace.