ADN desperately seeking CAREER ADVICE.

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Specializes in PCU, Hospice, Psych, ICU, Case & Disease Mgmt.

Hello everyone, I am seeking some advice on my current situation. I got my LPN in 2008, and my ADN in 2012. I have worked in SNF, PCU, ICU, case mgmt and currently per diem night shift on a Neurology/Neuro-Surgical floor. I make great money at the hospital I am at. I am burning out working night shift and over the floor nursing.

I wanted to go back and get my BSN-FNP eventually but not sure if its a good financial decision with the amount of student loans I would have to take out, on top of the 30k i already owe from my ADN. I like the flexibility of being per diem and making alot of money along with my own schedule, but I am not happy with the work I am doing anymore.

At my hospital the NPs only makes slightly more than an RN. I understand it's a different role and not as physically demanding as working as an RN.

I thought about going back to a case mgmt position but I think it will be difficult without my BSN. Should I pay off my ADN debt before diving into more student loan debt? Any advice is much appreciated for anyone that is or was in a similar situation. Thank you all in advance. -KBM

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical/Float Pool/Stepdown.

Does your facility offer tuition assistance? It might be worth it to knock out a cheaper (but reputable) option BSN like WGU...and re-eval your options afterwards.

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Specializes in PCU, Hospice, Psych, ICU, Case & Disease Mgmt.

Thank you for the response AJJKRN. They only offer it to staff employees but I have definitely considered going staff and doing that.

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Specializes in PCU, Hospice, Psych, ICU, Case & Disease Mgmt.

Any school or career advice is much appreciated, hope everyone has a great weekend. :)

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Specializes in Dialysis.

Pay off (or down) that loan, then proceed

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Specializes in PCU, Hospice, Psych, ICU, Case & Disease Mgmt.

That seems like a good option. Any recommendations on good BSN programs online?

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Specializes in Dialysis.

WGU is a good option.

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical/Float Pool/Stepdown.
That seems like a good option. Any recommendations on good BSN programs online?

From what I understand, WGU costs $4000 a semester instead of per credit hour. I believe that it is self-paced so you can get through it as fast or slow as personally needed. I'm looking to start in a few months and am hoping to only tak about 6-8 months for a BSN to MSN.

I really wish I had known about WGU before I started my RN to BSN which was a full 22 months (on top of the 3 1/2 years it took as a full-time student and working nurse) and was a pretty penny as well.

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Specializes in Dialysis.

$3250 a semester

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Specializes in PCU, Hospice, Psych, ICU, Case & Disease Mgmt.
From what I understand, WGU costs $4000 a semester instead of per credit hour. I believe that it is self-paced so you can get through it as fast or slow as personally needed. I'm looking to start in a few months and am hoping to only tak about 6-8 months for a BSN to MSN.

I really wish I had known about WGU before I started my RN to BSN which was a full 22 months (on top of the 3 1/2 years it took as a full-time student and working nurse) and was a pretty penny as well.

Thank you! What program did you join of you don't mind me asking? I have a friend at WGU and she likes it. It may require a few prerequisites before I can start it. I was looking into GCU as well.

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Specializes in Public Health, Women's Health.

I was in state so I am not sure if it is different but University of South Florida's RN to BSN is inexpensive and an online program. It was great! Also, look into if your state offers tuition assistance/loan payoff for undergraduate and graduate coursework. Good luck!

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Specializes in PCU, Hospice, Psych, ICU, Case & Disease Mgmt.
I was in state so I am not sure if it is different but University of South Florida's RN to BSN is inexpensive and an online program. It was great! Also, look into if your state offers tuition assistance/loan payoff for undergraduate and graduate coursework. Good luck!

I used to live in St Pete, FL! Was their program 100% online? I need to look into that. Thank you.

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