I wasn't sure where to post this topic because I think I want some nurses with experience answer my question. Here it is:
I am taking prereqs to go into nursing school, in San Diego. I already have a bachelor's degree in graphic design, and 11 years experience in management in that field.
My ultimate goals are:
Complete nursing school in a timely as possible manner
get a well-paying job once school is done
not come out of school harboring more in debt than I need
My choices:
1. Go to City College San Diego and get my ADN in two years (almost free)
TRY to get an entry level job
Immediately go back to school to get my RN>MSN (not too expensive)
2. Go to an Accelerated BSN program (2 years) and have two Bachelor's degrees (expensive)
Graduate and get a real nursing job
maybe not be able to afford to get the MSN
Considerations:
I don't have anyone to support me while I'm in school, so I will have to borrow $ for living expenses because supposedly I won't be able to work
I may not get into the ADN program because it is VERY impacted
The accelerated BSN program is 1.5 hours away from where I live
I guess I want to know if anyone can weigh in on those choices, because they both seem to have very good and very bad points.
I'm not just leaving my job I am leaving the profession altogether. I am doing it because I am burnt out, because I'm at the top of the game with no gain left, not learning anything. And most of all, because I want to be a nurse. I realize the job market is tough for new grads. Are you suggesting that I just give up??? I'm sorry, I didn't come to a nursing website to be discouraged out of going to school to become a nurse.
I wasn't discouraging you. I was giving you some statistics on what it is like to be a new grad in CA. The person at the school was selling you a MSN degree which is going to be worthless without any nursing experience. She was selling her product at her school. Research some threads on her about MSN trained nurses that can't find jobs. It's very common.
Hospitals won't hire you as a bedside nurse with a MSN. Your best bet is going to be to get the ABSN. You should not get defensive when somebody tries to give you realistic advice. I simply asked why you were leaving your current field of employment. I don't know why that would be discouraging to you.
Moreover, the dean of the college that suggested MSN was at a college that doesn't offer such a degree and only has a BSN bridge program so I was able to rule out "job security."
If you are a referral from another school whether or not attended, there are financial incentives. As a former instructor, I know that yes, it happens
Gentleman_nurse, MSN
318 Posts
I am also a second career nurse. Getting into any RN program was the toughest step. Once you get accepted everything will fall into place.