I am currently in my last semester for my first degree (elementary education) and while there are certain aspects I love about teaching... I do not feel as though I could make a career out of it. I have always wanted to be a nurse and I'm now feeling a bit dumb for spending the last 5 years pursuing an education degree. Anyways, after I graduate I plan to apply to various nursing schools in the Houston area! There are a lot of great options and I'm having a hard time determining whether to apply to adn programs or a bsn programs. I like the adn programs because they are offered at nearby community colleges and affordable. However, I have all my pre-reqs for bsn.... Are adn nurses considering desirable in the Houston area?? Has anyone had a similar situation?
In Houston, you will need a BSN to work in acute care (hospitals). You've mentioned the top 2 schools, but you may want to check out UTMB and HBU. The UTHSC Pacesetter program is only 15 months - very intense. U of H has a 2nd degree nursing program at the Satellite campus in Sugarland. St. Thomas University also has a BSN program.
Admission to BSN programs in the Houston area is highly competitive. Your odds of landing a new grad job in Houston metro area will be much (much much) better if you attend a local school. New grad residencies are filled up as soon as they're announced... The 'partner' schools are given advance notice. Residency is the only way in for a new grad.
I didn't find the ADN to BSN bridge at all challenging. I took 18 credits the last term to finish a semester early. I also was a single mom at the time. I guess it depends on the program. I could do my Clinicals at my place of employment.
Completing the ADN to BSN bridge while working is not fun but it isn't that bad. My free time has been limited which is an emotional or mental hurdle but I will be done in 22 days. I attended GCU online and had no clinicals. They took my work experience as clinical time I believe. Even though completing the bridge was stressful I am glad I got my ADN first. I worked and earned a paycheck for my family and drastically improved my financial status.
So the decision should be based on if you can find employment as an ADN.
Apply to 3 or 4 schools. Try for a mix. Find the great programs. I did an ADN and then RN to BSN and it took me about 3.5 years to do. Some people ended up going to a BSN program instead of the ADN program I went to because they were unable to be accepted into an ADN program.
Are clinical's during the RN to BSN bridge programs the norm?
I have heard of some but I believe that they are not normal as long as you are working. I wouldn't pick a ADN to BSN bridge program with clincials after completing them to earn your RN.
Finish your current degree then look into a nursing bridge program. Texas tech has one that any upper lever degree can be used to get your BSN. I think the program is 12-18months.
I just wanted to follow up and let y'all know that I was accepted into Texas Woman's University and should here back from UTHSC any day now. Thank you to everyone that posted here. It really did help me decide which route I wanted to take :)
I don't know about the Houston area, but many places will hire ADN nurses and then help them pay for their BSN. I'm in an ADN program now, graduating in December. I'm already virtually guaranteed a position with a local hospital. I'll be required to sign a contract stating I'll get my BSN within 5 years and they'll help me pay for most of it. Everyone is different, but I'm glad I'm doing it this way. I'll graduate with my ADN with zero debt and shouldn't have to take out any student loans for my BSN either.
HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD
9,051 Posts
In Houston, you will need a BSN to work in acute care (hospitals). You've mentioned the top 2 schools, but you may want to check out UTMB and HBU. The UTHSC Pacesetter program is only 15 months - very intense. U of H has a 2nd degree nursing program at the Satellite campus in Sugarland. St. Thomas University also has a BSN program.
Admission to BSN programs in the Houston area is highly competitive. Your odds of landing a new grad job in Houston metro area will be much (much much) better if you attend a local school. New grad residencies are filled up as soon as they're announced... The 'partner' schools are given advance notice. Residency is the only way in for a new grad.