Advice: Best Path to Becoming An RN (eventually an NP)

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  1. What's my the best path to BSN?

    • 1
      Finish Psychology
    • 0
      Get LPN first
    • 1
      Get Associate's RN first

2 members have participated

Hello!

I've dragged my feet about finishing undergrad and also deciding what I want to be now that I'm supposed to be grown up. Now that I have a (surprise) baby, I've thought about it and want to go into Mental Health nursing. I've always loved psychology and want to work in the medical field. I am 14 classes away from completing a bachelor's in Psychology. I attended an info session at a local university and feel that I probably would not be accepted to the Nursing program at this time due to old credits and no current or applicable references. I'd like to finish my BSN as soon as possible, but also have a good job as I prepare for it. My options:

1. Finish my Psych degree and then apply to the accelerated Nursing program which is 18 months. I'd be back in school mode, finish my prerequisite courses and have current references from professors. Plus, I'd finish what I started and end with two degrees.

2. I can take a 12-14 month LPN course and find a job working as a nurse. Hopefully, with an employer who would pay for my BSN.

3. I can go to community college and get an associate's in nursing then do the 18 month RN to BSN program that hopefully my employer would pay for.

I'm leaning more towards one of the first two. It makes more sense to do 3 over 2 (have an RN vs LPN) but #2 would get me working in nursing sooner. I have a 4 month old son, but plenty support and free babysitting. I'm saving to buy a new house though so I need to work until I can't or am forced to go part-time due to school demands.

What would you advise? Thanks in advance!

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First off congratulations on your boy! Way to go! Here is one opinion.. You have a new family. You seem pretty clear about what you want to do (psych mental health). The area of specialty is in great demand. If then your end game is a clinical specialty as an RN or as a Nursing Practice Master's or PhD it may make sense to get into the game asap and start to build up experience. Someone please correct me if I am wrong (I'm brand new to all this!) but it seems like a lot of programs do want you to have a certain amount of experience in the field prior to applying for the NP or prior to becoming certified as a specialist. This way you are 1. making money 2. getting experience in the field. Heck you may find that mental health isn't the direction you want to go but you are still at least getting the exposure in the profession so that if you do choose to apply you are already home. Am I off base here? Regardless the road, if your desire and passion is strong enough you will arrive to your destination. Good luck.

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Thank you both for responding. And thank you for the congrats on my son. He's my joy as I never expected to have a child of my own. He's also my motivation for going back to school. I just can't see leaving him to go to a job I hate.

I'm leaning towards finishing the Psych degree then make moves to get my BSN.

I've been looking at the available jobs in my area to get a feel for what's in demand and what's required to get these positions. Psych Nurses are needed. There's also a need for Psych/Mental Health Technicians. They don't require a degree, but prefer "some coursework" which I have. There's a 6 week CNA course I could finish before university classes start in January. That way I'd be better qualified for a Tech job and also get a feel for working hands on in psych. It's a pay cut but I have support.

Thanks again! Any other advice, opinions and personal stories are welcome!

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I'm in!!!!!!!! 95 overall. 980 CT. 4.0 sciences. 3.78 prerequisite GPA Previous BS from LSU. GEAUX TIGERS! !!

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