Advice Please Help

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hello,

i really need some advice. i have been enrolled in an adn at a community college for 2 years, however this college takes 3 years to complete the degree because it is part time. i am getting really tired of dragging everything out. i felt like this would be the easiest route for me to take, and looking back i wish that i would have mountain state university's (i live near beckley, wv) bs to bsn route (although they just lost accreditation).

i currently have a bs from a large university in biotechnology/genetics and wish to eventually become a crna. i work full time, have one daughter, and i am 8 weeks from having twins. however, i will still be able to finish this semester without any problems.

i have been looking at transferring colleges to chamberlain. i don't know whether to look into their adn or second degree bsn program. i have completed multiple hours in clinicals, including med-surg, psych, and ob/gyn. are clinical hours something that could be transferred?

please help, should i stay where i am and graduate with an adn in may 2012, transfer to chamberlain's adn (in case i get more transfer credit b/c it is an associate), or enroll in their second degree bsn?

i just feel like i have wasted 2 years of my life with i could have began at chamberlain with a second degree bsn, already have my critical requirement for crna, and be starting school.

any advice on chamberlain or my situation would be greatly appreciated. thank you all!!!

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If I were you I'd just finish up where I am, in May 2012. Chamberlain is Devry, you'll spend a ton of money and/or incur a bundle of debt there, and you can't even be sure that a CRNA program will accept you with a degree from DeVry/Chamberlain later on. Besides, there are very few situations where transferring schools allows you to graduate sooner than you otherwise would have. It's usually easiest and fastest to stay where you are.

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, ED, Nurse Instructor,.

Most CRNA schools accept RNs who have worked a number of years in ICUs or Critical Care Units.

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Plus, the job situation is pretty bad. You seem have the idea you would be able to hop right from school to ICU, etc. Unless you have the best quality hospital connections, that is not likely to happen right now.

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Specializes in ICU, ER, EP,.

NO! Unless I'm very mistaken... chamberland has little to no transfer credits. You will need this to get into a CRNA school. PLUS, please read this very carefully, little to no programs that are fully accredited will allow you to transfer mid nursing degree.

You're expecting... part time is the best option. I did nursing school full time with three young ones at home all under 4 with a premie... It was hell. One extra year.. to have peace of mind at home and school is worth it's weight in gold... you have the rest of your life to be a CRNA... only a limited amount of time at home with part time school as it is with all the work.

From your associates... you can work part time and work at an on line BSN program, which will be cake because you'll have transfer credits... only have to do nursing.

After a year or less... get into an ICU for a year or two while caring for your family and getting that needed BSN with all A's.... you need top grades to get into the CRNA program... Nothing less.

The CRNA program, unless you're lucky to have one in your drivable distance.... that you GET accpeted to... will prevent you from working due to the course load.... so you need your finances and home life WELL in order to succeed... with twins.. you may need to hit that 4 year mark where they are in pre-school so you can afford to NOT work... have them gone only part time and have an 80 hr. plus a week course load.

I mean no disrespect... but you need to do better research into your schools of choice, what is really involved and the finances of managing a family with out working with student loans and then CRNA school

You have more research than a board can provide to make the right decisions. I"m only providing food for thought here. Chamberland doesn't transfer... and you need a financial plan to make this happen... wanting it tomorrow, is what we all want, that doesn't make it a viable option.

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You really need to check with Chamberlain regarding specific questions about what courses they will and won't accept.

I agree with Zookeeper3. She makes many very good points, as do the other posters.

I know you're full of vim and vigor and I'm glad you are feeling well in pretty late pregnancy. I wish you well, whatever you decide. Sorry I can't do more to help you, but I think you are very intelligent and can figure this out.

A friend of ours recently had twins, her babysitting arrangements are mucho messed up. Not saying this will happen to you but you never know. Do have a couple of alternative arrangements/back-up plans.

Take the slow plod for now, I'd say.

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Zookeeper3 I like the advice you gave please read on...

I am in a dilemma myself good advice is what I need. Here it goes. I have all my pre-reqs finished and I have attempted to apply to National University for their accelerated program but had no luck getting. I was a few points off and now I am getting a bit impatient which is affecting home life and everything else. I attended an info session at WCU (West Coast University) They have all their accreditations but one, WASC, which they are scheduled to get early next year if the interview process goes well. This program is 120k without the pre-reqs about 15k a semester (8 semesters+15k= 120k) I would be attending for 5 which puts me 75k in debt. I am also a single mom, making low income, and not to mention the grants and scholarships out there. This program takes 2 years for a BSN. This is option one.

Option two is apply for cc college and risk waiting 1- 1 1/2 to get in and 2 years to finish the program for an ADN. Thats if I get in this year to be able to start next year. Programs at a cc run around 6-7k yes, huge difference in tuition.

My thoughts:

The time it take for me to start and finish a BSN with WCU will amount to the time I wasted trying to get in a cc college. My issue here is time over money. I would make back that 75k (worse case scenario with out grants and scholarships) in 3 years living comfortable making way more than I do now and coming out with a BSN in two years. But is it worth waiting almost 3 years to finish an ADN and return to school for another year or so for a BSN to save 69k? My advice to myself is "INVEST in myself" and education is the best way! Anyone would not think twice about the money spent on their cars, vacations, shopping etc. but pple think I'm insane for considering this much money on this school for my education.

Any advice is appreciate!!! Thanks!

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Thank you all so much for your advice so far. I am blessed with the fact that I am not that worried about the cost as ms.a states, I am investing in myself, it is the time aspect that bothers me. My dream years ago was to go to med school, and I got side tracked by life, and I am tired of waiting on my dream to be in health care.

Also, in regards to child care. Here I am blessed as well. I live near both my family and my husband's and both mother's trade off weeks of coming to my home daily to babysit for me.

If this changes anyone's thoughts please let me know. Thanks!!

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Just a thought. One child, then all the sudden 3 children. IT is ALOT different when you have 3 children. Alot more work, tiredness from getting up nights. I think I would just go to school part time. That way you won't be so tired and also your family who has to babysit. You would have time for your family who will need you. I babysat twins and they were babies and it was work. Good luck in whatever you do !

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Specializes in Med Surge, Tele, Oncology, Wound Care.

Oh GAWSH I just had my first baby 5 months ago and I cannot even IMAGINE going to school right now. All I want to do is take an uninterruped shower and use the bathroom in privacy.

I work full-time right now and I am a new mommy. I go to work and take care of everyone else but me then I come home and take care of my baby (my best job) and I just want a few minutes of quiet time!

I have no family here where I am to help. I think family is great- I think they will really be your biggest supporting fans.

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