Advice Please

[hannahbmccarrick]

I'm a licensed esthitian in California but have lived out of state for over 6years because my husband is in the military. I have a 4year old that is starting school and iam very anxious to get back in the field and am looking into nursing as I'd love to do laser,chemical peels, ect....I looked in to the laser institute in Scottsdale for their comprehensive laser, 15 day program....sounds a little shady but when I looked into new mexicos state regs, it's oak, as it is in many states, but not California where I hope to eventually move back to, Hense the advice needed for the right nursing field!I have some huge decisions/roadblocks to consider and any advice would be greatly appreciated.1.) if I attend school in New Mexico (where we currently are stationed) then we get stationed in a different state a year from now, would it be wise of me to stay here and finish, or can I transfer my schooling to a different state? Ive looked into online degrees and haven't seen any entry level ones? Are there any?2.)because Iam more interested in the skin care side of things can I just get an associates degree to become an rn, or should i do the 4year program? Again, I'm doing all this just so I can eventually work in CA, which happens to have very high standards...do med spas hire rns with just an associates in Ca and else where?3.)CA is very far down the road(I'm guessing another 12years or so)and who knows what will happen until then;laws can change, we retire else where,ect...I'm tempted to do the laser school (certificate) and just get to work now and hopefully be able to work in all the states were transferred to??? Perhaps by the time we get to CA ill have enough experience to get me in somewhere???4.) I have a feeling the bs nursing degree is the right choice as I will have job security with that but I'm wondering with all the debt I will acquire in school loans is it worth it when I only want to work in skin care;ie, in a private practice/med spa, ect... not a hospital settling. Will I be compensated enough for the degree, time and effort it will take to pay it off?-another note: I've used most of my Mycaa$, and can apply to use my gi bill which only covers 60%. It seems really foolish to use my gi bill on a $10k laser certificate program when I can get 60% of a nursing degree paid for?I'm really lost on all this and any advice would be greatly appreciated,Thank you, Hannah

[RNinC]

10K for a 15 day program?? Yikes!

Not to totally discourage you, but I feel like I should state that having a BSN isn't guaranteed job security. The unemployment rate for nurses (especially new grads and especially in CA) is pretty high. Of course that could change in the coming years.

As for aesthetic nursing, you might be better off posting your questions on the aesthetic nursing board (under "specialties" at the top of the page). They might be able to point in the right direction. I have seen ads for aesthetic nursing positions, I actually had one call me for an interview right before I graduated but I was still out of state and they couldn't wait for me to get out here to interview, and I don't think I've ever seen one that requires a BSN.