Thinking about nursing as a second degree, some advice

U.S.A. Alabama

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So, I'm pretty sure I'd like to get my BSN. I already have a BA, and did one year of graduate school, and now have decided that it's not for me.

I'm just wanting some sort of general advice about this whole process. Where would be some good places for me to apply? My undergrad gpa is 3.78, but then I have a 3.3 (weighted, not sure if that matters) in grad school so far. As far as prereqs go, I've taken Finite Math, but that's it. No chemistry or anything like that.

So, what would some seasoned veterans say is the best course to take? Which schools would be a good place to apply? Even what programs would be good? i.e. BSN, LPN, accelerated, etc. (I'd like to do BSN but I'm not sure if I'd get accepted). Anyways, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

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Specializes in ED.

Not sure where in AL you are but I'm at UAH getting a BSRN. I also had a degree but lacked the chemistry, A&P, etc. I could have gone to get the ADN but I would have spent the same amount of time in class as I am spending in the BS program. The cost is significantly higher but I felt that the education and chances of passing the NCLEX were higher at UAH. I guess it all depends on what you want to do. Some say you can't/won't get into management without the BS but if you don't care about being a manager that is something to consider.

Your GPA looks pretty good to me really. Some schools are more competitive but if you have to take a few prereqs anyway you have a chance to raise that too. UAH only looks at your prereqs so sometimes your GPA will be higher based on that - the A&P, biology, chemistry, microbiology, etc. They don't really look at your English classes.

From what I'm hearing, the hospitals are not hiring LPNs much anymore. LPNs can't technically give narcotic meds and have some other restrictions so they hire mostly RNs. Now that does vary and I have seen some LPNs on some floors but not many. The doc's offices are hiring LPNs but the pay isn't that great. Let's face it, we aren't in nursing for the paychecks but I'm guessing we'd all like to make more money if we could.

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LPNs give narcotics but they can't push IV meds or do transfusions of any kind. The pay for LPN in nursing homes and rehab facilities is almost the same for a new RN grad at a hospital ($18-20/hr range)

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I also switched careers to become an RN. I took the community college route because I worked through the program to pay my way through school. For me cost was the main issue. I don't see the difference in whatever route u take , but from what I understand community colleges are weeding programs so u really have to be on your toes and teach yourself pretty much. About passing the NCLEX , a good student will always be a good student regardless of whatever route you take to complete ur nursing curriculum. As long as you pass your school tests and prepare adequately for the NCLEX I can't see you not passing, so don't go with the misconception that you're better prepared for the NCLEX by taking the University route. If that was indeed the case the associates programs would have been scrapped a long time ago. Wish you the best in whatever route you choose to take, just keep in mind it really isn't a big deal

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Specializes in ICU.

Pay attention to what Ester08 said. She is right on the money. Community Colleges are pretty much weeding programs. They admit large numbers of students into the programs, then start weeding them out. My ADN class for example started first semester with 88 students. By the start of the fourth semester we are down to 27 of the original students.

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