Already have a B.S. what's next AD or the BSN?

melsman1904 · May 3, 2008

Personally, I would go for the BSN since you probably already have most if not all the pre-reqs based on your major.

Atl_John · May 3, 2008

Hey,

War Eagle. I think we have/had similar situations. I graduated from AU in 03 with a BS in International Business and I too felt that I had made a mistake. I ended up going back to Auburn for their Accelerated program in nursing in 06 and just graduated this past December. As an accelerated student you get your BSN in 4 semesters. I would HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend the program. At first I wasn't impressed to be honest But now that I am out and working in a SICU I can tell you I was very very well prepared for being a nurse. Not only have I felt that I was well prepared for work, I have also started working on my Acute Care nurse Practitioner program up here in BHAM at UAB and can tell you that AU's program has also prepared me very well for Graduate studies. Having graduated from AU wil also give you an advantage getting into AU. They like to have a large variety of students. We had graduates in everything from excercise science to business and biology. Plus you get to stay at AU. :) If you would like to ask more questions you can PM me. Just put in the subject Auburn Nursing or something like that. Hope that Helps

John

mandi_ · May 3, 2008

Hey,
War Eagle. I think we have/had similar situations. I graduated from AU in 03 with a BS in International Business and I too felt that I had made a mistake. I ended up going back to Auburn for their Accelerated program in nursing in 06 and just graduated this past December. As an accelerated student you get your BSN in 4 semesters. I would HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend the program. At first I wasn't impressed to be honest But now that I am out and working in a SICU I can tell you I was very very well prepared for being a nurse. Not only have I felt that I was well prepared for work, I have also started working on my Acute Care nurse Practitioner program up here in BHAM at UAB and can tell you that AU's program has also prepared me very well for Graduate studies. Having graduated from AU wil also give you an advantage getting into AU. They like to have a large variety of students. We had graduates in everything from excercise science to business and biology. Plus you get to stay at AU. :) If you would like to ask more questions you can PM me. Just put in the subject Auburn Nursing or something like that. Hope that Helps
John

VERY helpful, thank you. I will be emailing you soon. I have several questions.

palee · May 9, 2008

First off, Roll Tide!!! :smokin:

Seriously, though...I second the recommendation to go for your accelerated BSN degree. I graduated from Bama in 2001 and am just now finishing up a 2nd degree program at U of Louisville in KY. The program itself is only 15 mos. long and I will be awarded a complete 2nd BS when I graduate Aug. 9th. Not all places will pay you more to have a BSN, but the schooling may end up being SHORTER for you that way than with an ADN & employers have all told me that they :redbeathe hiring 2nd degree students. You're also all set to move on and get a Master's or Doctorate if you should so choose.

Good luck to you!!!

:twocents:

gijoe_169 · May 17, 2008

You could probably start right in an upper level BSN program or do a bridge program of some sort. Definitely BSN. I can put you in touch with some people at the University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing if you want to talk to someone.

mandi_ · Jul 17, 2008

I appreciate your responses. You guys helped me make up my mind. THANK YOU!!!!

pencilsandneedles · Aug 15, 2008

I guess this wouldn't really be a "reply" since I have a similar question. I have been teaching 8 years with a BS and M.Ed in Special Education. I have been recently accepted into Lawson's ADN program. Will my other degrees affect my salary as a nurse? Any suggestions on options after graduation?

palee · Aug 15, 2008

Hi...

The answer is no, not at first. When working as a bedside nurse, typically all RN's make the same rate when they are new grads. In fact, here in Louisville, KY, all of the hospitals try to pay the same base rate to new grads.

Later, depending upon your organization, your other degrees MAY make you eligible for administrative promotions, and that would (of course) affect your salary.

Have you compared an accelerated 2nd degree BS in Nursing to the ADN program into which you were accepted? Many times the 2nd degree program takes less time than an ADN would. Mine was just 15 months and the other one here in town is only 13 months!!

pencilsandneedles · Aug 16, 2008

Thanks palee! My program at Lawson is 5 semesters, which would be about 14 months. It's also an evening program which is not an option for me as I will continue to teach during the day. I started my prereqs at Jeff State and the advisor there told me that I didn't really need another bachelors to make money as a nurse. I am ultimately planning to do travel nursing so I didn't know if the other degrees would make a difference or not. Would I need an MSN to teach nursing classes? That is definitely an option that I would like to explore.

palee · Aug 16, 2008

Hi asudoubleup,

It sounds like the night program is the way to go for you, then. As far as teaching goes, it depends on the institution. To teach at a BSN level, you must hold an MSN or PhD. To teach at many other programs, however, you need only a BSN. Since you have a Master's in Edu., they may let you teach some places with that degree plus your RN license. I'm sure it differs from place to place. Good luck to you and enjoy your new career path!!