Already Have A BA, Getting ADN

firstyearstudent · Mar 13, 2009

I had a BA and then got an ADN and now regret it. In nearly the same amount of time I could haven gotten a BSN or even a direct entry MSN. If you can afford it, why not get the higher degree. It's just going to open up more employment options for you.

SoCaliGirl · Mar 13, 2009

I had a BA and then got an ADN and now regret it. In nearly the same amount of time I could haven gotten a BSN or even a direct entry MSN. If you can afford it, why not get the higher degree. It's just going to open up more employment options for you.

Most of my decision comes from three areas. 1) The ABSN and EL-MSN programs here are VERY difficult to get into, 2) The cost of the ADN is so much cheaper, and 3) I'm impatient and want to start NOW as opposed to waiting to get into one of the higher level programs.

Of course, if I deal with my impatience and really do what's best for me, I should try to get into an EL-MSN program first. I'm really going to have to weigh my options and do what is best. I spent eight years getting my undergraduate degree, changed my mind a million times, and then regretted not sticking with my original plan....so I know I should be more thoughtful about the situation and do what's BEST rather than what's QUICKEST.

Hmmm...this has given me a LOT to think about. :)

RFWB · Mar 13, 2009

And please, as I already posted.....don't let the "fast" option seduce you.......this is a profession in which knowing what you need to know kind of can't be FAKED. If you forget something from your business administration class when you get to your first corporate job, chances are you can fake it until you have the time to look it up and recall. That's sort of not the case in nursing. I'm about 4 months into my first job on the floor, and while I did very well in school, I still feel like i'm playing catch up.

Even if the one year accelerated programs look good to you on paper, you really may be so rushed to cram it all in that it effects your retention. I thought "oh yeah, sure, I'm a great student and I can cram this into a year and do well"....I'm the model of the type of student that should be succesful in these programs, and by all standards of evaluation I was.....but it was still too much to learn too quickly to really have a high level of retention and understanding.....and that was just the LPN. I can imagine that a BSN would be far more difficult to make meaningful in such a short time.

Ok I'm off my soapbox now.

Good luck, and REALLY think through your choice - better to do it WELL than to do it QUICK.

dtsh26 · Mar 13, 2009

I'm really going to have to weigh my options and do what is best. I spent eight years getting my undergraduate degree, changed my mind a million times, and then regretted not sticking with my original plan....

This so reminds me of myself, lol. There wasn't much of a support system which I think would have helped.

I don't mind waiting the two years, the economy will hopefully be better by then, kwim. And, hopefully jobs won't be as scarce.

D

meggiemarie · Sep 5, 2010

Most of my decision comes from three areas. 1) The ABSN and EL-MSN programs here are VERY difficult to get into, 2) The cost of the ADN is so much cheaper, and 3) I'm impatient and want to start NOW as opposed to waiting to get into one of the higher level programs.
Of course, if I deal with my impatience and really do what's best for me, I should try to get into an EL-MSN program first. I'm really going to have to weigh my options and do what is best. I spent eight years getting my undergraduate degree, changed my mind a million times, and then regretted not sticking with my original plan....so I know I should be more thoughtful about the situation and do what's BEST rather than what's QUICKEST.
Hmmm...this has given me a LOT to think about. :)

I completely understand and relate to where you are. I'm in Orange County, so I think we're in the same area(judging by your name ) I have my B.A. as well... decided to go into nursing and I did everything "right" .. got straight A's in all my pre-req's, took extra classes that schools suggest taking...have a great GPA and have already been "waitlisted" then ultimately "not chosen" from an ABSN and an EL-MSN....probably because I don't have any work related experience and had a class in progress at the time. It's just so competitive around here and especially right now. I applied to a few ADN programs, of which I am awaiting a response. If I get into either one, that's where I'll be going. I don't have the time or patience to wait an ENTIRE extra year to "maybe" get into a bsn or msn program. I say, go where you get in and take it from there. We're lucky to be accepted anywhere right now. These ADN programs I applied to had almost 600-800 applicants for 40 seats. If I get accepted, I'm taking it.