I am 17 and starting my nursing prequisites this summer for my ADN program. I read nad hear alot about BSNs taking over and how hospitals are starting to hire them more....WHETHER THIS IS TRUE OR NOT, I want to get my bachelors degree...but not in Nursing...I understand that ADN gives you all the knowledge you need to start training for bedside nursing and I have no interest in a management position, just travel nursing. I want to go for A bachelors in Biology so that I have have that open door option to go to medical school if I end up wanting to.
I absoluetly love biological science so much and want a bachelors in Anatomy Biology.
If what they say about BSNs is true and that hospitals are starting to only hire nurses with a bachelors degree...does it matter that your bachelors degree is not in nursing?
If you just want an associates, get the ADN. If you are going to get a bachelors, get the BSN. Certain hospital systems will not hire you at all without it, such as the VA ('least here)--regardless of how many other degrees you have. There are probably more scholarship programs available for a BSN than a BS ?? Anybody know?
You indicated that you aren't really interested in a management position but there is a lot of management required in bedside nursing. You must manage your patient's care, you must manage your caseload, you must coordinate and collaborate with other departments to get things done.
AS WITH ANY PROFESSION. Seriously, everyone, in every field, needs to learn how to manage their own perspective jobs. The OP didn't say they weren't interested in management, he or she is talking about managing everyone else, not him or herself. I do think your response that s(he) isn't nursing material is rude and uncalled for. We get it.. nursing is a hard and thankless job. We get it, you have to move heaven and earth everyday. We get it. How does exploring all options mean one is not 'material' for this elite and near impossible career! (sheesh) The OP (and scores of other pre-nursing students here) is in the beginning phases of figuring out a career, and doing EXACTLY the right thing. Research.
OP have you considered advanced practice RN? You could get your ADN and do a bridge program for either your BSN or even MSN and then go on to become an NP?
I'm considering that too, but I still am not sure what the role of a nurse practitioner really is...and what they must study?
Oh I understand why BSNs are becoming more preferred, with this economy they have to narrow it down and higher education in the field is what you need. I am still considering getting a BSN, even though all I want to do is the bedside...but what else does it teach you about nursing besides leadership?
A college in my state offers advanced practice certificate programs [ER and Critical Care] to any RNs with atleast an associates degree. I am plannning to get the ER certificate.
You know, learning about leadership will help you function better in your job. You sound as if this education would simply be a waste of your time. My opinion is that you might learn more than you think. That aside, if you chose a school that had both degrees you could probably get one degree, then the other. Any shared classes would make it that much easier to get the other degree. In my Masters program I can get a second Masters with only taking five additional classes because the core classes are the same. I'm not saying it will be the same for you, but worth looking into.
You are 17, you are a child. Children shouldn't be concerned with paying the electric bill. It is inappropriate and completely unfair for the adults in your family to expect a child to help meet economic obligations. Apply for every scholarship out there, go away to a 4 year university and find out what's out there in the world that grabs your interest and commands your passion. I'm so sorry you are in this position. good luck to you!
honestly, it doesn't sound like nursing is in your blood...
That was just a little rude...I know I'd be good at nursing and have done enough research on travel nursing to know that you need to gain experience in the hospital field, obviously I have done a lot of research on the career of nursing and want some advice since I love the academic side of studying parts of the body like in medical school, I don't appreciate someone telling me I'm not cut out for nursing through a cyber networking system based on the mere fact that I simply stated I am not interested in a MANAGEMENT POSITION because I'd love more patient interaction...I never said I didn't have leadership qualities or that I though nurses weren't taking on natural leadership, I stated that I wasn't interested in becoming a MANAGER. So please don't tell me I am not cut out for nursing through the internet, the fact that I am inquiring for more knowledge from experienced individuals does not give very much insight into whether or not I would be a good nurse...with all do respect, have a nice day.
It was not meant to be rude, it was meant to help you. Based on what you indicated were your interests, I was making an educated guess you would be happier in medicine.
I'm considering that too, but I still am not sure what the role of a nurse practitioner really is...and what they must study?
Nurse practitioners can choose from several specialities,...adult health, family health women's health, pediatrics......
You get thru your BSN (I think there is a minimum of hours practicing required also)and then go for MSN.. there are many bridge programs available...In the near future it is being said you will require a DNP(doctorate) to become a nurse practitioner.
The ones I have worked with...function as a MD would, they can write prescriptions, some states narcotics but I do not think all states.. They work with the MD but approach care more from nursing background then straight medical background..which usually means they spend more time with patients and do more follow-up...most places make good money without the huge loans required of medical school.. and you can certainly do it in less than 10 yrs.
It seems to me this would be your answer to medicine or nursing as it would be both.. and lots cheaper.
You could start with ASN if you need to work sooner, or just go straight for BSN (best option but depends on your situation).
Please go to the nursing specialties forum on this site and look under Advanced practice.. I bet you could get better description and more details there.
You are 17, you are a child. Children shouldn't be concerned with paying the electric bill. It is inappropriate and completely unfair for the adults in your family to expect a child to help meet economic obligations. Apply for every scholarship out there, go away to a 4 year university and find out what's out there in the world that grabs your interest and commands your passion. I'm so sorry you are in this position. good luck to you!
While I agree with this to a certain extent I have to ask, since when is it a terrible thing for a college student to live at home and help with the family? Seriously, there was a time in this country where family came first and everything else second. Sometimes I think we have just turned into a me me me me society and we're obviously raising our kids to feel that way too. Historically in America, and still in many other nations, children help out with the family expenses. Some get jobs and hand their paychecks over to their parents. Some help raise the younger siblings. Why is it so taboo for a parent ask an adult child to help the family out? Especially in times like this?
When I was old enough to get a job I did. That was the day my parents quit buying my clothes, makeup, as well as luxury items (CDs, concert tickets, etc.) In some ways I think that sucked since I believed, providing my clothes at the very least was still their responsibility, but I think it taught me a lot sooner than most kids to appreciate the things I purchased and the actual realization that money doesn't grow on trees and providing these few things costs a lot of money! Kids rarely understand that when mom and dad provide everything up to and throughout college. It's a hard reality when you graduate at 22, have absolutely no job or life experience and are expected to jump out and make your way in the world. Why do you think so many new grades all over the country (in all arenas) are still living at home and off their parents? Is this the RIGHT way to teach kids responsibility?
And if I wasn't enrolled in college (which I didn't do for several years) I paid my parents enough RENT that it covered my 'share' of the mortgage, food, electricity and phone. I also never earned a penny of 'allowance' a day in my life. That was just a ridiculous thought and my parents would laugh in your face if you dared ask them for it.
Now I'm not trying to make my life sound harsh, it wasn't. My parents believed in the family, everyone, contributing to the household. Was that terrible of them? The 4 year college "experience" was never an option for me. I knew that my whole life. There was no money. No free tickets. The idea that every child should get a no responsibility ride through college is a relatively new one for the average family in this country. It's almost as if it is an entitlement.
I think it is awesome that ANY child willing to work can get the loans and grants necessary to further their education and career potential can do it.. but I also think it's kind of sad that people will encourage them to abandon their family in order to do it. I know some family situations may call for such a drastic action.. but geeze.. is it so wrong for her to want to stay home and help her mom pay bills and raise the younger children while going to school?
I think this is something that should be admired, not discouraged.
While I agree with this to a certain extent I have to ask, since when is it a terrible thing for a college student to live at home and help with the family? Seriously, there was a time in this country where family came first and everything else second. Sometimes I think we have just turned into a me me me me society and we're obviously raising our kids to feel that way too. Historically in America, and still in many other nations, children help out with the family expenses. Some get jobs and hand their paychecks over to their parents. Some help raise the younger siblings. Why is it so taboo for a parent ask an adult child to help the family out? Especially in times like this?
When I was old enough to get a job I did. That was the day my parents quit buying my clothes, makeup, as well as luxury items (CDs, concert tickets, etc.) In some ways I think that sucked since I believed, providing my clothes at the very least was still their responsibility, but I think it taught me a lot sooner than most kids to appreciate the things I purchased and the actual realization that money doesn't grow on trees and providing these few things costs a lot of money! Kids rarely understand that when mom and dad provide everything up to and throughout college. It's a hard reality when you graduate at 22, have absolutely no job or life experience and are expected to jump out and make your way in the world. Why do you think so many new grades all over the country (in all arenas) are still living at home and off their parents? Is this the RIGHT way to teach kids responsibility?
And if I wasn't enrolled in college (which I didn't do for several years) I paid my parents enough RENT that it covered my 'share' of the mortgage, food, electricity and phone. I also never earned a penny of 'allowance' a day in my life. That was just a ridiculous thought and my parents would laugh in your face if you dared ask them for it.
Now I'm not trying to make my life sound harsh, it wasn't. My parents believed in the family, everyone, contributing to the household. Was that terrible of them? The 4 year college "experience" was never an option for me. I knew that my whole life. There was no money. No free tickets. The idea that every child should get a no responsibility ride through college is a relatively new one for the average family in this country. It's almost as if it is an entitlement.
I think it is awesome that ANY child willing to work can get the loans and grants necessary to further their education and career potential can do it.. but I also think it's kind of sad that people will encourage them to abandon their family in order to do it. I know some family situations may call for such a drastic action.. but geeze.. is it so wrong for her to want to stay home and help her mom pay bills and raise the younger children while going to school?
I think this is something that should be admired, not discouraged.
I completely agree with every sentence you wrote! Family is the most important thing, and by going to college while living with my family and helping out I'm actually better off finanically anyway. My mom worked her butt off for the last 17 years raising me, my brother, and my sister and then it got even harder when my dad died about 11 years ago when we were all toddlers! It was REAL HARD for her and she had to make a lot of sacrifices and deal with immense gried while still trying to make ends meet to raise us and I am not ashamed of my family at all. My mom has personal issues like everyone else, and yes we fight a lot at times, but when it all comes down to the bottom line...she has shaped me into who I am and I would be nothing without her. Going off to a 4 years university by myself seemed like a dream when I was little up until about 16, but now I am mature enough to realize that my family situation won't allow it and I honestly don't care. I am focused on getting my education and helping my family and that's what I am going to do.
Nurse practitioners can choose from several specialities,...adult health, family health women's health, pediatrics......
You get thru your BSN (I think there is a minimum of hours practicing required also)and then go for MSN.. there are many bridge programs available...In the near future it is being said you will require a DNP(doctorate) to become a nurse practitioner.
The ones I have worked with...function as a MD would, they can write prescriptions, some states narcotics but I do not think all states.. They work with the MD but approach care more from nursing background then straight medical background..which usually means they spend more time with patients and do more follow-up...most places make good money without the huge loans required of medical school.. and you can certainly do it in less than 10 yrs.
It seems to me this would be your answer to medicine or nursing as it would be both.. and lots cheaper.
You could start with ASN if you need to work sooner, or just go straight for BSN (best option but depends on your situation).
Please go to the nursing specialties forum on this site and look under Advanced practice.. I bet you could get better description and more details there.
Good luck with your search and travels.
Thanks! I did a lot more research on nurse practioning, and I have decided offially that I'm getting my ADN because my community college only offers associates and there's no other college close enough. My mom is starting LPN this fall and after I graduate we are moving to Washington state where I plan to attend the University of Washington to get my Bachelors to Doctor of Nursing Practice degree education! Which is perfect because University of Washington has always been my dream college and I'll get to go there while living with my family and working as a nurse! Best of both worlds!
THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO POSTED THEIR ADVICE ON MY THREAD! I APPRECIATE EVERYONE'S CONCERN AND TIME THEY TOOK OUT TO PROVIDE INFORMATION FOR ME! THANKS SO MUCH:redbeathe
Great that you were able to make decision and best of luck in your journey. Now try to get Mom to go RN with you instead of LPN. You should get financial aid with 2 in college. I think that would be so cool to go to school with your mom.. Great study partner!
good luck to you!
NPvampire, MSN, RN, APRN
172 Posts
If you just want an associates, get the ADN. If you are going to get a bachelors, get the BSN. Certain hospital systems will not hire you at all without it, such as the VA ('least here)--regardless of how many other degrees you have. There are probably more scholarship programs available for a BSN than a BS ?? Anybody know?