Associates after Bachelors

PMFB-RN, RN · Mar 17, 2015

2/3 of all the ADN students I precept already have undergrad degree. A surprising number also have graduate and / or professional degrees. I have precepted several ADN students who had law degrees, a few MBAs, One MD (foreign, unable to obtain a US residency), several chiropractors, teachers with masters degree and others. Back in the day I had a practicing attorney who sold his tax law practice for a LOT of money and went into an ADN program after 9/11 inspired him to do something that would help others.

PMFB-RN, RN · Mar 17, 2015

I went back to school with both a BS and MS in molecular biology. When I was evaluated for the ADN program it was a little disappointing to see that not a single class from the MS was counted towards anything. However, those degrees made me the student (and now nurse) I am today. They didn't help me get a job, they haven't helped me advance in nursing, but I'm glad to have them for the learning I did at that time. (I'm also still employed in that field as well as nursing so I still use them). No education is useless, but it won't necessarily be of benefit to you in the nursing field.

You know who WOULD love your heavy science background education? CRNA schools. The vast majority of CRNA programs are NOT based in schools of nursing do not grand nursing degrees, and do not require a BSN. The program in my state graduates their CRNAs with MS in biology.

MinneNurse, BSN, RN · Mar 17, 2015

Everyone is always going to have an opinion but the one that matters most is yours!

What I found going to nursing school is everyone is going to have an opinion about the decisions you make and they are all going to share it with you, whether you want to hear it or not. Some people will tell you they are proud, congratulate you, and say how you will make such an amazing nurse.

Others will say things like "well why don't you just become a doctor?", "but you know nursing is like really competitive right?", or "so are you ready to clean up puke and poop everyday?"

Sometimes the things people say will make you feel like you did the right thing and other times it will make you want to cry. You have to keep your head up and be faithful to yourself. If this is your passion, go for it!

There are all different paths you can take to become a nurse. The route you decide on should be based off of what is best for you, despite what others think. Like others have said if your area (or whenever you plan on working) hires ASNs, go for it! You can always work on getting your BSN after that and since you already have a previous BA. Some programs offer BSN or MSN completion programs for those who already have a BA. There are ups and downs to both obviously.

My best suggestion would be to look into the all programs available to you and make a table or a chart or something like that and list out the pros and cons. Find out cost, length of program, NCLEX pass rates, clinical settings, and see if you can tour the school.

In terms of working while in school - this is something I was so worried about when I started the nursing program so I understand where you are coming from. My best advice on this is to take it a step at a time, I know it seems very overwhelming but it all does fall into place. You will find a schedule and a routine and a way to make things work for you! If not working is an option thats awesome, but most people need to continue working. I would say more people I have talked to work through the program than people who don't work. My cousin actually recently completed an accelerated BSN program while working full time, having a child under 5, and another one on the way. She was busy, but she did it!

I hope this helped, I wish you the best of luck! Nursing school is not the easiest journey but it is certainly a rewarding one :)

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Mar 17, 2015

Nursing already has a reputation for not attracting the brightest bulbs, as anecdotally evidenced by statements from the public such as this: "You seem smart. Why did you become a nurse?"

I heard that all the time. I used to say, "People need smart nurses too."

Twinmom06, ASN, APN · Mar 17, 2015

What the PP said. If you are worried about what other people think, don't, no one will care.
Getting a ASN does not demean in any way your "precious bachelor's". It's not like you'll lose it.

This...I was a Penn State graduate with my first bachelors degree in 1996 - made going back for my ASN so much easier and cheaper than an ABSN. Your first bachelors degree is a moot point if you're going back for nursing.

sistrmoon, BSN, RN · Mar 17, 2015

I have a Bachelors degree in English, Spanish minor, and an ADN. Have been offered every job for which I've interviewed. Have worked in 2 large hospitals.

sistrmoon, BSN, RN · Mar 17, 2015

Who cares what other people think - this is your life to live and not necessarily up to other people's expectations. I have a BA in arts and letters with a minor in 19th Century European History. ( Not the best choice for gainful employment . I went back to school when I was 36 to get my AS in Nursing and no one ever said a word to me about it. I am now in a ASN to BSN program and at 52 I have had people tell me why now when I am going to retire in 13 years. My response "It's just something I want to do. I am actualyl planning on becoming at NP in holistic and natural healing and do consulting after retirement.
As Dr. Phil says you wouldn't worry so much about what other people thought about you if you realized how rarely they did.
Hppy

With an unrelated BA and an ADN, you can do an accelerated Masters program if your eventual goal is NP.

Reese2012 · Mar 17, 2015

I am currently in a BSN accelerated program right now and I am halfway through the program. I am actually thinking of dropping out of the BSN and going into a ADN to get my degree faster. If all goes well I might only have a semester left of school and be able to take boards, instead of a year left of school and wondering how I am going to afford it.

Windynurse · Mar 17, 2015

I went back to a junior college to get my ADN 10 years after I graduated with my bachelor's degree. For me it was the logical choice because it was inexpensive and I only needed the nursing classes plus a few prerequisites. I have always felt that I was a very "well rounded, critical thinking" nurse due to my diverse educational background.

I was able to start working as a nursing assistant soon after starting nursing school and really got to test the waters to see if I liked my new chosen career. I had no problems getting a job as an RN or being able to work on special projects in the hospital. Now, I am back in school, going for my BSN without the pressure of passing the NCLEX or getting a job. My hospital helps pay for some of the tuition. I think it is a great way to go if your area hires RNs who don't have their BSNs yet. I have even seen hospitals make exceptions if new nurses are planning to get their BSNs in the near future. Don't drown in debt if you can help it. Start working sooner if you can. Getting your BSN will be a lot easier with your previous bachelor's and you will feel a lot smarter with two more degrees!

wannabecnl · Mar 18, 2015

Some schools also offer a 2nd bachelors degree program in nursing, which earns you a BSN without having to redo basic requirements (English, etc.). The one in my area is a 16-month program; I looked into it because I have a BA in another field and a heathcare-related masters. I opted for a direct entry MSN program instead, because I want to do research, which generally requires an MSN or PhD. It took 2 years plus pre-requisites, and now I don't need to go back to school for any reason unless I want to become a professor! It was a lot of money, though, and unlike other graduate programs, there aren't TA jobs or grants because in a direct entry program, you don't know anything about nursing to teach anyone else yet! :)

mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 18, 2015

I have a BS in Biology and I went and got my ADN. The timing wasn't right for the applications for the ABSN. A lot cheaper too. I finished my ADN and then did an RN-BSN program. Cost me less money. I have a Masters, too. There were lots in my class that had previous bachelors and others with masters, too.

AnnaN5 · Mar 18, 2015

Count me as another person who had a BS and went back for ADN. Had my BS in Human Biology and did a 14 month long second degree ADN program so everyone had at least a non-nursing bachelors. Started working as an RN and my job paid for my BSN completion which wasn't many classes. Worked for a few more years then completed my NP.

My family jokes I am a professional student!