Associates after Bachelors

[Infofreak411]

If you have a bachelors degree and then want to go back for an associates in something else (nursing, because an accelerated program isn't feasible right now), is it seen as a waste? and/ or would your bachelors be a waste?

Ive been looking into the ASN at the community college near me but this is holding me back. I am afraid what people will think.

I just didn't happen to realize nursing was a passion of mine at 18 when I first started college and didn't realize it until I was almost done with my bachelors.

[BeachsideRN, ASN]

I was also in pharm and medical research before going on this nursing adventure. The RN will open up a lot of doors even in the research field if you want to stay there.

[klone, MSN, RN]

You are joking right? Why would anyone get their DNP and practice bedside? If you know people doing that, tell them that is not the smartest move in the world. They would never make enough money in their lifetime in bedside nursing to pay for that degree. That is one of the most ridiculous things I have ever heard. A nurse with a DNP looks more at the medical model than a nursing model. They have prescribing privleges. I know I spelled that wrong. They could make over a 100k a year which would compensate for the intense education they have received. They would be over-qualified to be a bedside nurse.

A few comments about this...

Not all DNPs confer prescriptive authority. Only if you are also an APN (NP, CNM).

Some people choose to complete a doctoral program simply for a love of learning and education. There's nothing wrong with that. It doesn't have to be just about the numbers and the $$.

Maybe they want to be at the bedside NOW, but have plans or aspirations for doing something else, such as teaching, once they're older and/or want a slower pace. Getting a DNP now would set them up nicely for that.

A DNP does NOT look more like the medical model than the nursing model. What on earth gave you that idea?

[mama12]

I have a BA in Sociology and am about to start an RN program (ASN). I must admit, part of me was a bit disappointed to be going back to community college after a bachelor's. It did make me wonder for a while if all of the work I put into my BA was a waste. I don't feel that way anymore.

I really believe that in the end I will be glad for having taken a non-traditional path, no matter where these next few years takes me. There is also an RN to MSN program nearby for those that have a bachelor's degree in another field, which may be something I am interested in down the road.