BA in another field. ADN or BSN now?

[N_u_r_s_e]

This is my current dilemma and its stressing me out!!!

I have my BA already and then decided I want to pursue nursing. I've done all the prereqs, have work experience in a healthcare setting, and volunteer at a hospital.

I live and plan to stay in California. I've applied to several Entry Level MSN programs... but lately ive been rethinking if i really want to spend that much money $ and devote that much time to a program right now *The program I wanted for MSN/ Nurse prac is about $50,000 a year* . I've been thinking about just getting my RN license and start working to get experience, then decide from there if I want to continue my education to MSN/ nurse practitioner.

I want to know if it would be a waste of time to just get my ADN right now, start working (given I could find a hospital that will hire ADN's), and then find a quick program that I can transfer my credits from my previous Bachelors degree to get my BSN. I've heard some hospitals will even help pay for you to get your BSN.

OR, would it just be wise to go for the ELMSN and use that knowledge as an RN to start working as a nurse generalist, and then see if i want to continue further with the NP certification.

I've had nurses tell me both things, and now I'm really confused which would be the best, fast, and most economical path to take.

and Yes, Ive already considered some ABSN programs, but there aren't many that I qualify for based on the Chemistry course I took booo

Thank you for your help!!!

[akanini, MSN, RN]

It's rough right now and you will be more marketable with an advanced degree. How long is the MSN program? You said $50,000 a year but you didn't say for how many years. I would say go for it and get it over with.

[SionainnRN]

In Cali it's hard enough finding a job as an experienced nurse but as a new grad ADN it would be even harder. Granted that depends in where you live. If it's a rural area you'll have better luck, but if you're near an urban area I would shoot for your BSN. Good luck!!

[N_u_r_s_e]

the MSN is for 3 years. (it does pre-licensure then straight into NP). im just worried that maybe I would prefer to work as a nurse generalist at a hospital to get more experience and use that to decide if NP is REALLY what i want to do.

i talked to some nurses at a hospital, including the head guy of one of the units, and he seemed to think that getting an MSN will not be helpful in the job market because theres no experience to back it up starting out.

why is this career path so confusing lol?

Thanks for your response :)

[akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P]

I would say that if you have all the prerequisites, the GPA, and good TEAS scores, you might want to consider doing a BSN program. It's about the same length as an ADN program and you'll have a higher degree. I would have taken that route myself had it been available to me. I took the only route open, the ADN, and while I did get a fantastic education, I also am also limited as to the jobs I can apply for right now.

[ronchelednik]

My wife faced the same issue as you. She had duel BA's in Sociology & Anthropology and wanted to be a nurse. She went for the brick and mortar University and attained her BSN-RN. Yes she had to take some prerequisites in the sciences for a year but then enrolled in the nursing program and came out with her BSN-RN. Today she is a student Nurse Practitioner while working full time 3 nights a week in a ICU Dept. Get you BSN to have the doors open to you.

[itiswell]

I am in a similar situation. I am graduating from my undergrad this year with a double b.a. Now I want to go in a different direction and become a nurse. I think after weighing the options for a year I have decided to pursue a BSN, in the long run it makes way more sense. Have you looked at accelerated BSN programs? There are a few schools in California that offer that program, as well as many schools in the nation that do. It's geared for people that have an undergrad degree in another field. The programs are usually between 12-16 months.

[ronchelednik]

Wife had to take a lot of prerequisite and a 12to16 month program was just not a reality. Her having degrees in the arts of sociology & anthropology left out many health Science classes, she went to school for 3 years to attain her BSN-RN.