BS to BSN

[carmelisa]

Hi, i'm interested in becoming a nurse. i graduated in 1999 with a BS in Business. Any advice on where to find a good school with a BS to BSN program in the ny metro area? I will need to go at night since i still have to work during the day. i heard i could attend BMCC at night and would take about 2 years plus a year for pre-reqs.

any thoughts?

thanks!

carmelisa

[83studentnurse]

Hi Carmelisa,

Accelerated BSN programs ("BS to BSN" programs) are REALLY intense and require a full-time commitment (even part-time work is strongly discouraged). Some Acceleratd BSN students do work part-time because many of us can't afford not to, but these students often struggle to keep up the grades they'd like (some students learn very quickly and don't have a tough time balancing work and school; this depends on your learning style, family commitments, etc.). Also, the only ABSN program I know of that has a a night option is Fairleigh Dickinson in Teaneck, NJ.

If you need to keep working while in school, I think you would have better success going with a more traditional two-or-four year program, as these are less intense than the accelerated BSN programs. I know Beth Israel has a program that's designed for people who need to work (I think it may be called a TAP program).

In general, however, working full -time while getting your RN is a tough thing to do, and most schools expect the school to be your top priority and have you schedule work around your school schedule. Many students work part-time, though, especially as nurses' assistants, techs or in another nursing-related role.

I hope that helps!

[carmelisa]

thank you so much!

that was exactly what i needed to hear!

best,

carmelisa