BS Chemistry - ADN or BSN program?

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Dear Nursing Community,

I am a 24 year old male currently in a PhD program in Chemistry. I have a BS in Chemistry from FSU with a 3.7 GPA. I am considering leaving my PhD Program (w/o a master's, I have been in the program less than 1 year). Why might you ask? Well, the job outlook for PhD's in heavy sciences is deplorable. Absolutely dreadful, I might be lucky to grab a postdoc position making 35K$/Yr working 60 hours a week AFTER the 5 years of heartache and pain it takes me to get the degree.

I love science, but I do not like feel exploited and taken advantage without some sort of compensation =). (Which is why nurses at least make a good starting wage)

My question is this. I am looking into PA school, or RN school. PA school will require probably 2 years of healthcare experience, so I could maybe get this with a nursing degree.

My options are this:

- Get my EMT-B license and make 10$/hr for 2 years and go to PA school (would probably still be more than my stipdend though (I get around 22$K/yr atm).

- Get my ADN. There is an accelerated 15month ADN program at a community college where I currently live - this would not cost too much money to do

- Get my BSN through an accelerated program - these programs are unbelievably expensive >20$K.

Here is my quesition or the TL:DR - Is it even worth getting my BSN over an ADN if I already have a BS in CHEMISTRY?

If it matters any, I have a 4 year old daughter and a wife who is a nurse. Putting more debt upon my family without any real benefit is not worth it to me - but the BSN would be worth it if I really needed it over a ADN.

Thank you for your time,

Ben

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Specializes in MR/DD.

Definitely better to get your BSN, many employers are preferring it, and some are requiring their nurses to have BSNs.

If you can get a job in a hospital you may be able to get tuition reimbursment.

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Nursing is the wrong profession to choose if you don't want to feel exploited and taken advantage of. Just saying...

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There's a huge difference here. I am positive you have days where you feel appreciated - not to mention the fact that your pay currently at least doubles mine, and you work fewer hours with benefits. I work probably 60hours a week in research/coursework/teaching - and I get almost zero appreciation from anyone for it, including myself.

My wife is a nurse, I realize it is an incredibly stressful and difficult job - however - she still has days where she loves her job, and her patients love her.

Also please realize it is not my end goal - PA school is.

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Specializes in Peri-op/Sub-Acute ANP.

If PA school is your end goal, then why bother with nursing school at all. The only way getting a BSN makes sense is if you want to go the NP route. There are lots of other ways you can get your 2 years of healthcare experience in without spending $20K on a BSN.

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Specializes in ICU/PACU.

I would look into becoming a pharmacist if I had my BS in chemistry. Forget nursing or PA.

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My two cents: Talk to the PA schools as to what type of healthcare experience they want. You may get some very concrete ideas other than EMT, although that may be the quickest way to go. Also look into being a scribe for an ER doc. Usually they hire med school students, but with your education and goals, you might be a good fit. You'd get paid pretty well while shadowing docs, getting your healthcare experience, and most likely some good recommendations for getting into PA school. Good luck.

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