BSN or Rn to BSN for impacted programs?

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Hello everyone!

I am currently finishing my first semester of community college at SBVC with the hopes of transferring in to the CSUSB nursing program. However, yesterday during an application workshop the counselor told us all the CSUSB has not had to accept anyone with less than a 3.9 cumulative gpa in over 3 semesters (not sure how true that is but I also dont doubt it with the number of students). She also stated that CSUSB is planning on making 3.9 the requirement soon as well as only giving applicants 1 chance to gain acceptance into the program (if you dont get in first try too bad so sad you cant apply again later including bridge applicants). This has made myself and most of the people in the room very nervous and kind of skeptical.

Currently I have a 3.9 gpa

am a resident of the county

demonstrate financial need

I have been studying for both the HESI and TEAS with a few practice tests coming in at 87% and 91%

So my question is would it be safer to attempt to get my ADN pass the NCLEX and apply for the RN to BSN program to avoid possibly being denied my one shot into the 4 year path? If so, I am happy to do so but wondered if it would extend my time in school significantly.

Looking over the course requirements both programs contain the exact same prerequisites. Add 42.25 units for the ADN and it comes out to 90ish credit hours. Then another 2 years for the RN-BSN program.

Currently I am older than many students (24) I took time off after high school to save money so I could focus on school when the time came. Currently my only limit would be the maximum credits allowed per semester (18, the dean wont sign on for overload for 1st year students)

I know this question has been answered many many times but it seems the California system changes something at least once per year so much of what im finding doesnt apply anymore. So thank you in advance for any advice and comments you all may have.

For anyone wondering I cant switch states my wife and I moved here from TX for her dream job. I was also a biochem major back in TX and switched to nursing due to the amount of help and comfort they have given my parents in their old age. So science courses tend to be my strong point where maths higher than pre-cal are my main weakness.

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Specializes in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.

That's not the only RN-BSN program there is. Apply. If you get in, great! If you don't, oh well. Go to the ADN program and bridge to BSN at one of the other thousands of RN-BSN programs available to you. They almost all take financial aid, and you'll be a nurse making a decent wage at that point.

Many RN-BSN programs can be finished in a year + any coreqs. So if you already have the coreqs required, you can complete it in a year (like my friend is doing).

Also, why the rush? The RN-BSN won't make any immediate changes to your status as a nurse except making you more competitive in some over-saturated markets.

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Every nurse I have spoken to, (even the people who are hiring BSN nurses) all say it literally doesn't matter where you get your BSN from. As long as they are accredited, hospitals don't care. You can do an online RN-BSN program in less than a year for some programs.

I did an ADN program and am working on my online BSN while going to work and practicing nursing. It takes less than 1 year and not to mention how big the price difference is for a community college vs a CSU.

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Thank you for the response Miiki!

On the note of other schools and programs unfortunately its seeming that every college within a 60 mile radius is in the same boat over here :/

Before they all take in county students first amd they never seem to have room for anyone coming in from "out of district". I know for certain I will be admitted into our ASN program as long as I keep my goal GPA of 3.8.

However the rush does in fact have to due with a saturated market! My fiance has been slotted to be moved to her companies Portland location in 2023 to take over one of the teams. I know Portland has tons of nursing schools and competition for jobs is fierce to say the least according to friends up there. The second issue is not a big deal but my budgeting of savings was for 5 years of college without having to take amy loans.

My goal was to get in take full course load including summers and get out with enough time to gain at least 1 year of experience.

I do understand how alot of this is what most nursing student either has planned or wishes to happen.

But it is nice to hear some positivity for a change and it is very much appreciated!!! (Everyone at sbvc I've talked to seems to be huge Debbie Downers :/)

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Every nurse I have spoken to, (even the people who are hiring BSN nurses) all say it literally doesn't matter where you get your BSN from. As long as they are accredited, hospitals don't care. You can do an online RN-BSN program in less than a year for some programs.

I did an ADN program and am working on my online BSN while going to work and practicing nursing. It takes less than 1 year and not to mention how big the price difference is for a community college vs a CSU.

Thanks!!! I've heard so much from counselors about avoiding any accelerated or online BSN bridge course and was hoping someone actually in the field would touch on the topic :)

The few nurses I am friends with dont really have much relevant schooling advice since they all did accelerated programs for graduates.

Spot on with the price difference btw ive made sure every possible class that is transferable id taken at community college as to not waste any money.

It does seem like the. RN-BSN route might in the end be the best path to reduce the pre nursing stress. I think ive been more stressed about the acceptance rates than the actual classes themselves lol

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