I am a prospective nursing student trying to figure out which program is best for me. I will already have my BS in Public Health when I start a nursing program, along with all of the pre-req's needed for BSN programs.
I live on Long Island and I plan on applying everywhere I can so I have options. I was wondering what the major differences between a BSN and just getting my RN through SCCC or NCCC's programs (when it comes to job offers and graduate school app's). I would like to work as a mental health RN for a few years but I plan on eventually going back for my masters to become a Psychiatric Nurse Practioner. I am an employee of the NSLIJ system, so I am a little nervous about prospective jobs but maybe not as nervous as others.
If it doesn't make sense to go to a RN program, then I probably won't consider it unless I do not get into a BSN program. But I was wondering if maybe just an RN program is better, considering I already have a Bachelors in Science in a different health related field and I really would like to start my career soon (very excited!!)
Without a doubt you should do the BSN. Last year I got into Nassau CC, and was pretty much set on going there (close to home, CHEAP, nice facilities, etc), then I realized the difficulty of getting a hospital job with an ADN. If I were younger, I'd probably have done that then the RN-BSN. However, I decided to go to a BSN program (College of New Rochelle). I don't regret it at all. You'll also notice that there are some programs such as externships and jobs that are advertised as being open only to BSN students. I now work part time at NY Presbyterian, and the job was open only to BSN students (it's really flexible-2 days a week minimum, and 4 weekend days per schedule, and you make your own schedule). A few of my coworkers are also in accelerated programs, including Columbia's, and they manage to do the 2 days. Another benefit is that I can take some time away from school after graduating while I work as an RN (i'm planning on NP or CRNA later on), instead of continuing to work (if I found a job with an ADN) and go to school for RN-BSN, which isn't fun.
So, I'd add another vote for just doing the BSN and be done with it. Apply broadly, I'm sure you'll be fine. If anything, apply to one or two ADN programs as back ups (I applied and got into NCC and Montefiore last year). Good luck!
Forgot to mention, when I went to the information session for NCC's nursing program, I asked the dean of the program how graduates fare with getting jobs, and he was very honest and said that it is difficult, and most go into RN-BSN immediately.
MurseJJ
2 Articles; 466 Posts
Without a doubt you should do the BSN. Last year I got into Nassau CC, and was pretty much set on going there (close to home, CHEAP, nice facilities, etc), then I realized the difficulty of getting a hospital job with an ADN. If I were younger, I'd probably have done that then the RN-BSN. However, I decided to go to a BSN program (College of New Rochelle). I don't regret it at all. You'll also notice that there are some programs such as externships and jobs that are advertised as being open only to BSN students. I now work part time at NY Presbyterian, and the job was open only to BSN students (it's really flexible-2 days a week minimum, and 4 weekend days per schedule, and you make your own schedule). A few of my coworkers are also in accelerated programs, including Columbia's, and they manage to do the 2 days. Another benefit is that I can take some time away from school after graduating while I work as an RN (i'm planning on NP or CRNA later on), instead of continuing to work (if I found a job with an ADN) and go to school for RN-BSN, which isn't fun.
So, I'd add another vote for just doing the BSN and be done with it. Apply broadly, I'm sure you'll be fine. If anything, apply to one or two ADN programs as back ups (I applied and got into NCC and Montefiore last year). Good luck!