Can someone ease my fears?

Published

Well not really too BIG of a fear... But I'm worried the nusring shortage will be over and it will be hard for me to get a job as an RN here in Northern California (SF Bay Area) by the time I'm done with school, which will be at least 3 years, with all the wait listing going on around here. Someone smack some sense into me please :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

As much fun as it sounds to smack a complete stranger right about now, (just kidding), I feel the same way. I am about to drop 48k for tuition at Samuel Merrit and I still don't know why. I feel totally bamboozeled.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

OH! Never fear! Check out this link: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Media/FactSheets/NursingShortage.htm

Just type in something like: Nursing shortage projections in Google and you'll find TONS Of stuff to ease your mind!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
As much fun as it sounds to smack a complete stranger right about now, (just kidding), I feel the same way. I am about to drop 48k for tuition at Samuel Merrit and I still don't know why. I feel totally bamboozeled.

WOW 48,000? why dont you just go to community college and save yourself, oh, say, 40,000 dollars? thats alot!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac.
WOW 48,000? why dont you just go to community college and save yourself, oh, say, 40,000 dollars? thats alot!!

No doubt, I'm taking 16 hours and it's under $1,200 this semester, including fees.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in SRNA.
WOW 48,000? why dont you just go to community college and save yourself, oh, say, 40,000 dollars? thats alot!!

Depending on the poster's ultimate goals, and depending on if she is entering an AccBSN program or DEMSN program, the tuition costs may be a good value. Many of the higher cost AccBSN programs do charge a higher tuition, but graduates of those programs are in an out in approximately one year, and are on their way to practicing and earning (not to mention the fact that they may not need to borrow an additional years costs of living). I'm not in any way putting down an ADN (I'm even to applying to one myself, just in case), going back to finish a BSN after receiving an ADN may also be more time-consuming to some who want to achieve a certain level of education for a specific area of nursing they want to focus on.

Point being, there are so many different education options, that what may seem costly to one individual, may actually be quite a good value depending on the long-term goal.

I'm pursuing a second bachelors degree via an AccBSN route with a long-term goal to pursue a CRNA role. My estimated cost for a 13-month BSN will be $56K, for me it is worth it for what I ultimately see myself doing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma/Burn ICU, Neuro ICU.

Go for it, sweetie. The bigger shortage is the spaces available to train new nurses - and not going away too soon. Even if there was not a nursing shortage, people come and go every year. They retire, they leave, they change departments.

Just get those useless thoughts out of your head. Start thinking about things like "Do I want to be a peds nurse, or a cardiac nurse, or an ED nurse......? Much more pleasant to think about.

Enjoy school. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Asherah,

You're one smart cookie....obviously. AccBSN programs are not easy to get into. I will have my BSn in 12mths. I had the opportunity to get my ASN in 10mths, but I declined it and have felt just awful because I really wanted to go to that school and it would have been next to free with 2 year contract. Oh Ash, please say something that will make this all seem like the right choice. As I look at all the loan applications, I feel overwhelmed and am second guessing my choice. I am even considering putting school off for a semester while I try and find an affordable, but expedient (relatively speaking) program...asn or bsn or even entry level Master for peds or maybe crna.

I'm freaking out here!!!! Anyone have any ideas?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med surg, cardiac, case management.
Asherah,

You're one smart cookie....obviously. AccBSN programs are not easy to get into. I will have my BSn in 12mths. I had the opportunity to get my ASN in 10mths, but I declined it and have felt just awful because I really wanted to go to that school and it would have been next to free with 2 year contract. Oh Ash, please say something that will make this all seem like the right choice. As I look at all the loan applications, I feel overwhelmed and am second guessing my choice. I am even considering putting school off for a semester while I try and find an affordable, but expedient (relatively speaking) program...asn or bsn or even entry level Master for peds or maybe crna.

I'm freaking out here!!!! Anyone have any ideas?

First, stop freaking out. :lol2:

Second, realize that there's no sure-fire way to eliminate your doubts. I'm about to enter a DE MSN program in two weeks and I still have some doubts---although as the date gets closer I feel more confident.

Third, you might want to consider talking with some sort of career counselor or someone experienced in the nursing field, so you can get a better idea of what your options are. I'm fortunate enough to know a retired nursing professor, who has assured me that I'm making the right choice (even when I quail at the cost).

Fourth, be sure to check out all of the info on loans--there are a variety of payback options, designed to make it easier. I'm not saying that large student loans are not a major expense...but there are ways of managing them. Financial aid counselors will tell you that money should never keep you from your education.

Fifth, yes, accelerated BSN programs are usually competitive. Doesn't mean you can't get in, of course. And there are other options. One of the reasons I went for the DEMSN was because of less competition and fewer pre-reqs. However, that is because I want to do research and teach as well (and employers won't usually pay for an MSN). So it works for me. What works for you depends upon your goals. My brother-in-law took did a CNA program while unemployed, just completed an LPN program (both through community college), and is taking an online RN program. He will eventually get his BSN, and maybe his MSN. That works for him.

Which brings me to my sixth point, what do you want to do in nursing? That is the key question. Don't worry about finding a job, there's no evidence that the nursing shortage will end anytime soon (though there will be some regional variation in demand).

And seventh....well, I guess that's all I have to say. Stay calm, and good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion