Career plan help

just_cause, BSN, RN · May 7, 2010

Is your prior degree a bachelors? Do you have aspirations for Grad School in future?

If you have prior bachelors, and potentially want to attend grad school for nursing... then the ADN could suffice as 'most' grad schools have direct or a transition course(s) for ADN > MSN for those with prior non-nursing Bachelors.

Aside from that I'd take a look at what is in your area, what the pre-req differences are, what the tuition is in comparison, start dates, etc.

If all else is equal my preference would be to attend what I'm able to start first - especially if you miss out on a year during an app cycle.. otherwise I'd try to attend the BSN unless the sacrifice of time, $, distance, etc was to large.

If you go ADN route and are grad school interested - take a look at your programs in area first to make sure the transition will be available.... also some hospitals / specialities / geo areas have a BSN preference.

Usually the time and money will be about the same for ADN vs BSN.. given you have a prior degree.. essentially pre-reqs + 2 years nursing school... go BSN unless its a 'pain' for ya.

best of luck.

K.P.A. · May 8, 2010

I just completed my fifth semester(three were pre-reqs) and have two to go (done in Dec). It's been a lot of fun. I suggest going into it without a plan. You'll learn in class and clinical what you like. Med-surg seems to get dissed by a lot of students posting here in allnurses, but I like it. Still have peds, OB, and community to explore. Hell, there are marketing jobs for nurses.

UVA Grad Nursing · May 8, 2010

If you have a BA/BS already, I'd encourage you to look for the Accelerated BSN or Direct Entry MSN programs. I know of several ABSN programs that can be completed in 12 months. Most of the Direct Entry MSNs are 2-3 years (less time than it would take for you to do the ADN-BSN-MSN (or ADN-MSN).

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/IDS/pdf/GENMAS.pdf

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/IDS/pdf/BSNNCG.pdf

These programs have many career-changers.

Bob_N_VA · May 10, 2010

First let me say I'm sorry for the loss of your wife. Even after 3 years I can't imagine how it must feel. I can sympathise with your desire to get into a career where there is a chance to make a difference on a daily basis.

I'm in a diploma program and going nites and weekends. For me it was the only option to keep working and go back to school. I've got about 10 years on you and really don't consider getting a bsrn or an advanced degree necessary, but for you it may be different. I think it really depends on the programs offered in your neck of the woods. Keep in mind too that many of the CC based programs have waiting lists of up to 2 years so that may be a factor.

If you are serious, start planning on getting done with all the pre-reqs. Most programs have similar requirements so aim for those first: A&P, Micro, etc. As you get closer, things will sort themselves out. Bottom line is to get into a program that will get RN behind your name. Other advice offered is also very sound, but in the end, its what you feel comfortable with.

cdiff · May 10, 2010

I am an accelerated student with a degree in biomedical science and chemistry and even with all of the medical based science I have, accel programs are very very demanding, and mine is a 2 yr accel program, not a 15 month or whatever else is out there. I would not recommend it and I would not go that route if I did it again. I think a BSN is currently the "way to go" if you are going back to school now. make an appt with a couple faculty members at your local nursing school and talk to them about it. I think it varies by region what people are looking for (BSN or ADN). The pay scale is def not much different but if you can't get the job cause they hitre BSN's... ya know?! Good luck!