Changing paths

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Hello everyone, I'm new this forum. I recently graduated with a B.A. in Childhood Education in Jan of this year. And although I've hardly dabbled in to the field of teaching, Ive been thinking about pursuing a nursing career.

Based on what ive researched, although I have a B.A., the only way for me to consider nursing is to take pre-reqs at a community college, and then enter an accelerated BSN program, to obtain a second bachelors degree. My question is, is there an alternative pathway, and has anyone ever did this before? I plan on volunteering at a hospital to get an idea to see if this is what I want to do. Idk if im having wishful thinking but Ive always wanted to work in pediatrics or neonatal care. Thanks to those who respond :)

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I'm not quite sure which other route would be best for you but I do know you can't go around those pre-reqs. You need them in any setting, whether you want to get them then go the ADN pathway, regular BSN or accelerated BSN pathway or the MSN pathway. After you've completed the prereqs it starts to come down to preference, availability and also the competitive nature of the school your applying to.

Best of luck!

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hello!! I have been down the same road as you! I graduated with a BS in Bio but I did work in my field for about 4 years. I just applied to an Entry level Masters-MSN program which has the BSN-MSN-NP route all in one program. Your not limited to only ABSN programs. There are many in your shoes that chose to get an ADN instead of a BSN for many reasons. Dont just think the ABSN is your only option. like Omarsraver posted you have to see what you like or what grabs your attention. And the pre-reqs have to be done no matter what to be considered.

But look at community colleges as well to see if their programs interest you! Good luck to you!!! :D

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I concur with your research, you will ultimately have to get a second Bachelor's Degree. If you are like me though, and want to get started on your new path sooner rather than later, you may find a program that lets that happen. For me its ADN, then BSN while I'm back to work. For you, it may be accelerated BSN if you can wait an extra year to enter the workforce.

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Thank you all for your replies. Yea there is a few of programs that ive research, Im from nyc that offer accelerated programs since I already have a bachelors but just need science pre-reqs. And I like that I'd be eligible for the nclex and then be an RN after about a year. But since I have to take those pre-reqs it might take me a few years but I dont mind. I plan on working, and saving up so that if I do get into an accelerated program; I can sacrifice a year of not working to become and RN. I also wasn't the best in math in college, but now that I am a little older, I really would like to commit to the studying and building up my math skills. Thanks again for your responses! :)

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Similar scenario to myself...I have a BS in Accounting and an MBA and after 17 years as an accountant I will start nursing school in the spring 2014. In preparation to embarking on my second career, I took all of my prereq's at community college and applied to both a traditional program and an accelerated program, twice each. I was wait listed for the accelerated program the first time and flat out denied the second time. I was accepted into the traditional program both times and was going to go ahead and begin in the spring 2012 but decided to wait a little longer due to my job situation. I finally decided to take the plunge and suck it up for these 2 years that it will take me to get out of nursing school with a BSN. If you really want to do it, then you will do whatever it takes to make it happen, community college to accellerated program or traditional program. Best of luck to you!

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Something to consider is becoming a nurse but not letting your teaching license lapse. You can always go back and add-on the health occupations/healthcare science (whatever NY calls it) certification and teach the nursing classes to students in your state if you decide to go back to teaching later on. Otherwise, it would be a little harder to renew your teaching certificate once it lapses.

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For what its worth, I am pursuing a similar path, i.e. going for a second bachelor's with a BSN. I'm taking an accelerated program because I can't afford to be out of work any longer than absolutely necessary. At least in my area of the country (NE) most if not all the major hospitals prefer a BSN, you may want to check out the market in your area to see what they require. As someone else pointed out, keeping current on your teaching credentials is a great idea. It certainly won't hurt your resume. I think the more options you have, the better.

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