Confused about how to proceed

Miwila · Aug 15, 2008

I have a non-nursing bachelor's degree, but basically ruled out the accelerated BSN. I found the school I want to attend, but they require so many pre-reqs, that I, as a history major, didn't take, that it would add almost a year of school, going full time, before I can apply to the program.
I've decided to do the ASN route from this same school. I've got one chem class this semester to do first, then I'll apply for NS to begin next fall. Since I do have many of the pre-reqs for that already done, I'll add in classes that will count towards my BSN down the road. I'm also thinking about taking a couple of classes next spring and summer from the community college where I'm doing my chem class that will count towards the BSN too.
I'm married, got a mortgage and need to work at least part of the time while I'm in school, so for us, it's going to work out better to become an RN and then complete my BSN while I'm working. I'm stretching out my classes, but limiting the amount of time I'm in school full time, so I can work. If I didn't have other commitments, or was coming straight out of my previous undergrad, I'd probably go the accelerated route.

I am in nearly the same boat and because of that I will probably opt to choose an ADN program instead of attempting to get a BSN. As an English major I don't know how many prerequistes I need and as a person who needs to work I am wary of entering an accelerated eduational program. At least studying for an ADN I can work on this at a more reasonable pace.

jennileigh8182 · Aug 15, 2008

I'm in a similar position. I have a B.A. in Social Relations (geared toward law school). I recently chose to return to school for an accelerated nursing program. I'm almost done with my prereqs (just pharmacology to go!) and have been researching different programs in my area. The ADN and BSN programs are the same length of time here, but the BSN would cost me about $18,000 more...when ADN and BSN nurses get paid the same rate here. My long term goal is either nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist. The local university does not require a BSN to enter their Master's program (only an unrestricted RN license and having achieved 3.0 or better in nursing program), so I'm opting for the ADN. I don't see the sense in paying the extra money right now (I have a husband and 7.5 month old child to think about, too) when my longterm goal does not require it.

Kelzy · Aug 18, 2008

I think the only difference for you guys between ADN and BSN would really be money. It's cheaper to do an ADN program, but you'll make more money with a BSN. You have to decide if those extra classes for a BSN are worth it or not.

I know, that probably wasn't helpful.

jennileigh8182 · Aug 18, 2008

I think the only difference for you guys between ADN and BSN would really be money. It's cheaper to do an ADN program, but you'll make more money with a BSN. You have to decide if those extra classes for a BSN are worth it or not.
I know, that probably wasn't helpful.

Kelzy...

It really depends on the area. In Michigan, I've heard that ADN and BSN RNs make the same rate of pay (a few have said there may be a .25-.50/hr. difference, but $18,000 in schooling is hardly worth that increase in pay). Experience counts for much more here than education. Our local economy is in a serious slump, so spending a large amount extra on school when the financial situtation is so bad doesn't make even a little bit of sense. The only real difference is that it's easier for BSNs to get promotions. However, if the individual plans on pursuing a Master's degree as I do, that's not a point of concern.

Bottom line - you need to know what the difference is in your area and what your future goals are. For me, I know the ADN is the better route. If the hospitals in your area reward the BSN with significantly higher pay to offset the extreme difference in cost of education, the BSN would make more sense. But if you want to go for your Master's, just do the ADN now and ace it - good grades and an unrestricted license are all you need to get in.

benegesserit · Aug 18, 2008

One other thing to consider: if you are from a state that has a lottery system (like CA) for the associates/community college nursing programs, the ASN may initially look better for a bunch of reasons, but you may spend 2-3 years on the waiting list. I've heard people on this board bemoan the fact that they could have finished a BSN in the time it took them to do all their prerequisites, apply for the ASN program and wait to be picked via the lottery system. Again, just weigh all the factors and make the decision that makes the most sense for YOU.

I'm in CA, and finding this to be true. (CA doesn't actually have a lottery program, but some schools do. Of the schools within commuting distance of me, 2 are lottery, 4 are GPA based, and 3 are waitlist.)

In addition, the competitive ASN programs near me don't seem to take TEAS test scores into account as long as you pass them - it's all about GPA. BSN programs, on the other hand, weigh them heavily. Since I did well on the TEAS, I think I may have an easier time getting into a BSN school than an ASN school.

Since I plan to get my BSN and hopefully MSN eventually anyways, that's starting to look like the route to go if I don't get into a CC program for Spring.

Aurora77 · Aug 18, 2008

Money isn't a huge issue here, either. Unfortunately, BSNs only start at $.50 more an hour than an RN. For me, the financial implications of a reduced or non-existant work schedule vs. an extra $.50/hour just don't work out.

I hadn't thought about a master's not requiring a BSN. I'll have to look in to that! I had just assumed I'd be going for the BSN and then a Masters. But, I don't really know what I specifically want to do in the future; I just want to have as many options as possible.