Decisions! In need of serious guidance.

[jmagana1017]

Hiii guys, for past couple of months I've been having this debate with myself. And I have looked for assistance from other places but no real definite decision has been made. I've come to conclusion that the best way to get advice on this subject matter is through this forum, so here's my debate.

I've recently transferred from my JC and now attending California State University, Fullerton as a Health Science major. All my pre reqs are completed, I need now is the application to programs. But here is where my debate gets sticky, my GPA isn't the best, and I haven't taken the TEAS yet.

I have the opportunity to either apply to some JC programs, or a private universities RN program.

But from what I've heard, and talked to some of my peers that are in RN programs is that its more difficult for ADN's to get a job in the state of California nowadays. So its sorta been discouraging me from pursuing going into a ADN program, I feel like it'd have more risk than reward.

THE real question is this: Should I, stay at my university get an BA in Health Science, and THEN go into a RN program. OR should I just discontinue my education at CSUF and go straight into and ADN or BSN program at a private university.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE. I NEED GUIDANCE. So please any advice is helpful, I need an outlook of the job market for ADN's really. Thank you.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Clarification of terms: There are 2 types of educational institutions. Traditional and Commercial. The correct term for those high-tuition, non-traditional schools is "commercial" or "investor owned". Traditional schools can be either governmental (part of a state or locally-run system) or private (such as those run by churches or the Ivy League schools). Traditional schools' primary mission is that of education & research ---- NOT generating profit for investors.

Are you financially able to handle the tuition burden of a commercial school without accumulating a huge student loan debt? If not - I would strongly advise you to avoid this route at all costs. Some of these 'schools' are charging outrageous tuition just because there is so much demand. Honestly, $100,00 for a BSN??? New grads are finding that it takes a long time to land that first nursing job... adding the stress of impending large loan payments to the mix is a disaster.

Is it possible for you to relocate to another area for nursing school? If so, you should explore that option. There may be programs in other parts of the country that are in less competitive environments. Who knows, you may even like Wyoming... LOL. I would advise against going down the path of least resistance to a non-nursing degree that won't be of any value - just racking up more tuition expense for an nonmarketable degree. If you really feel that you can't wait, take a look at other health careers such as Respiratory Therapy, Radiology Tech, Lab Science, PTA, OTA, etc. Salaries are in the same ballpark as nursing, and jobs are out there. Later on, you can go back and get that RN if you still want to.

Best of luck in your decision.

[willowita, ADN, RN]

I'm in California too, with a similar GPA problem but what's realistic for me is to do the ADN program. It's either that or nothing at this point. Will it be tougher to get a job? Maybe. Does that mean there won't be any jobs for you if you have an ADN? I doubt it.

Personally, I think it's more of a gamble in terms of time and money to do a 4 year degree and then try to get into a BSN program to do it all over again. If you get an ADN, you can still apply to an RN to BSN program. A lot of the Cal States offer that path and they have different requirements than for the traditional BSN. At least the ADN gets you closer to where you want to be in the long run.

And you don't have to do an ADN at a private school. In fact, I would advise against it. There are dozens of community college ADN programs in the So Cal area that you don't have to go the private school route. I don't know how low your GPA is but at a lot of community colleges around here take everyone that meets a minimum GPA and puts them in a lottery. Your chances are just as good as someone with a 4.0 because of the lottery. California adopted this lottery system to have greater diversity in nursing.

So don't lose hope just yet.

[nmdupre]

Have you thought about becoming a PA (Physician's Assistant)? Its very similar to an NP, just different practice modalities. You can finish your bachelors then go on to a PA master's program. They don't care what you Bachelor's is in. All you need is some pre-reqs...which it sounds like you've already done, and some patient care experience. Competition is just as stiff as for nursing school, but it isn't uncommon to get in with a not so stellar GPA. I'm in a similar situation as you.

Halfway through my college education I realized I wanted to be in healthcare. I might as well finish my bachelors (rather than waiting to get into an ADN program which could take years) and pre-reqs, then apply to a PA program. To my knowledge, PA programs seem easier to get into than entry level MSN. My thought process though, is that I want to get to my goal as quickly as possible. And getting into nursing school in California seems near impossible these days and I fear it will only get worse. My gpa is not so great either and I just don't see myself getting into an accelerated BSN program because they want to know you can handle it and a low GPA does not indicate you can. But I suppose a PA program might think the same thing I have a year and a half to raise that GPA though...so I guess we'll just have to see!

Just something to think about. If you want to start working in healthcare as quickly as possible, think of alternative careers. If you only want to do nursing then just take it slow and try not to spend much money!