Diploma + BA/MBA = Anything?

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Hi all,

I'm sure you've all heard stories similar to mine, but since I'm new to this site, I hope you won't mind the repitition!

I'm a 40 y.o. potential career changer with a BA in Marketing and Advertising and an MBA. While I've enjoyed aspects of my career (creativity, new challenges), I've reached a point where my professional path simply doesn't excite me. My personal priorities have changed...at the end of the day I don't feel that my work leaves a true impact on anyone or anything. Nursing seems to offer an opportunity to have a positive effect on peoples' lives in an environment that offers a new challenge every day. I think I would be a great fit.

I've researched my academic options. There are no accelerated BSN programs close enough for me to attend, and from what I've read on these boards an ADN or diploma are comparable to a BSN anyway. My best option (geographically and time-wise) is a local RN diploma program.

Which leads me to these questions.....

Would my BA/MBA combined with an RN diploma offer me any advantages over other graduates straight out of nursing school...or after I gain experience?

Is it typical for a newly minted RN to initially work bedside in a hospital, or would I be able to go into a certain specialty right off the bat...say orthopedic nursing?

Thanks for your feedback. I look forward to hopefully joining you. I appreciate everything you guys do!

Matt

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I'm in a similar boat, BS in business management and MBA working in business. I don't think there is much in patient care that utilizes the business education BUT there are opportunities on the reverse I've heard of. Businesses that could use an experienced RN with a more diverse education and experience base, and understanding of business etc. So my thought is that if in time I suffer some bed side burn out I could look into using my RN/medical experience in the business world and I'd be marketable to business unlike other RN's because I have the education and past experience.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

There are many "second coursers" out there so upon hiring new grads, you're going to looked upon no favorably than anyone else with a new nursing degree. You're going to have to start alongside everyone else.

You're first degree however, certainly wasn't a waste of time.

Depending on your goals, the degree is definatley going to come in handy later on with experience. If you want to go into the management/financial/leadership areas of nursing then your degree is going to give you a heads up. Also there might be some "BSN" preferred positions in many areas that you could get without the actual BSN.

Yes, new grad nurses start at the bedside, regardless of degree. Howver that bedside could be in any number of specialties including med-surg, critical care, L&D, etc. An RN will get you a wide variety of experiences and opportunities.

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Hi Matt,

I am a mid-life career changer. I am 50 years old, mom to a 15 yr old boy. Have my BA in political science and have been a commercial real estate and civil litigation paralegal and real estate broker.

You may find excessive wait times in your local RN programs. This is in large part due to faculty shortages. If this is the case, you may want to do a LPN program, start working, and pursue your RN through distance learning. I followed this path and am currently in the Excelsior bridge LPN-RN program.

Your business world experience will help you. Healthcare is a business. There are legal and political impacts on nursing as well. I have been an LPN for one year and have gained good experience in sub-acute LTC.

I am also a school nurse in a severe special needs program. My BA was the determining factor in getting this job over other LPN's and RN's.

In addition, your experience as a student will help you more than you realize. I got right back into the student role at my advanced age ha ha. Good luck!

Maura

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Specializes in Behavioral Health, Show Biz.

Hmmmmmmm.

A diploma-RN with a MBA?

:idea: Some recruiters may want to market you for administrative roles---not necessarily in the hospital setting.

Where do YOU want to start???---at the bedside or behind the desk?

If you stay open-minded to many of the nontraditional roles in nursing, you might find your dream job.

Much success to you!

:welcome:

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