ELMSN or work?

[kungfu_panda]

I've been feeling really frustrated lately because I can't decide what to do with my life! Every morning I wake up feeling all sad and depressed not knowing what to do...The plan I'm thinking about right now is to get an ELMSN because I already have a BS in biology. But I'm afraid that I won't get in because I don't have a lot of nursing experience. So I don't know if I should get cna training and do more volunteer work before I apply to nursing school. I mean, I'm only 22 years old. I have plenty of time...right?? Maybe I should just try to apply this year and maybe I'll get lucky...? or maybe I should just go find a job and put my BS into some use.

I also thought about an ABSN, but I thought if I already have a BS, why get another one? Wouldn't I rather want to move forward rather than backwards? But I don't know, I seen a lot of people who already have a BS and still get an ABSN. What would be the work difference between an ELMSN and ABSN anyway???

[UVA Grad Nursing]

Look for other ways to get healthcare experience besides just nursing. Although our CNL (a direct-entry MSN) enrolls some with LPN/CNA or EMT experience, others have been been in the Peace Corps as health educators, volunteered in nursing homes, or obtained helpful healthcare experience in their own families (cancer, CF, neonatal child, etc). Look for volunteer experiences outside of hospitals (volunteering in the hospital giftshop or pushing wheelchairs is not much help). Most free clinics and nursing homes are eager for volunteers.

Don't be afraid that you are too old. Most of the students in our CNL program have some work experiences before starting school (the mean age was 30 this year, and the range was 22-54).

Visit the schools, and talk to the faculty and students in the programs.

[BCgradnurse, MSN, RN, NP]

I agree with UVA Grad Nursing. Try to get some healthcare experience wherever you can. Many of the students in my Direct Entry MSN program have done vounteer work in clinics, and many have done volunteer work overseas. I think it's worth investing your time in gaining some experience before you apply. It makes you a much more attractive candidate, and will give you some valuable life experience. You are young, and take this time before you get entrenched in something (school or career) to explore and try different things in healthcare. I speak from experience....I barrelled right into a job and an MBA program after undergrad, and it's only now in my 40s that I'm doing what I really want to do. I think if I'd taken a deep breath and a look around after undergrad, I would have arrived at this place much sooner.

Best of luck to you.

[MemphisTiger]

I'm in the same boat. I currently work full time in the health care field (IT) and I already have a B.A. and a M.S. I'm trying to decide between a traditional BSN night/weekend program (3 years to complete while working), or quitting my job and doing an ELMSN program (22 months) or an ABSN (12 months). The thought of living off loans scares me, but I don't know if I could keep my current job and do the night/weekend program and apply myself as much as I will need to in order to succeed.

[BCgradnurse, MSN, RN, NP]

it is hard to keep working and do the school thing. I had to cut my work hours down to practically nothing. Most of the full time people in my program don't work at all. As far as deciding between the BS and NP programs, think about the type of nursing you want to do when you finish. If you want to do bedside nursing, then the BSN/RN might be right for you. If you want to be an NP, then I'd recommend going right to an entry level program. You can always do the NP courses part time and work part time once you get your RN, if you want the experience and the $$$.

Hope this helps.