Fastest way to become an RN

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Jun 3, 2010

(editorial comment) I think no student should be allowed to declare BFA as a major without signing an 'informed consent' outlining the bleak job prospects associated with this degree. My (very creative and talented) youngest went that route - went on to get an MFA and is (thank heavens) currently gainfully employed and self-sufficient. But this was a long and exhausting process for both of us.

PLEASE take the time to review all of the threads on AN related to your inquiry... you will see that this is a perpetual issue for people who have been unable to make a living and think that a switch to nursing is the answer.

Basically, there is very little that translates from a BFA to nursing with the exception of the general education courses such as English, History, etc. STEP one - contact your local nursing schools and get the specifics regarding eligiblity for application. They will list all of the academic requirements. Do NOT believe the 'minimum GPA' that they list... entry is so competitive right now that the actual GPA for admission is much higher than listed. Talk to the admissions counselors, you may qualify for an accelerated BSN program after you have completed all your pre-requisites.

Nursing is not like any other education you have experienced. You may want fast - in order to satisfy your own personal needs, but the outcome of nursing education is applied competency, not just passing scores. Skill mastery cannot be 'crammed' into short periods of time and still achieve acceptable outcomes. Nursing schools stand to lose their accreditation if their grads cannot pass NCLEX - so grading standards are very high. There is also a very high attrition rate - 40% is not unusual. In terms of nursing school - faster means much higher cost, and higher admission criteria. The grads of 'accelerated' programs frequently complain about their lack of preparedness for actual practice because they did not have sufficient exposure in school.

elkpark · Jun 4, 2010

(editorial comment) I think no student should be allowed to declare BFA as a major without signing an 'informed consent' outlining the bleak job prospects associated with this degree. My (very creative and talented) youngest went that route - went on to get an MFA and is (thank heavens) currently gainfully employed and self-sufficient. But this was a long and exhausting process for both of us.
PLEASE take the time to review all of the threads on AN related to your inquiry... you will see that this is a perpetual issue for people who have been unable to make a living and think that a switch to nursing is the answer.
Basically, there is very little that translates from a BFA to nursing with the exception of the general education courses such as English, History, etc. STEP one - contact your local nursing schools and get the specifics regarding eligiblity for application. They will list all of the academic requirements. Do NOT believe the 'minimum GPA' that they list... entry is so competitive right now that the actual GPA for admission is much higher than listed. Talk to the admissions counselors, you may qualify for an accelerated BSN program after you have completed all your pre-requisites.
Nursing is not like any other education you have experienced. You may want fast - in order to satisfy your own personal needs, but the outcome of nursing education is applied competency, not just passing scores. Skill mastery cannot be 'crammed' into short periods of time and still achieve acceptable outcomes. Nursing schools stand to lose their accreditation if their grads cannot pass NCLEX - so grading standards are very high. There is also a very high attrition rate - 40% is not unusual. In terms of nursing school - faster means much higher cost, and higher admission criteria. The grads of 'accelerated' programs frequently complain about their lack of preparedness for actual practice because they did not have sufficient exposure in school.

Ditto that -- plus, I'm not sure where the OP got the idea that nursing is in "high demand." Many areas of the country are oversaturated with nurses, and even experienced nurses are having a hard time finding employment. New grads are having a terrible time. Just look at many of the threads here. While the collapsed economy has not hit nursing as hard as it has hit many other occupations, nursing has certainly suffered (and will continue to do so for some time).

Bobbkat · Jun 7, 2010

You know what's funny? 13 years ago when I started my first degree, I was originally a vocal music performance major. I eventually switched to elementary education, and graduated with a BS in education. Now I have a BSN and have been searching (unsuccesfully) for emplyment as an RN since I graduated 6 months ago. The steadiest employment I have currently is singing at weddings and funerals. Guess I should have just continued with the BFA. Couldn't make a living off from singing, but it's currently getting me more than nursing is.