First Post: Looking for some advice

kenpochic · Jul 29, 2010

im 29 and i have a bachelors in business. I just got into an ADN program. Basically my thought was this.. there are less prereqs for adn programs and they are shorter programs. Not by much though. My plan is to use my bachelors degree once im an RN to do a bridge gap program into a CRNA program. So I guess it just depends on your long run plan. Whether you take an ADN or a BSN program you will set for the same exam to be an RN. being that you have a degree i dont think the people with a bsn will have that much more of an upper hand. Another thing to look at is your GPA. If you dont have a high cumulative GPA dont bother applying to a BSN program change your focus into applying for an ADN program. From what I see many adn program just look at your prereqs to determine your gpa. BSN programs look at everything you have ever done to determine your GPA. Either program if you dont have a 3.0 chances are pretty much 0 so get as many A's as possibleMy Prereqs wereEnglish, A&p 1, A&P1 lab, A&P2, A&P2 L, Chemistryyup thats it. im starting a community college this august

Lori127, RN · Jul 29, 2010

My plan is to use my bachelors degree once im an RN to do a bridge gap program into a CRNA program.

Hi dcaradon, thank you for taking the time to respond. Collecting enough information to make these decisions is so daunting and your suggestions really helped! Oddly enough, I'm also considering a CRNA program as my end goal. I've had several people suggest this field to me and it sounds like a great move. To help me in my decision, can I ask what appealed to you about it most? Also, is it difficult to find a bridge gap program? Or is this very common?

RebeccaV · Jul 29, 2010

Im in a similar situation. Im 27 and have a BA in fashion merchandising (lol I know) I picked an ADN program because I want to get my RN quickly, then after some years working enter a MSN program. For me, the choise was easy, an ADN is very affordable at my local CC and I had went there before for my first 2 years of college and only need AP and micro before I can start my nursing courses.

iPink, BSN, RN · Jul 29, 2010

Since people are posting their ages in here, I might as well follow suit. I am 28 and have a B.A. in Information Technology & Informatics. I will be pursing a Accelerated BSN program. Why?

1) Because the ABSN school I applied to required the least amount of prerequisites

2) I will be an RN quicker going the ABSN route (even including prerequistes) than if I did the ADN route and

3) I want to get my MSN & become an FNP sooner than later

ADN programs are cheaper and takes 2 years to complete; ABSN programs can take 12-15 months (depending on school) and cost more. So you will have to factor in these differences to making your decision. Most ABSN programs require at least a 3.0 GPA from your non-nursing degree.

The first thing you need to do is look into which programs, whether ADN or ABSN programs, interest you and start taking the perquisites they require.

Also, in regards to CRNA. I have a family member who is one and want to add CRNA school is the most competitive programs you'll run into. Just go to the "Specialty" tab and get some great advice from people who has been through it. It is also very stressful, which is why I chose not to go that route.

kenpochic · Jul 30, 2010

Well I dont know if I would say difficult but they are not offered at every school. I did some research and found a couple schools where I could do a bridge gap program. One of the things that will make it a little harder for you and I is alot of the times the bridge gap programs want your bachelors degree to be in a science field. But this is not 100% of the time. Trust me if it seemed impossible I would not of decided to take this particular path. Do some research and take a look at some schools in your area or places you would be willing to move to. I am willing to move whereever I have to to make this happen for me. Right now I am an EMT. while in EMT school I did some hospital clinicals where I got to sit in on C- sections. I really found the surgery fascinating. I'm interested in CRNA or RN 1st assistant. so both positions are in the OR and require a masters degree. Perhaps even forensic nursing. I've always been interested in working in the medical field I was just to afraid to go for it. Hope my advice helps you. :)

Lori127, RN · Jul 31, 2010

Well, I just can't thank you all enough for taking the time to give me some advice! Sometimes when trying to figure out the best way to get started and the correct path, I start to feel like I'm just spinning my wheels and can't get them unstuck! So, having this source to turn to is outstanding.

On mzchas advice, I found the threads where CRNA is discussed, and I can see that I definitely have a lot to think about there. So, I'm going to go into school with a very open mind and see what naturally feels like a good fit for me. I love that there are so many excellent options out there!

So here's what's specifically snagging me at this time:

Do you have to know the exact nursing school you will eventually apply to and take their specific prereqs? Is this what you all have done or the only real way to go? Am I crazy and gambling a little too much if I just start taking classes at the CC that I feel "most likely" will apply?

I'd love opinions/feedback on how you all have addsessed this. Thanks again!!

iPink, BSN, RN · Jul 31, 2010

Hi Lolo:

Yes, when I decided to go back to school to get the BSN, I looked at all the Universities/Colleges in my area that offered the ABSN program. I then started to compare all their requirements against each other. I called each program and asked all questions I had. I even went to any Information Sessions to one of the programs to get further information.

After narrowing it down to about 3, I started to take the prequisties they required (each of the schools had the same prerequisites with the exception of 1 class). To go the cheap route, I took those classes I needed at the CC near my house instead of at the University. I didn't need to take English, etc. because I had already completed that from my first degree. I only needed the sciences and Psychology & Sociology. I already completed Statistics as well from my first degree. The programs required Stats, Psy, and Soc to be taken within 10 years. My sciences needed to be taken within 5 years of applying. I've completed all my prereques now.

Hope that helped somewhat.