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I hope to be starting Nursing school in the fall '08. Having never attended college before (I was a hairstylist previously so just attended vocational school) I am told it will take me about 3.5 years to complete school to get a nursing degree. I was wondering if someone could clue me in on what to expect. How long before I begin actually learning what I will need for nursing? At what point do I start clinicals? What will some of my clinicals be? I would appreciate any insight I can get.

Thanks all!:mad:

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It all depends on what program you are trying to get into. I started off at Indiana University and my prereq's would have taken about a year and half had I finished with an additional two years of clinicals. Now, I'm at a Community College trying to earn my Associate's Degree and only 4 courses are required (+ the TEAS test) prior to application/admission. For the best information, you should talk to your school advisor. I'd say an average program will take you 3-4 years to complete if you're RN. Best of luck to you! It's an exciting decision, isn't it?

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Thank you for your reply. I will be going to speak with an advisor next week, but I am so curious about what I have to look forward to. I am looking at South College in Knoxville TN and from what I understand I will be going for a Bachelors of Science in Nursing. I realize I sound ignorant, but I honestly don't really know what I'm getting into here. I just know that I want to be a nurse. I was told that getting an associates degree in nursing limits the college courses I have to take, I mainly have to take the basic state requirements then I can begin nursing. Is a bachelors in science the same as an associates degree? Please excuse my ignorance, I appreciate any and all understanding and help!:confused:

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Specializes in Med/Surg.
Thank you for your reply. I will be going to speak with an advisor next week, but I am so curious about what I have to look forward to. I am looking at South College in Knoxville TN and from what I understand I will be going for a Bachelors of Science in Nursing. I realize I sound ignorant, but I honestly don't really know what I'm getting into here. I just know that I want to be a nurse. I was told that getting an associates degree in nursing limits the college courses I have to take, I mainly have to take the basic state requirements then I can begin nursing. Is a bachelors in science the same as an associates degree? Please excuse my ignorance, I appreciate any and all understanding and help!:confused:

Nope. A bachelor's is a four year degree, while an associate's is a two year....though both of these can take longer (and usually do) to complete than 4 or 2 years.

I chose to get my BS because there are more opportunities available to BSN nurses. The ASN is also a great option as it usually gets you into the workforce more quickly, though ASN nurses typically don't have management opportunities, etc....(note: there are exceptions)

I also chose the BSN because I want to get my master's degree, and the bachelor's is a foundation for that.

Speaking with a counselor should clear up any issues. Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical/Oncology.

Hello,

Don't feel ignorant. You are inquiring about a career you are interested in. I attend a ADN program (2 years) and a BSN is about 4 years. You can do the same as far as taking the state board and obtaining a RN license. With a BSN you have more options I think. Options like Case Management. I am sure there are more, but I can't think of them all. I really wish you well with this new career. I love nursing. I am suppose to graduate in December 2008 and looking forward to learning and growing. There will be times that you feel you don't know what your doing and stuff, but that is with anything new. Study hard, focus, ask your instructors a lot of questions, and really try and do your best. Maybe go to a bookstore and starting reading about nursing. I just am brainstorming trying to find a way for you to get an idea of what nursing is, the different options as far as where you may want to work or area you may want to specialize. I wish you well with everything that you do, and that you find nursing to be rewarding, life changing, and challenging.

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Thank you so much for your replies. I have a better understanding now I believe. After doing some more research I believe I will be going for my ADN but first there are classes the state of TN requires I take as a college student...math, english, etc...Does that sound right? I will get a better understand when I meet with an advisor next week.

I'm very excited about this! I have wanted to do this for about 8 years now, but I've been scared to take the first step. Thank you for not making me feel stupid, that I guess is what had held me back before.

Thanks again!

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical/Oncology.

Oh if I can answer any questions for you or direct you where I can get nursing books cheap let me know. I love to talk about nursing and providing insight. You can email me anytime!! When do you start school?

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Thank you so much! One more question...So, when you get a ADN does that make you an RN? or and LPN?

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Successfully completing an ADN (called an ASN in some areas) program will make you eligible to take the NCLEX-RN test. If you pass this exam, you will be an RN.

LPNs take a course that usually lasts a year and their test is NCLEX-PN.

ADNs, diploma grads (three years), and BSN grads who pass NCLEX are all considered RNs.

Hope that helps.

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ADN makes you an RN. It's an associate's degree which is what you will get at a community college. That's what I'm doing now. It took me 3 semesters to get my prerequisites done (all the English, anatomy, etc classes) before I started the actual nursing program. My program is 5 semesters long and takes 2 years. After getting in the nursing program, you start learning nursing information right away. We also started clinicals the 2nd week. The 1st week was orientation to the computer system at the hospital and to the unit we would be working on. As far as clinicals go.. we were placed in groups of 6 or 7 students and assigned to a unit, but had different rotations out of that unit each semester. For example, this semester I was on a pulmonary unit, but had 4 OB rotations out. The rest of the time I was on my pulmonary unit. I hope that helps some.

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What a wonderful help you have been! You've answered all of my questions! From speaking with an advisor over the phone the other day, it sounds like I will be doing exactly what you are doing now. Thank you so, so much for clearing that all up for me! You've been an amazing help! And only a year and a half before I can start nursing courses, no problem! I can handle that.

Thank you again and good luck to you! When are you scheduled to graduate?

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Specializes in ICU.

If you get your ADN you become a RN. LPN is about a year long program. The last two years are typically your nursing classes when you get the BSN. Here are the clinicals I took and the amount of hours of clinical time required at my school:

Med/Surge- 120 hours

Pediatrics- 90 hrs

Psychiatric- 90 hrs

L&D- 90 hrs

Community Health- 90 hrs

Senior Practicum- 180 hrs (this is a clinical during your last semester where you get to pick which area you think you want to go into once you are out of school)

As far as books, if you buy say a used 4th edition and your school wants a 5th edition it is still pretty to date and you can buy the books cheap on amazon or barnes and noble. I never had a problem, though I wouldn't go past a few years old and no more than five.

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