Gap Year Before ABSN?

[xxdancer13]

Hello,

I am currently a junior in a 4 year university getting my bachelor's degree in Public Health and Healthcare Administration. I did not know coming out of high school that I wanted to become a nurse so I will have to go through an accelerated BSN program after I graduate. I am graduating a semester early in order to prevent racking up more debt. By the end of my degree I will have a manageable amount of debt that I can pay off within the year if I live at home. I am contemplating taking a gap year in between graduating and starting a nursing program in order to get more healthcare experience, pay off my debt, and finish some pre-reqs for other programs. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on taking a gap year or if anyone would recommend that I go straight through to a nursing program? I personally would feel more comfortable if I paid off my undergrad debt before starting nursing school but there are many people who have told me to go straight through as I will be making more money as an RN. Any thoughts/advice would be much appreciated!

[Zyprexa_Ho]

Paying off your loans in a year, if you can, sounds ideal. That way you're not racking up interest while you're in school again. If you were only going to take a gap year to have a gap year, I would avoid that, but it sounds like the smart financial move for you.