Career Change

Flare, ASN, BSN · Jan 22, 2010

Overall, I don't see that much need for a more advanced degree in nursing than an ADN unless you are looking to do somethnig that would specifically require it - like wanting to become a NP or APN where a MSN would be necessary. The MBA that you hold would likely be considered in the management end of things and could eventually lead you to a career as an administrator of a facility.

Good luck in your endeavours.

llg, PhD, RN · Jan 22, 2010

Plan on getting a BSN -- either to start with or eventually. The ADN can be a good way to start your nursing career, but to have any upward mobility (either in clincical roles, or in educational roles or management roles), you'll need the BSN.

In the olden days, that wasn't as true as it is today. In years past, years of experience plus degrees in other fields were often enough to give an ADN grad plenty of opportunities in nursing. However, more and more jobs are requiring the BSN. The trend in nursing is toward MORE education, not less -- for all sorts of roles, not just those that might come immediately to mind. With only an ADN, you will be entering a world of shrinking possibilities for you, not expanding ones. You'll be increasingly limited to entry-level jobs and/or jobs for employers whose standards are not those of the "top tier" institutions.

In your situation, I would try to start with a BSN if you can to save yourself time later.

midinphx, BSN · Jan 22, 2010

I would compare the time needed for you for either program. Here the programs take the same amount of actual time due to taking the clinicals in order. My BSN had 5 semesters of clinical and the ADN had 4 semesters. People that took the prereqs while I did and went for the ADN took just as long to graduate and get their RN. The difference was that I had to take all the other nonsense that a bachelor's degree requires. Some of that you may already have under your belt.

Go see counselors from both ADN program and BSN program to see what you individually need. If the time and cost is similar and you can do it, go for the BSN. But you really won't see much difference as a nurse having a BSN or ADN, both are RN's. My hospital pays $1 an hour for the BSN, but that is not universal.

RedRage00 · Jan 22, 2010

Thanks for all the responses.

I applied as a pre-nursing student at UT-Austin for the BSN program so I am waiting to hear back from them. I have not met with them yet, but based on what I have read on their website I would need about 30 hours of pre reqs before I can even apply to the upper level sequence courses. I believe 11 of those hours have to be taken at UT. Most of the pre reqs I need are based around Biology, Human Anatomy, etc. I have all of the English, history, etc out of the way from my previous undergrad. I could probably get these courses out of the way in a year if I was to go back to school as a full-time student, but that is easier said than done. I would probably have to leave my decent paying full time job to go back to school full time. I'm not sure if I can do that, which is why I started to look into the Associates program here at a community college. IF I went back to school as a full-time student it would probably take me 3 years to complete a BSN (1 year of prereqs + 2 of the upper level actual nursing school).

For the associates, the main pre reqs I need are A&P 1 and 2, microbiology,human growth and development, and they also suggest taking several RNSG "support courses" So, all in all, I think I have the same amount of pre reqs needed for the Associates and the BSN. I would be able to work full time and take these pre reqs until I have completed them all, and it would probably take a little longer going part time.

The associates is A LOT cheaper from the community college than at UT. My biggest concern is having to go back to being a poor college student while going to school full time.

What would you do in my situation?

llg, PhD, RN · Jan 22, 2010

I went back to school twice in my life -- becoming a "poor college student" again after having worked. After getting my BSN at age 22, I worked for 2 years and saved my money before becoming a full time grad student and getting my MSN at 26. Then I worked for 10 years and saved my money before quitting my job and becoming a full time grad student again at age 35. I spent about 5 years being really poor while getting my PhD at 41.

It's not easy to change your lifestyle (and spending habits) if you have children -- but as a single adult, I didn't mind it so much. It was worth it to me to get the education I wanted. I was able to work part time in both cases and also win some scholarship and/or grant money so that I graduated with only a small student loan that I could pay back in only 3 years.

For some people, the lifestyle changes are not worth it. They would rather go to school part time while working part time -- or they get their educations a little bit at a time. That is cheaper -- but takes longer. Both routes are OK: it's a matter of personal preference.

TWUgrad · Jan 22, 2010

Thanks for all the responses.
I applied as a pre-nursing student at UT-Austin for the BSN program so I am waiting to hear back from them. I have not met with them yet, but based on what I have read on their website I would need about 30 hours of pre reqs before I can even apply to the upper level sequence courses. I believe 11 of those hours have to be taken at UT. Most of the pre reqs I need are based around Biology, Human Anatomy, etc. I have all of the English, history, etc out of the way from my previous undergrad. I could probably get these courses out of the way in a year if I was to go back to school as a full-time student, but that is easier said than done. I would probably have to leave my decent paying full time job to go back to school full time. I'm not sure if I can do that, which is why I started to look into the Associates program here at a community college. IF I went back to school as a full-time student it would probably take me 3 years to complete a BSN (1 year of prereqs + 2 of the upper level actual nursing school).

RedRage,

Doesn't UT Austin have a program where you go straight for a MSN if you have a previous degree? I have a BS from UT and when I decided to go back to school for a nursing degree, I really wished I could have done the MSN program because it wouldn't have taken me much more time than getting a separate BSN from TWU. Unfortunately I couldn't go that route because I was married with a child in another city and my husband's career would have prevented a move.

erwigg · Jan 22, 2010

yes comm colleges are alot cheaper plus with your other degrees you shoulde be able to transfer in alot of credits for other classes.

I would suggest going through the ADN program getting your RN then use one of the bridge courses to get your RN 3 years this way. . .. unless a 4 year scool can get you in anout in about 2 years

iPink, BSN, RN · Jan 22, 2010

Hi Career Changer...I'm one too and I'm also 27 yrs old. Its definitely never too late to go back to school. I'm currently taking the last few prerequisite classes for the Accelerated BSN program I'm interested in attending. Like others have said, if you don't plan to climb the clinical latter in Nursing, then spend 2 years getting the ASN. But, I will advise you to go for the BSN. Check your area to find an Accelerated BSN program, which can last between 12-16months. The reason why I'm not going for the MSN yet because Masters degree nurses are usually known as "advanced practicing nurses." How can I be an advanced practicing nurse when I haven't worked a day in my life as one? I'll rather get the BSN first, get a couple of years experience under my belt, and then head into the MSN program (which I'm hoping my employer would pay for) and become the Nurse Practitioner I desire. My future patients would appreciate that in the long run. Good luck to you.

dannyc12 · Jan 22, 2010

At 27 you may be too young to jump into nursing school! Do you still put a lot of value on a vibrant social life?

Just kidding. You are fine agewise.

The accounting and MBA degrees are not going to help you much in the nursing profession, but they certainly won't hurt. **Disclaimer** - if you want to go the pumps and pearls route, your MBA will certainly help you - but you will be diving headlong into the same type of business you are already in. If you hate it now, save yourself the time getting a nursing degree, cause you will hate it even more later.

I have an engineering degree and it doesn't do a thing for me. Sure the experience helps me - my work in process management keeps me amused as I watch some really wasteful things going on, but I know my suggestions are not welcome. When I decided to change careers my motto became, "Keep your mouth shut and your ears open." My new colleagues seemed to appreciate this.

My previous degree experience never comes up on the job except when someone hears about it and exclaims, "You gave up all that money to do THIS?!?!" You will run into the same thing.

The BSN or ADN route depends on you. Can you afford to straight to a BSN or do you want to start working as a nurse then continue on? I chose the ADN route in hopes I can find a job that pays for the BSN, keeping the loans down. (I may have already done this while in nursing school!) If money is no object - go BSN if you can get into a good school.

I would strongly suggest getting a part time CNA job somewhere immediately. If you can do that job for a few months and do it well, you will be a great nurse.

RedRage00 · Jan 23, 2010

Thanks for the advice everyone! I've been researching some programs online and it makes much more sense for me to go after a BSN since I already have a bachelors and most of the pre reqs I need are pretty basic to every program out there associates or BSN. UT Health Science Center in Houston has an accelerated BSN program that you can complete in 3 20hr semesters! EEK! That sounds tough but I'm sure it can be done. I would need to take pretty much the same amount of courses before I can enter that program as the associates program here in Dallas.

So, I need to get started on some pre reqs. I'll be starting a class on 2/1 that is an online Developmental Pysch class, and will see what I can take in the summer when the time comes. If I calculated correctly I just need 7 pre req courses. I believe I can pull that off in a year working full time....and then after that I'll see if I can get into UTHSC-Houston or maybe the one in San Antonio. They have an accelerated program as well and I used to live in San Antonio so I'm more familiar with the area.

Thanks for your help!

allnurses Guide · Jan 23, 2010

hey Redrage00,

I was a mid life career changer with a BS and an MBA who had wanted to enter nursing for along time. After much research, I went the direct entry MSN route. I took pre-reqs part time for a couple of years while still working full time, and then did the RN-MSN program full time for 2 years. It was tough, I was poor, I had no life, but I am SO glad I did it!! I'm now certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and have a good job in a health center. This route worked well for me-I didn't love bedside nursing (although I am in awe of those who do it), there were very few RN jobs for new grads in my area, there were a lot of NP jobs for new grads, and I had already spent a gazillion years in health care working holidays, nights, and weekends. I was all done with that, so being an NP gives me a daytime schedule that works better for me. I went to a private school, but there are some state universities that have direct entry programs, so the cost would be lower. Just another perspective...I was able to get my RN and my MSN in just a little more time than most BSN programs. The sacrifices were worth it!!