Ever gone back for your BSN? Questions!

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hello, all! I am considering returning to school to get my BSN, but I'm less than eager now that I've been looking at programs! I realized that I would have to take some classes in addition to the upper level nursing classes, but I didn't realize I would have to take SO MANY!! OMG! Going part time, it will take me TWO YEARS to finish all of those pre-requisites, not to mention the additional year or two to finish the BSN. I was in college for five freaking years to get my ADN (began as a different major) and I'm not going to lie and say that I am not completely intimidated by this. Advice, anyone? Have you done this? Did you CLEP out of anything? How much credit did you get for your degree that you already possessed? I'm already frightened- I have been working in NICU for almost a year and I've already forgotten much of my adult nursing stuff! My husband keeps trying to be encouraging, but all I want to do is shake and slap him!!! God bless him, but every time he says, 'So, have you thought about school any more?' I feel like retching. Okay, I'm exaggerating. A bit.

Every school's requirements are just a bit different. And, just to make it interesting they call the same course by different names.

Even with a BA in Bio, when I went back for my BSN, from the same school where I got my AA, I had to pick up a few prereqs: art, statistics, psych. Really got into some of it and took a couple extra classes while I was taking prereqs. I ended up repeating a state requirement, was just not in the mood to fight with them over it. But, the BSN itself took me one 9 month school year. I worked half time (8 hr shifts) and actually had a pretty good time of it.

The thing I really recommend is having a couple years experience as an RN before going back for the BSN. I think I was able to better make sense of and apply things to real life because of that perspective. It's also really important to have some experience going into some of the less traditional programs as you use your past nursing experience to help structure class projects.

And, no matter when you do it, going back to school takes commintment, dedication, and perseverence. You have to be ready to give up a chunk of your life for the duration. It merits thoughgt and planning.

I also did my RN to BSN via distance ed through St. Joseph's College in Maine. I had half a degree in Biology plus all my ADN classes. They gave me credit for just about everything, even though some courses were over 10 years old! I thoroughly enjoyed the program, yes you need to be motivated but it was the way to go for me. It did take me about 3 years to do it this way, but I didn't have to rearrange my schedule I did school work when I had the time. From there I went directly into do my MSN and I dont regret a minute of it!

Good luck, and JUST DO IT!

Specializes in Everything but psych!.

I did the ADN to BSN program, and then the BSN to MSN program. I graduated with my ADN in 1976, BSN in 1987, and MSN in 1998. Each program took me about 5 years. But, what else was I going to do. If you are a "lifelong learner," in other words, you like to learn, what's the hurry? Learning is a process, not an event. If the BSN really doesn't change you work, why worry? I would consider more the class load along with my full time job. But, good luck to you! You won't regret it. Learning is never lost

I just finished a RN-BSN program. It was 18 months long, one night a week. The Diploma students were at a disadvantage for prior college credits but the college had a class to show us how to write and present a portfolio that demonstrated knowledge from life experience. There was 13 of us in the class of varying ages and background. The program was very worthwhile and I would recommend it highly-It's out of Waynesburg College in Pennsylvania- Good Luck to All!:)

Specializes in ER.

Just tobe contrary- I went back for my BSN and worked at the same time and it sucked the big hairy one. I think for what I learned that I have actually used I could have done 1/4 of the classwork. Actually the first course I took on the third week I couldn't stand it any more and said "I can't believe I'm paying for this, this is useless" to the instructor during class. (theories) It was all downhill from there.

Getting the letters behind my name was nice though, but I would recommend going straight to a RN-MSN program if you are going to put in the time anyway. I don't find that a BSN opens many more doors, what with the shortage and all. MSN would give you great credibility for floor work, and you wouldn't need to worry about academic credentials for any further jobs you might be interested in.

If I was starting from scratch right now I would have to say that the BSN wasn't worth it, but also need to add that for my degree RN students didn't do clinical- it was a purely theoretical/paper driven program, and I can write a paper in my sleep now. Nobody has asked me to since I graduated though (sigh).

It's a familiar story.....and I was in the same boat, only six years to get the ADN. University of Phoenix was the answer for me.....I decided just to buy the stupid BSN. Actually I've learned a lot and only have five more classes to finish. I had a hard time with local schools, since I've been doing this fifteen years and refuse to be talked down to by anybody! Make up your mind what school you want to go to, and then see if you can take any classes at a local JC. Brigham Young is also supposed to be good to get online classes.

+ Add a Comment