Need some direction

[Massage Girl]

Hi people, new at this totally! I'm a 33 year old mom with only one child and I work as a massage therapist. Love what I do but this is not my true calling. Never thought of nursing because I thought I would be stuck in Long term care or pushing a cart all day. Then started to check more into it and found out there were so many alternitives beyond a ADN. I love the area of OB-gyn and was wondering if looking at NP would be the route to go. Although been awhile in school, I thought going for my ADN first, get my foot in the door at a med center and going BSN on line while I work. I've heard pros cons you name it. I just want to get there but get there without destroying my family life aswell. I figured it would take longer but whats anyones idea on my plan. Better advice then going this route? I'm nervous which way to steer. Help? OH Yeah! went on a few nurse and PA forums and it was really ruthless on there. Kind of worried me about who was more educated rather than supporting the real reason for going into their profession. Will it all ways be this way? YUK!

[Jules A, MSN]

Hi and welcome,

Yes, you can do anything you put your mind to! Nursing school will wreak havoc on your personal life and many people adjust their plans around the ages of their children at the time.

I don't know where you got the idea that ADNs do nothing but push carts or get "stuck" in LTC but nothing could be further from the truth. Keep in mind however that you will probably do quite a bit of your clinicals with that population and of course they need caring, skilled nurses also. :)

[Massage Girl]

Thanks for the lift. I worked in LTC as a CNA for 6 years and had it in my mind I just wanted to do more. Very honorable job. Sometimes I don't get good feed back from people in the profession. They just sound burned out. I am glad to do my clinicals in any area because it gives you a diverse outlook on all areas. I hope going for my ADN first will start me off on the right track. What do you think of steering for that then online classes for BSN? And do you know of any specific grants toward nursing to apply for . Every bit I can get will help. Again, thanks and sorry if you took that as an insult. not meant to be.

[LadyTiger44]

I don't see any problem in getting your ASN first. You could probably get a hospital to pay for your ASN to BSN; although most have you sign a contract. And about doing it online-just make sure they are accredited. Nursing school was the hardest thing I ever did (I have my ASN)- but it was TOTALLY worth it! Some places even have ASN to Masters (I am not sure what you need for NP); I know we do here. So you may be able to bypass the whole BSN thing and go straight to your NP. As for getting help financially see if you have a WorkOne in your community. My last year I got a grant from them for job training and they paid a considerable amount for my schooling and you don't have to pay it back. Good luck!

[Massage Girl]

Thanks for the advice. I have checked out all the resources I know and as far as I can tell you have to have your BSN. Its okay though if it takes me longer. I know I will gain experience and knowledge along the journey. I hope to enjoy it. Thanks again.