Nursing School

cntrygurltndcty · Feb 7, 2002

Based on my own personal decisions, I would have to say that the ADN program is better for me. In approx. 2 1/2 years, I will have my degree and will be eligible to take the boards. If I pass, then I will be able to practice. This is opposed to taking the BSN approach first and having to wiat that extra time. I am attending a college where everything will transfer, so I do not have to worry about losing money when I do go for my BSN to further my education. If you do not plan on working while going to school, then this approach may not be for you, maybe you would benefit more from just going straight through the BSN program. And yes, some hospitals will pay for your tuition if you devote time to working for them. It is so much time per so many semesters. St. John's and St. Francis, in Oklahoma, are two that I know of that do do this. And I would suggest that you go and talk to human resources to find out if the hospitals in your area do this. They usually have information to hand out on what is required and how it works. As far as college classes while in high school, if you can handle the course load and time at home on Friday nights writing essays or studing for exams, then sure go for it. You should get the degree requirements for the college that you plan on attending and take a class. Composition is a guarantee. I know that there are limits on what you can take and how many credits you can take but you can at least get a head start. Oh, yeah....if you plan on going through the ADN program, you usually have two options. Option #1 - Take all of your pre-requirements first (Comp. A&P, Chemistry, Pshycology, etc.) and then start the nursing classes. Opt #2 start your nursing program and do the pre-req's at the same time. Once again, this is all on what you can stand. There is a lot of reading in nursing and it all goes really fast....and the other classes can be demanding. This is not to say that you can't do it either way, bc I am sure you can, but it is just to give you an idea. Opt #1 takes about 2 1/2 semesters and Opt#2 about 2. Maybe a little longer, or an extra summer or so. But the actual nursing courses are 4 semesters in length-at my college, that is. I hope this info will help. And good luck!

colleen10 · Feb 7, 2002

Hi Daisy,

I'm currently taking my nursing pre-req's. but I have spent the past year contemplating the various options in nursing education so I have an idea of where you are at right now. Here's my advice to your questions.

2) I live in Pittsburgh, PA and a lot of hospitals in this area will pay for your tuition if you work for them. But the programs that I have looked at that do this, work this way: Go to that hospitals nursing program for 2 years and graduate with an ADN, then work for that hospital for 2 years once you graduate. They will pay for your education, books, and uniforms while in school. My only concern would be if you would have much of a choice as to what department and what shift you work for those 2 years.

3) In high school you should really concentrate on your science courses like Chem and Bio. You should also take any other science related courses that your school offers like Anatomy. My school offered a 1 semester long course that covered new ideas, research, and technology in science.

4) If you don't feel that you are being challenged in your current courses I don't think taking some classes at a nearby college would hurt. When my husband was in high school he did that and he still had time to do extracurricular activities like play sports. A local community college's credits will be much cheaper than university. Check to see if your local community college has relationships with private university's and will transfer you credits without a hassle. I would look into taking your basic English, Psychology, and Computer courses which you will undoubtedly need even if you decide to pursue a degree in another field.

In regards to your first question about ADN and BSN. I can only offer this advice. I don't know what your financial situation is and if paying for college is a concern. But I strongly urge you to really think about how much money you can put towards your college education and how much you will have to take out as loans and eventually pay back. Hind sight is 20/20 and I personally really wished that someone would have told me that I would paying back a loan for 10 years after I graduated from college. The job market and payscale (for non-medical jobs) in Pittsburgh is pretty pathetic and it has been hard to pay it back. The nice thing about nursing though, is that they will always be needed and with the shortage you shouldn't have a problem finding a job. The ADN route will be cheaper than a BSN but you also need to think about what you want to do with your career and if you would eventually want to obtain a Master's, etc.

Good luck and let us know how you make out with all of this.