Should I go for it once and for all??

[Leahrose32]

Hi all,

I've been a lurker here off and on for a few years, knowing I want to go into a health profession but unsure of what. I've always ruled out nursing for any number of reasons, but always seem to come back to it. I'm hoping I can get some advice as to whether this is the right path for me.

I have a previous Bachelor's degree in a unrelated subject and I'm in my late 20's so I'd be applying to accelerated BSN programs. I had all pre-req's completed and worked as an aide in a LTC facility for almost a year before doing a 180 and going into recruiting. Now I'm seriously considering nursing again but a few things are holding me back. I LOVED the residents and still do some pediatric homecare for a home health agency. The factors that led me to go off track as an aide were money, hours (worked 3-11 and HATED it), being short-staffed, catty co-workers, etc etc. Basically a lot of the factors that seem to lead to burn-out among nurses.

I realize every place, every setting, every experience will be different, but I've also heard the job market is tough for new grads. I love the variety that nursing can offer (I have interest in hospice, cardiology, surgery, ICU, etc) but I'm not sure the debt-to-income ratio would be doable for me at this point. Anecdotally, everyone I know personally has gotten a full-time job right away as a new nurse (I live in New England) but I also know one of them makes around 40k. That would put me about equal to what I'm making now, and I already have previous loan payments of $500/month. This brings me to even MORE questions...

1) I know it's not recommended to work during accelerated programs, but I really could not see myself taking out loans to cover tuition AND living expenses. Is 20-30 hours a even remotely reasonable to consider?

2) I'd love to be a mid-level provider someday (yes, more loans but also better pay, and I know many RN's work throughout NP programs). How many years of experience do people generally have before going this route? Has anyone done it with only 1 or 2?

Sorry this is so lengthy, but I really don't want to make any rash decisions on this...as a side note, if I decided not to do nursing, I would probably pursue a PT program...it would mean waiting an extra year (at least) to start a program (more time to save!), but also more loss of income as the DPT programs are longer. I know the starting pay is higher, but I've heard working more than 10 hours a week in those programs is near impossible.

Thank you so much for your responses in advance!

[Nurse Kyles, BSN, RN]

If you are interested in PT maybe you could consider OT? They still have a masters degree entry vs the PT doctorate. I would be hesitant to rack up more loans for an accelerated BSN program.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Accelerated programs are very intense. They must compress all of the generic BSN content into a much shorter time span because ALL accredited programs must meet the same minimal requirements. The compression factor also applies to the amount of information you have to absorb and the amount of study/effort you will have to invest. As if that weren't enough of a challenge - if you intend to pursue an NP, you will need to have a stellar GPA coming out of that ABSN. Therefore, it would extremely difficult to work at the same time and still manage to keep up with coursework and end up with the GPA you will need.

Obviously, you have already looked at cost issues and have misgivings about the ROI of nursing school, so there's no need to address it, especially since you are already dealing with educational debt load.

[Leahrose32]

Thank you for the responses. It sounds like an accelerated BSN probably isnt the best option for me, as I unfortunately suspected. I was also considering ADN programs too, but I'm afraid of not being competitive enough for jobs as a new grad. I have looked into OT, but really have no interest in it

[LuvScience]

The fastest way to a new career in healthcare would be an ADN program. Accelerated BSN programs and PT school are both expensive but if I were in your position I would be leaning towards PT school. It would take at least an extra year its worth it in my opinion (assuming your really interested in it). DPTs have plentiful job options, good compensation and high levels of job satisfaction. If you google "best job in America", PT is near the top of every list.

[adjappleton]

You sound much like me - except I'm already on the cliff deciding (with my spouse) if me leaving a FT job and taking loans to start a program in January. I've asked current students and been told 1 CNA shift/week is doable, or 2 every-other week, but beyond that is pushing it. Could you possibly move back in with your parents during the ABSN? Being that you have over a year's experience as an aide and have seen things "up close", and you keep coming back to it - I think nursing is your calling.

It won't be any easier doing it when your 40 (like me) and more commitments to juggle.

[Leahrose32]

Appleton, you're right that I do keep coming back to it...unfortunately moving in with my parents isn't an option, as they live halfway across the country from me, and I'm pretty settled where I am. Otherwise I would definitely consider. I think it's the relationships you build with your residents/patients as a CNA that keeps me coming back to it...thank you for the advice everyone! I'm still stuck, but it's great to hear everyone else's take on it :)