work right away or continue with school?

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in OB.

I'm unsure what to do and was hoping for some advice. I recently graduated with an ADN. I would like to continue on for my BSN degree someday. My question is do I work right away and go to school part time or continue with school and start working this summer? I am in a fortunate position in that I don't "have" to work right away. However, the extra money would be nice. I am receiving education benefits that are "use or lose" and run out at the end of next year. Do I use them and take a full load of classes now and put off working? I need 8 classes to get into a BSN program. I'm afraid if I start working and take one class at a time I will get discouraged by how long it will take to complete all of them (8 semesters instead of 2-3). I guess my question is what would you do. Once you start working, do you feel like taking classes, is it overwhelming going to school and being a brand new nurse? Any advice is welcome. Thanks.

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Specializes in Critical Care/Coronary Care Unit,.

Honestly, once you start working...it's very easy to become comfortable making it harder to return to school. Plus, if you have some type of education benefits that are use it or lose it. I suggest you use it. I assume you mean that you have scholarships so my advice is to avoid all the debt you can. Personally, I'd go for my BSN.

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I disagree with the above poster. In today's job market, it isn't as if you will apply for jobs today and get one tomorrow. If I were you, I would take 2-3 courses this semester while you job hunt. It will probably take you awhile to get a job (just because of the way the market is). Then, hopefully, if you get a job you should take it and work on your BSN part time while working. It will be tough but worth it in my book .

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Specializes in Critical Care/Coronary Care Unit,.

Just so you know, the job market is tough right now and it'll be tough for a long time. The job market for nursing goes in rotations. Quite frankly, b/c of the economy...my advice is to go to school now while you have your educational benefits b/c many places may not be offering them for long b/c of the economy...plus the multiple anticipated tuition hikes. My thing is follow your heart b/c you don't want to look back and be full of regrets...like many nurses I know that wish they had just got their BSN and now with kids, the hubby, and work...they just don't have time to go to school. Plus, it depends on what you want to do. If you want to be an advanced practice nurse...go for your BSN now...work...then go for your masters. However, if you just want to be a floor nurse...you need to take that into consideration as well. Good luck.

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Specializes in L&D.

You can start your job search now and go to school part time. Once your hired and pass probation you can always go the tuition reimbursement route. Then again you have to do what is right for you.

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Specializes in CVICU.

I am asking myself the same question and my answer is that I prefer to work and continue school at the same time. So many hospitals prefer BSNs, and it's becoming so common that I'm going to be at a disadvantage in the job market with only an ADN. Besides, I want to keep all my knowledge fresh.

Get a job working ft or pt, do school pt as much as you can handle, take summer classes, online classes and you'll be on your way.

Good luck!

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never mind............

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Specializes in OB.

Thanks for all of the wonderful advice. The hiring process for new grads at my local hospital is daunting. First, pass the NCLEX and get licensed (you cant apply without having a license number); then the application period is the 1st-5th day of the month ->then wait to be interviewed by a recruiter -> they send your application to different directors-> interview with them -> start at the beginning of the next orientation/internship date. Its a LONG process. So maybe I will take a full load this Spring and start the application process in April. Classes will be over in May. I guess I'm just torn between possibly starting work in February or May. Will a few months really matter? I don't know.

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If you have the means, take advantage of the education benefits....Go all out now, and downshift to Part time if you take a job later, or life changes occur, which they do. Whatever you do, enjoy it. God bless.

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As a new grad I can tell you it is a tough market! But education is sooooo important (and expensive !) Have you considered continuing with your use it or loose it education and seeking out volunteer opportunities using your new license? If the extra money is not a must, you could keep up with your studies and still gain skills that will give you an employment advantage when you get your BSN! It could be a great time to give to your community without being tied down. You'll look good on later applications, gain good skills, and importantly feel good knowing you are a nurse making a difference.

Like a previous poster mentioned, many nurses I work with tell me they wish they had kept going with their education.now they feel like there is no way, or no motivation to go back.

I say keep moving forward with your nursing dream, and look for volunteer opportunities at your: local VA, Red Cross, homeless shelter, Planned Parenthood, and community health centers!

Best of luck, and congrats!

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Specializes in MR/DD.

Personally I would get my license and get a job while going to school, You will find that school will be MUCH easier if you are working as a nurse already.

Once you get your BSN you will not have to take the NCLEX.

You will make more money when you get your BSN if you are already a working nurse. Otherwise you are going to start out at the same pay as all of the other new grads.

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You stated you have full educational benefits that you will lose if you don't use them by the end of the year. For that reason I would say take a full load of classes this upcoming semester and don't worry about finding a job.

What I get from your response is that you are able to live comfortably on the income you have now. I think once you get a job and start as a new nurse the experience is a little overwhelming. I wouldn't want to be starting a new job and taking classes on the side. I would rather rest on my days off and not be stressed with work and school if at all possible. The new grad can be stressful for the first six months or so until you feel comfortable with yourself.

You have your whole career to be working as a nurse full or part time. You should feel fortunate that you are not forced to work right now! You can get a job anytime. Yes it may take a while to get a job but you will get one!! I just think when you start working full time and get used to the salary then your lifestyle starts to reflect this. You may get sidetracked or comfortable with the income and next thing you know it has been a couple of years and still no BSN.

You also mentioned taking one class at a time while working. Believe me once you are working the last thing you want to do is study or do homework on your days off. Nursing is exhausting job. I wouldn't want to elongate the BSN track to two or three years when I could get it done it one year of full time study.

I say go for the BSN full time and take as much classes as you can before starting your career! I don't think people regret advancing their education but they do regret their job choices.

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