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Discussion

Getting Started in Nursing - Need Advice

Hello, I'm hoping I can get some input on this... I'm applying for nursing programs - to start in fall 2009. I have a BA in a non-nursing field; I'm applying to several entry-level MSN (3 year) programs, and to several (2 year) post-bac BSN programs. I started looking through one of the community college websites this evening and found a program for a 2 year RN program. I hope this doesn't sound like too basic of a question; I've been sort of immersed in taking my nursing pre-reqs, working on nursing apps, etc etc - and was just hoping to get some advice. The cost of the other programs just looks SO high and with the economy, etc... I'm a little gun-shy with the cost of it all. That said, I've been totally prepared to live on Top Ramen and have loans for the next 2-3 years if I go through with the BSN and/or MSN programs; the lower cost and shorter timeline are just appealing with the RN. Does it make a big difference, having a RN vs. BSN? Thanks in advance - I really appreciate your advice!

Featured Replies

  • Expert

The difference depends on your career ambitions. Do you intend to only work as a staff nurse or do you plan to go into teaching or administration? In other words, are you looking at climbing the ladder? How many years do you have available for a career? You should get a minimum of a BSN early in your career in order to insulate yourself from future limitations or requirements. If you want to specialize or teach, then you should be thinking in terms of an MSN. If you only care about immediate job placement then an ASN is sufficient to start, a BSN or MSN can be obtained later. It is best to get your BSN now. You will save money and time by doing it now and getting it out of the way. Often you can get accepted and complete a BSN program in less time or about the same amount of time as an ASN with waiting lists and all.

  • Author

Thank you. This is good advice. I think getting at least the BSN is what would best mesh with my goals. Again, thanks - Needed the sounding board :)

Look into 'Accelerated BSN Programs'. These are programs for people with a Bachelor's Degree in another field. They are intense, usually around 15-16 month programs leading to a BSN.

I agree a BSN would be preferrable. The job market has a lot more to offer a BSN than an RN. I also had to make the same decision and opted to get my BSN because it has more job opportunities

i understand that the adn option is not for everyone, but i think i should chime in with a different perspective. i agree that a bsn is minimum requirement for a managerial position. however, keep in mind that you will not be considered for a managerial position in most places unless you have 2-5 years of staff rn experience. thus, while you are working as a staff rn you could be attending a rn-bsn program in that same time frame and acquire a promotion to boot upon graduation. in fact some facilities will promote an adn-rn over a bsn-rn new grad due to years of experience. in other cases just being enrolled with the promise of completing the bsn within a given time frame can get some adn-rns promoted over a bsn-rn new grad. :twocents:

in addition, as you mentioned, the adn is a lot cheaper!!! i am 3 weeks away from graduating and this is the first of my two degrees, where i was able to pay cashhhhh. i plan to do the same for my bsn (rn-bsn programs are at your own pace and you can pay based on the number of classes you take). in fact, rn-bsn programs are so flexible i am already enrolled in one and i began taking bsn nursing courses this past summer (in-between my 3rd and 4th semester) while working full time. gl!

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