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Getting Started in Nursing

I am looking into changing careers from social work to nursing. I have a bachelors degree in criminal justice and a masters in public administration. I am wondering where to start my nursing career? Should I get my NA license and work as an NA while I pursue my BSN? Does a person get an associates degree and then BSN? I am completely new to this field and am just not sure where to start education wise. Please respond if you have any other suggestions or if you are willing to share the process you took to become a nurse.

Thank you!!

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There are accelerated BSN programs for people who already possess a bachelor's degree in certain fields. At the very least, if your degrees are recent, your lower division should be current / transferrable.

Hello! It really depends on what you want to do. Money is a factor too. Typically the degree route is more expensive, BUT you can have more opportunities that way (nursing manager, research, director of nursing, etc.) Sometimes pay is higher for a degreed nurse. It really depends again on WHAT you want to do as a nurse and how expensive you are willing to pay for it.

You can get your nursing education from either a diploma program, associates, or a university. You do not have to go diploma and then BSN. You can do straight BSN and some colleges offer accelerated BSN/Masters degrees in Nursing that you may be eligible for since you already have a degree.

Check out schools in your area, what types of programs they offer and the costs to attend. Decide what you want to DO (or at least have some idea- do I want to work in a special field, do I enjoy bedside nursing, will a degree take me higher in a certain area, etc.) and then make your decision. Good luck! :wlcmghrt:

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