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Discussion

Got accepted in BS Nursing Program Not sure if I should go

I got accepted into a second degree Nursing Program which means the program is open to individuals that already have a Bachelors degree in something. It's from Penn State and the estimated tuition cost for the program is 32 thousand dollars, which I would have to receive from private lending sources as I've exhausted all undergrad govt loans. I currently have 65k of undergrad debt. I estimate with all the ancillary costs in addition to tuition like books, etc that my actual loan requested amount would be more like 40k to realistically. That is around 110k of total student loan debt. I'm having second thoughts on going through with it all.The program is 14 months straight through and starts in the Fall.

I am also checking out a local Associate Degree Nursing Program. The cost is very cheap per credit at $110. It is a two year program which if I applied would be in the spring. Due to my already existing student loan debt, I've been looking at the cheaper route. I've heard some nurses state that some places actually will help pay for the Bachelor's degree in nursing and it seems there are more online options to get that done.

Any advice for this whole thing? My Bachelors degree is in nutrition Science. I think I would make a great nurse actually. I'd like to work with diabetic patients and possibly get a Certified Diabetic Educator certification.

Any advice is greatly appreciated. I have to make a decision quickly as I'm already accepted into the BSN program.

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    • Featured Replies

    I would only do that in a great job market and I was planning on living in an area with higher wages, I would never take out 100K for a $23-30/hr wage opportunities.

    I have a family member who has a good job with her food science degree and I've never heard complaints about working conditions.

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    I was in a similar boat as you BA+MPH accepted into 3 programs. I chose the less expensive (and less stress) ADN

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    • Author

    thank you for the post. I currently work as a Dietary Manager in a nursing home and make 45k per year which averages at around $20 an hour if one looks at a 40 hour work week. I'd welcome a different challenge though with more potential for growth and have a more direct impact on patient care. I've read/heard a good bit about the working conditions at times which can be discouraging from pursuing nursing. I think I'd do good with job though.

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    • Author

    Did you have any problems finding work? I have some nurses telling me that some hospitals are only hiring BSN nurses. While I hear that, our current nursing facility just recently been hiring for RNs. I'm sure ASN would be fine for them.

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    Did you have any problems finding work? I have some nurses telling me that some hospitals are only hiring BSN nurses. While I hear that, our current nursing facility just recently been hiring for RNs. I'm sure ASN would be fine for them.

    I would suggest doing the ADN program, in light of your debt load, and seeking employment that will reimburse you for a BSN. However, realize that hospital employment - the most likely to reimburse - may be difficult to obtain without a BSN. If you're OK with home health and LTC opportunities, you will have no trouble finding an RN position with an ADN.

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    • Experts

    I've been an RN for five years, and a licensed nurse for a total of nine years since I started out as an LVN. I completed an online RN-to-BSN program two months ago. It cost a grand total of $5,800. I paid for it with cash while working full time.

    I think an affordable associate degree nursing program plus an affordable online RN-to-BSN completion program would be cheaper than the accelerated BSN program. Although the accelerated BSN program might be the shorter path to nursing, the debt load would be crushing.

    Good luck with whatever you decide.

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    I have a BA and just graduated with my ADN last week and wouldn't have done it any other way. I was able to find a job with little trouble but depending on the job market in your area, you may have to accept a job that isn't exactly what you want to do in the long run in order to get your foot in the door. I also put in my cover letter that I'd be returning to school ASAP to pursue my BSN, and am holding true to my word, already applied to programs to start this fall. Good luck!

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