Have BBA & MBA, schooling options? Work/School/Money juggle!

[blueelle]

I am currently going back to school for RN. I was, like many people up to the debate of doing the ADN vs BSN. I currently have my bachelor's (BBA) and master's (MBA) degrees in business. With my degrees there are many options open to me. However, my biggest weights on this decision are time and money. I did one of year of nursing before I switched my career to business 10 years ago. I would essentially love to have my BSN because I am interested in doing a few things that would require me to have the BSN.

I am eligible for many Direct Entry Master's programs in my area, the reason I do not go forth and do these is because of money. The other reason is....how will I know what I want to focus on, what track I will pick (NP/CNS etc) if I haven't had the direct experience in nursing to know what I like.

I am also eligible for some 2nd degree BSN programs, but again......the cost for the one I was looking at for the one year is $35k and you have to sign a waiver that you will not work, not even part time. This unfortunately just won't work as I am a single gal, with no one to support me but myself.

The option I've chosen is ADN for numerous reasons. First I work at the tech college where I will be going. My superviser is willing to accomodate my school schedule. I have personal time, comp time, and vacation time, that I can use if I can't put in for a full's week of work. They will pay for 6 credits per semester. When I start the program next fall (currently waitlisted) I will have 4 semesters of (9 credits, 10 credits, 9 credits and 10 credits consecutively). So essentially it seems like a no brainer to have picked this option.

I guess my concern is that I know that I am going to want a foward moving career in nursing. I am very interested in case management, nursing administration, and even possibly neonatal nurse practioner. I know there are programs that allow for ADN to MSN and with my other degrees I don't think it would be a problem to move forward. I guess I'm just anxious to get started and get moving. And I am just frustrated that there are not 2nd degree BSN programs for working adults. No one has figured out yet that there is actually a demand for this.

Anyone in a similar position? Any advice or suggestions or input? I would love to hear you thoughts? I would love to hear about your own experiences.

~Michelle

[Asherah, BSN, RN]

And I am just frustrated that there are not 2nd degree BSN programs for working adults. No one has figured out yet that there is actually a demand for this.

Nursing programs across the country recognize the demand coming from all demographic populations as well as that of non-traditional students. However program curriculum often involves a fine balance of course scheduling and partering with clinical venues who will accept the school's students at certain times of the day or evening. Add to this the very clear fact that there is a nursing faculty shortage at all academic levels, and there is really no wiggle room for evening/weekend 2nd degree BSN programs designed for students who work 20-40 hours per week.

Also, as most students find when entering the actually program (after often completing 2 years or more of pre-reqs part time) that it is almost impossible to maintain a full-time job and do well handling the content of nursing theory and clinical courses. I've heard people do it, and I applaud them for their time management skills and stamina, but working while in NS is definitely a personal choice one has make when you start the courses and evaluate the true workload.