Have no idea what to do

Published

Hi. As the title states, I really feel helpless. I don't know what my next steps are. I currently go to a 2 year community college that offers an associates degree in Nursing. What I know is going through a Bachelor program is more benificial due to having higher pay.. etc. So I'm trying to find a college right now but other than that I don't know what else to really focus on and have goals for.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You vaguely state that you want to pursue a BSN. Great. That is a start. Now list the programs that you might want to attend and start checking out their websites. Make a graph of the prerequisite courses needed before applying to each and make a separate list of pros, cons. As you explore the nursing program websites, you will start to get a feel for what to do next: start enrolling in those prerequisite courses if you have not already done so. Speak to the advisor at the nursing school and ask any questions that you have. Another idea: you might want to visit facilities where nurses work and ask to shadow a nurse for an hour or two and/or take a tour of the facility if they will accommodate you. Better to see things in person than to rely on what is portrayed on TV.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Like Caliotter3 said, start looking into your options for what schools are available in your area (or where you may be willing to relocate) and what you need to do in order to apply. You have an idea of what you want to pursue and actually putting pencil to paper and writing (or typing too) it out helps to visual it.

I am personally wanting to go through the ADN program at my school because few schools in my area are willing to accept nursing transfer students. The ones that are would cost a considerable amount of money even with financial aid. My program is very competitive and produces some amazing nurses. I had actually heard that all nurses starting off in the same department whether they have their ADN/ASN or BSN are paid the same amount. I am not sure if this is true for every state, but this may be something to consider on your location.

Also, many nurses that go the associates route have the option of getting their BSN later on. Sometimes employers may assist with the cost or pay for it. Many of the programs are also online which allows you the flexibility to work as well. Worst case, the money you make working can help pay for your classes. It may be a longer route but that is what I one day hope to do. If I am not mistaken, the real difference between an the two options to get your RN may come down to who "seem" like the better option for a promotion (this is not always true. I know ADNs who have been promoted over BSNs.) and whether or not you may want to pursue graduate level work later on.

I think that learning the material in your prerequisites to the best of your ability and getting the highest grades possible are things you can turn into goals. Look up what entrance exams you may need to take and see if you may need to take extra classes in order to apply to other schools. I would still consider applying to your CC as well. If your school is known for making amazing nurses, then I would choose that over a mediocre BSN program.

Lastly, I think it would help you if you identified your motivators for pursuing nursing. Every time I want to slack off or whatever, I remind myself why this is what I want to do. I also have nurses on YouTube that I watch. The each have their own journey and I believe all of them have now actually graduated from nursing. It is great knowing that other people are doing what I want to do and have been where I will be.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

OP: If 'higher pay' is all that is making you think BSN instead of the ADN- think again. Most places don't pay ANY differential for BSN, and the ones that do pay less than a dollar an hour. If you are already accepted into the nursing part- finish it, pass NCLEX and get busy on an RN-to-BSN program (which can be done fairly quickly if you put your mind to it)

Changing programs for the pay differential of ADN vs. BSN is simply not worth it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Remember that the BSN degree, although it does not guarantee a greater amount of pay, does give you a leg up on getting hired, especially in the majority of acute care facilities, so there is an incentive to choose a BSN program, all other factors being equal.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Well, obviously your goal is to become a nurse.

The ADN vs the BSN decision, for me, was based on the demand in my area. Just about every hospital around here requires that you get your BSN within a few years of being hired, so I decided to go straight for the BSN. I googled "nursing schools in *my city*" and started researching them - their tuition, retention rate, NCLEX pass rate, etc. I narrowed my choices down and made another list of the prerequisites for each school. Using that, I narrowed my list down further. I chose one school, and a backup school.

I noticed most BSN programs want a lot of the same classes - your basics. Micro, A&P, English, History, Math, etc. So I worked on those and started studying for the TEAS/HESI. Now I've applied to both schools, and am awaiting their decisions.

So, that's where I'd recommend you start. Best of luck to you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in School nurse.

This is the school nurse forum, not nursing school.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
This is the school nurse forum, not nursing school.

? It's the pre-nursing forum.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion