Hello Stress, nice to see you again, NOT!

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]So I am 22, and have decided after working in the healthcare field for 5 years that I want to go to nursing school! :nurse: I am graduating with my general AA this semester and will still need two more classes to apply to the nursing program (A&P II and Micro). Here is my issue.....I live in a city where the only nursing school is a community college with a 2-year nursing program where I will come out with another Associate's degree. However, since I will already have an associate's degree I can transfer to a University, do their 2-year program, and come out with a BSN instead. I feel like staying at the community college and spending two years obtaining another Associate's degree is such a waste of all the time and effort (and not to mention money) I have put into the degree I will have now.

]Just to give you a whole snapshot......I live in an apartment on my own. I am completely independent and rely on working full-time, and student loans to go to afford to go to school. I know every nursing school HIGHLY SUGGESTS not working during the program, but that is just not an option for me. :uhoh3: If I don't work, I don't go to school, period. I do not get any help from anyone, so working is necessary. In order to go to a University I will have to move about an hour and ½ from my hometown, something that will be both very exciting but very stressful. I have a very cushy job right now in my local hospital working in bed control where I can continue to go to school online, and support myself. So if I moved I would have to find a new job, and a new place to live all while battling nursing school. Or I can stay in my hometown, in my current job, and just start from scratch and in my mind waste everything I have worked for the past two years. Not to mention I have been in my hometown all my life, and would like a change of scenery!

]So I need some opinions! What seems like the better thing to do? :confused:

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Specializes in M/S, Tele, Sub (stepdown), Hospice.

You don't have to go to a community college nursing program for another AA, you just get your RN diploma, take the NCLEX, & become an RN. Plus, you already have your AA........the nursing program is something totally different than gen. ed. classes. It's not a waste of time, in my opinion. They are typically 4 semesters (2 years) & it's hard (well at least my school is) but it will save you money (rather than going to get your BSN). I think the choice is to either have your RN (diploma) or get your BSN.......but both programs will be hard.

We have students at my school (comm. college) that already have their AA, BS, etc. They come just to get their RN.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I always hated when they acted like we weren't smart enough to work and be successful in nursing school. :down: My thoughts are that getting your ADN might be a sensible choice because the tuition is so cheap. You are very young and having a BSN right now isn't much of a benefit, imo. You can always move to a different city when you have your RN and are more employable. Even though it will take a bit longer and cost a bit more in the long run I think being able to work as a RN while you continue in school is invaluable for someone doing this on their own. Best wishes!!

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

I did my associate's because it was cheaper, even though it didn't save me time. I don't regret it, my job pays my tuition for my RN to BSN (so it's free) and it's mostly online, and pretty easy anyway.

Some BSN programs end up being 3 years of nursing courses, not two, if you look at their programs, versus the 4 semesters of nursing school at a community college. It just depends on the school.

I have met people who did work and go to school and finish it. It was rough but they did it. I think the hardest part about working while in the program is finding the time, you can literally be in school 4 to 5 days a week different hours depending on your clinical hours, and that would require a really flexible job.

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Specializes in ER.

Trust me you will find that your ADN will keep you busy. I would go to the community college. I went to a university for an ADN and paid much more $$$$ than the nurses that went to community college. And guess what? They have the same job as me, make the same wage as me. I would do the ADN because you can probably work part time in your current job. Then when you are working as an RN you can finish your BSN up online. And just a little tidbit of into- an AA doesn't mean that you won't have to take more courses for a BSN. Often times a BSN consists of nursing classes spread over 4 years and they are only offered one semester a year. So choose wisely. There is nothing wrong with being an ADN prepared nurse!

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Specializes in OB/GYN, Peds, School Nurse, DD.

My mother was an LPN when she went back to community college for her 2yr RN degree. She worked fulltime nights, too. It was very hard, but like you, she had no choice. She HAD to work to keep a roof over her head and food on the table. Mother never regretted her sacrifice, though. She worked about 16 years as an RN before she retired.

I second(or third!) the votes to go get your A.S. in nursing. It's a lot cheaper and faster. Plus, you won't be taking your core courses(LIt, Western Civ, Algebra) because you're already done that. So all you'll have to concentrate on is the nursing. The licensing exam for an RN is exactly the same whether you have a BSN or an ASN. And a lot of hospitals will subsidize you furthering your education once you're working for them. All this AND you don't have to quit a good job(in this economy~oy!), find a new place, or completely disrupt your life!

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Specializes in Adolescent Psych, PICU.

Seeing that most nursing programs are hard to get into I wouldn't limit yourself---apply to both the programs!

I have a BSN, but I most of the RNs I would with have "just" their ADNs, there isn't much of a difference. Some places pay a bit more (VA does) but for your basic bedside nursing job a 2 year degree is all you need.

If you thinking about going on to NP or some other advanced practice nursing it would be worth it to get your BSN out of the way though, I know Im glad I did. But I would also have been happy to be in any RN program!

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Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

CCs are generally cheaper, and you won't need to take extra classes. ADNs have the same license as BSNs, so its up to what you want to do. If you KNOW you want to be management someday, get that BSN, otherwise stick with your ADN.

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I think it depends on what you want to do in nursing. If you want some upward mobility then go for the BSN. If your geographic area is saturated with new grads the BSN might matter more. No one can predict what the future will bring in terms of the job market and I'm in favor of being as marketable as possible. FYI I worked full time getting my BSN it's very doable if you have a solid support system.

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I don't know what the big deal is about getting a second Associate's degree. I had my BA when I went back to CC to get my ADN. I did not have the money to afford anything else and I needed to work while I was in school, so that was the best option for me. I think that as a group RN's take many roads to become an RN. We are a very diverse group. I know lawyers that have gone back to become an RN (that is what you would call going backwards too). We all get there in different ways and we take the best route for our individual needs.

I then went on to get my BSN online (paid completely by the hospital I work in). Again, a less expensive route, which was best for me. Now I am going to CRNA school (so, I am glad I saved that money).

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Thanks for all the advice! It has definitely led me to believe staying in my hometown at the CC for my ADN is a wise choice just so I can keep my job :) Don't know what I would do without these boards!

Ugh, so now to tackle the waiting list!

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Do the community college, take the NCLEX, be a RN. Community college is cheaper and faster... you can transfer the credits later and do the BSN if you want to. My community college is less than a third the price of the university -- and the credits transfer, if I ever did want to upgrade!

You may be able to work while in classes, depending on how reasonable your schedule is.

I already have a bachelor's from a good university in an unrelated field. I'm going back to nursing school via community college route. I don't feel like I'm wasting time even know I already have a bachelor's because many of my B.A. credits transferred... so I am only taking new material.

Then once you have your RN, get settled into a nice job and see if they'll do tuition reimbursement if you really want the BSN.

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