Help! Am on the best track?

Nursing Students General Students

Published

Hello to all you wonderful hardworking nurses! I have a question and forgive me if its been asked before. I recently enrolled and started today. LOL~

I decided to get my BSN. While I am very excited I also have thought about doing an LPN program,bridge to RN, and THEN crossing to BSN. My ultimate goal at some point is to get my MSN. Having said that, should I just stay in the school I am at (Colorado Christian University) or change my track to the one I just mentioned previously? I'm already a Surgical Tech and First Assistant in surgery with IV and Phlebotomy Certification, DAANCE certification, and I also started out as an MA Before that. I know that probably doesn't mean much but I wanted to give you a little background.

I guess I am trying to find the quickest route that is also the BEST route. Thanks to all who will take the time to answer! Blessings to you all! Oh by the way, I want to do Perioperative/ PACU nursing because I just love the process and all things OR related!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Have you started the nursing program, or are you doing prerequisites?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I only have a few pre-requisites left because of my other credits that are transferring in. I am doing those now.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Unless your finances are such that you need to get working ASAP, I would go straight through the BSN. If you need the working money yesterday, are raising a family on a non-existent budget, I could see the draw towards getting your LPN and going that route, but going to school all those separate times, combined with the fact that I am assuming you would want to work a bit after each graduation, is going to drag this thing out forever and a day.

If you can pull it financially, just go thru and get your BSN. Many hospitals are requiring a BSN, or a contract to get your BSN quickly, regardless. Not all, but every one that I have worked in, and I've worked in 5 major facilities down the east coast. Especially Magnet facilities are temperamental about that BSN.

If your end goal is an MSN, just pull the band aid and get the BSN. The alternative is becoming a bit of a lifetime student...which is perfectly fine if that is what you have to do financially. But that wasn't what I personally wanted.

I was married in college (early sophomore year) and worked as a pharmacy tech to support myself (making $10.50/hr)...grants, financial aid, and scholorships took care of my tuition. I took out minimal student loans to help with cost of living. My husband was also a student and made $8/hr as a teaching assistant. We lived in a dump of an apartment, but we made it work.

But for me, I wanted to get it done and over with, so we made it work.

Good luck on your decision.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment