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Discussion

help me decide

I have a BA in a non-nursing field, and have decided to go back to school to purse SOME KIND of degree in nursing, but I am at a crossroads. I know I eventually want to be an FNP. My parents are both FNPs and I am 100% sure that is my ultimate educational goal, however, I'm not sure of the most efficient way for me to arrive there. I have completed all of the science pre-reqs for most programs through my first degree, so my next step is to decide to do accelerated BSN, ADN/RN (the RN to MSN through Vanderbilt, which is where my parents both went), or an LPN program then online LPN to BSN through Indiana State. The LPN to BSN is 100% online, so my main reason for wanting to do this program would be that I could work a little bit and get some experience since I really have none to speak of! However, here's my other issue: since I don't plan to work as an RN for an extended period of time, does it really make sense for me to do a BSN program, or would it be more efficient for me to do an ADN to MSN bridge?

I wish direct entry MSN was an option, but it's not as there are no programs within 90 miles of my hometown. Does anyone have any advice or insight as to what I should do in this situation? I have a 2 year-old and have been a stay-at-home mom since he was born, so luckily I don't have to worry about holding down (or trying to hold down) a full time job while in school, so that helps. I just reallllyyyy don't want to take a longer route than is absolutely necessary. My overall goal would be to be done with the MSN/FNP in 5-6 years. I am not really in a gigantic hurry, as I want to raise my son until he goes to school. Please help me out and give any advice you can!

Here is a little bit of my background:

--I have a BA in Spanish, and a minor in psychology

--I am read, write, speak bilingual (Spanish)

--I have been a social worker for 5 years

--my parents are both FNPs, so I am familiar with Advanced Practice Nursing, to an extent

--I had a 3.9 undergrad GPA, good GRE score, and a good TEAS score

--I have no nursing experience other than helping out at my dad's clinic

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    Would you consider going the Physician's Assistant route? They have virtually the same scope of practice as NPs without the requirement of having a nursing degree first prior to schooling. To me, that seems like the most direct route for essentially the same career (especially if you already have a BA degree).

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    • Author

    I have considered that, but it kind of brings the same issue as the direct-entry program for NPs: there isn't one within 90 miles of where I live, and I'm not sure there are any online programs with clinicals in the home community.

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    There's so many ways to get to your goal. Please check facilities in your area if they are hiring and what degrees they accept, that is really important. Keep your options open. Did you do really good in your prereqs? If you did, you should consider maybe a BSN or perhaps adn.

    i think some courses like human anatomy, physio, and micro may have an expiration date if too many years pass and you don't get into a nursing program.

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    • Author

    I have considered that...although I do prefer the nursing model, I live too far away from any PA programs and I haven't yet found one that allows didactics online and clinicals in my home community!

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    • Author

    Yes, I had a 3.9 undergrad GPA, I did well on the TEAS and GRE and I had As in Chem, Micro, and A&P. However, I need to begin a program soon since I graduated college in 2009...they will expire soon.

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    Very nice, it seems like you shouldn't have a problem with getting into a BSN program or anything like that. are nursing programs competitive in your area?

    You should check out many websites of nursing programs and their requirements.

    If I were you, I would do the BSN directly( with the good grades, test scores) since it's the standard degree to get and a stepping stone to grad school. But on the other hand, you said you don't want to work as a RN for a long while either, which I think is fine because you should get experience and then do grad school like you want to.

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    • Experts

    multiple threads merged as per the Terms of Service

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