HELP! Don't know what to do.

Lucydog14 · Jul 24, 2020

Have you not taken the NCLEX?

lucyrdgz · Jul 24, 2020

On 7/24/2020 at 4:27 PM, Lucydog14 said:
Have you not taken the NCLEX?

No, I wasn't told what my next steps were, and then I had a big move, so I never furthered my research. Should that be my next step?

amoLucia · Jul 24, 2020

Wait! You haven't NCLEX yet and you're talking about BSN?

Where was your school's academic counseling/guidance office in all this?

So you're NOT working as a nurse but have an 'interest in further education and nsg passion'? You've waited 3 years?

I don't see where your interest in pursuing a working nsg career exists.

RebelNurse, BSN, RN · Jul 24, 2020

Hi there! I'm not sure what state you live in or where you'd want to work as an RN, but in Michigan, RNs at the bedside/hospital usually have to have a BSN, or commit to getting it within 5 years of hire. I would say, especially having 3 years off, it would be smart to look into doing an associate to bachelors degree program before taking NCLEX. Or, if you'd rather, you could study super hard, take your NCLEX, and look into jobs that are willing to hire an RN with associates. Sometimes these employers will help you get your BSN, and the programs for RN (w/ associates) to BSN are quicker than a typical BSN program. Hope this helps!

lucyrdgz · Jul 24, 2020

17 minutes ago, amoLucia said:
Wait! You haven't NCLEX yet and you're talking about BSN?
Where was your school's academic counseling/guidance office in all this?
So you're NOT working as a nurse but have an 'interest in further education and nsg passion'? You've waited 3 years?
I don't see where your interest in pursuing a working nsg career exists.

as I stated above I was planning a big move (state wise), then I had to wait for 1 year to get state residency, and then I got pregnant. stuff happens, I will not accept you judging me. Help me don't judge me.

10 minutes ago, RebelNurse said:
Hi there! I'm not sure what state you live in or where you'd want to work as an RN, but in Michigan, RNs at the bedside/hospital usually have to have a BSN, or commit to getting it within 5 years of hire. I would say, especially having 3 years off, it would be smart to look into doing an associate to bachelors degree program before taking NCLEX. Or, if you'd rather, you could study super hard, take your NCLEX, and look into jobs that are willing to hire an RN with associates. Sometimes these employers will help you get your BSN, and the programs for RN (w/ associates) to BSN are quicker than a typical BSN program. Hope this helps!

THANK YOU! This information is very helpful. I reside in Texas. I will look into the associates to bachelors program before NCLEX. I want to be well prepared.

RebelNurse, BSN, RN · Jul 24, 2020

Of course! NCLEX is a big challenge, and I really think going back to school would be a very wise choice to get started. It'll help you focus on what you think you're weakest in when you're studying for the big test! Best of luck to you!! ?

lucyrdgz · Jul 24, 2020

Just now, RebelNurse said:
Of course! NCLEX is a big challenge, and I really think going back to school would be a very wise choice to get started. It'll help you focus on what you think you're weakest in when you're studying for the big test! Best of luck to you!! ?

thank you! appreciate the kind words. ❤️

amoLucia · Jul 24, 2020

Sorry, I do understand where & when REAL life interferes with hoped-for lifeplans. Didn't catch that from your first post.

To me, it looks like your first step is to test. You might consider a study course if poss to help you prep for NCLEX. And start checking out employment options in your area.

Just know that you will most likely be considered an 'old new grad'. Happens to a lot of respondents here who no longer qualify for new nurse residencies & internships. Also be cognizant that you'll most likely benefit from an extended orientation period that some employers may shy from.

The longer you postpone NCLEX testing puts you further behind the curve competing with 'new' new grads. You NEED that license! And there are facilities that will hire AA grads - you may have to consider something as a plan B, even a plan C. It may just be a trade-off, something not so glamorous for opp'ties like tuition benefits or scheduling.

Then the decisions re further schooling with advanced job positions can be viewed more concretely.

Good luck with your future journey.

Jedrnurse, BSN, RN · Jul 24, 2020

Most RN to BSN programs require you to have a nursing license to be admitted. Focus on the NCLEX and take it. The material covered in the RN to BSN programs are not oriented to help you pass it. For that you should hit and books and perhaps take a review course.

speedynurse, ADN, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Jul 24, 2020

1 minute ago, Jedrnurse said:
Most RN to BSN programs require you to have a nursing license to be admitted. Focus on the NCLEX and take it. The material covered in the RN to BSN programs are not oriented to help you pass it. For that you should hit and books and perhaps take a review course.

Yes - unless you want to start at ground zero with a 4 year bachelors program, then I also suggest taking the NCLEX first. That way you can go into an RN to BSN program - these programs require RN licensure. Also, most employers (hospital based) require BSNs and will pay for it. I have several other degrees and had no interest in paying out of pocket for a BSN. However my employer has prepaid my entire BSN program.

lucyrdgz · Jul 24, 2020

On 7/24/2020 at 5:29 PM, amoLucia said:
Sorry, I do understand where & when REAL life interferes with hoped-for lifeplans. Didn't catch that from your first post.
To me, it looks like your first step is to test. You might consider a study course if poss to help you prep for NCLEX. And start checking out employment options in your area.
Just know that you will most likely be considered an 'old new grad'. Happens to a lot of respondents here who no longer qualify for new nurse residencies & internships. Also be cognizant that you'll most likely benefit from an extended orientation period that some employers may shy from.
The longer you postpone NCLEX testing puts you further behind the curve competing with 'new' new grads. You NEED that license! And there are facilities that will hire AA grads - you may have to consider something as a plan B, even a plan C. It may just be a trade-off, something not so glamorous for opp'ties like tuition benefits or scheduling.
Then the decisions re further schooling with advanced job positions can be viewed more concretely.
Good luck with your future journey.

So helpful!! Will definitely start doing my research, and get this process going. Thank you!