How long did you stay in school?

[NewPICURN]

I'm wondering because I spent 2 years doing a music major before I switched so I will have spent 6 years in school when I graduate with my BSN. It's pretty depressing considering I have friends in the Occupational Therapy program graduating with a masters for 6 years of school. Just looking for a little encouragement, because it seems like school is taking FOREVER. (flashback to the Sandlot) (anyone know what I'm talking about there?) ^^^

[butrfli]

It'll be 4 years for my ADN. I had to start with remedials after going back to school 20 years later so that bit off a chunck of time. It's all worth it though!

[kwamekat1984]

i stated in school for 4yrs for general nursing in ghana

i started on 2004 and completed on 2008

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[Natkat, BSN, MSN, RN]

It will be six years for me when I graduate and I don't care what anybody thinks about that. I spent four years getting in to nursing school. Overall I have spent 20+ years in college off and on.

I don't feel bad about it all. It takes as long as it takes. I guess I got a thick skin because I got wind of gossip from my in-laws. People are saying things like "why is it taking her long to finish? She must not be very smart. She probably wants to be one of those professional students who just stays in college because she doesn't want to work."

And on and on.

I can't wait to send out my graduation announcements with me in my cap and gown, honors shawl and tassle. I only wish I could flip them off from the photo, but I'll be nice.

[salsps]

I started taking cna and pre-reqs early this year. Just attended an LVN interview and I think I might continue to take my pre-reqs for the RN prog. Pressure is on me to get all As or Bs before I am qualified to apply for a post ASN prog. All in all it will be at least 7 yrs, 1 + 2 years to become an RN (ASN), work one year to get the required clinical hours and another 3 yrs for the post ASN prog. (on condition that i get in); considering the fact that I am doing full-time. Better late than never, right?

[Faeriewand, ASN, RN]

It's taken me 5 years so far and I just graduated with my LVN. I was going to college taking the pre-reqs and then switched to LVN to be able to get in nursing school faster. This summer I will finish off my last pre-req and apply to the RN bridge. If I get in I will start in January and do that for a year. Will be taking pre-reqs to do BSN in the meantime and who knows when I will complete that. Then the BSN will take another 2 years.

Could be 10 years in all.

Like another poster commented about what relatives were saying about going to school forever. I've had some very rude comments myself coming from what I assume is jealousy. A person says is she STILL going to school?!? My mother shouldn't even pass that on to me. She has several times.

But I will be sitting pretty when I have my license in hand and making enough money to pay my bills and support my family and provide medical insurance too. That is the most important thing.

That saying about he who laughs last laughs best turns out to be so true.

[goodstudentnowRN]

I started 2001 and stopped for two years becuase my father was chronically ill and I had to work extra money to help him. He died 2006 and I started school again last year. I will be graduating 2009. We can do it .

[southernbelle08]

Finishing up 4 years for a 2 year degree. I know what you mean about depressed - when I went into nursing I debated between ADN or BSN, but my reasoning for ADN was "getting finished quicker". Well, I could have had a BSN in the same amount of time, lol. Ah well - we're where we are for a reason, I say! :)

[momathoner09, BSN, MSN, APRN]

I started college in 1999. I got my undergraduate degree in 2004, decided to go back to nursing school, did pre-reqs/worked for 2 years waiting to get in. I will graduate from nursing school in 12 DAYS!!!! My friends all have 'real jobs as well but...I wanted to hold out and do what I really wanted to. Eyes on the prize. You WILL get there :)

[MB37]

I graduated with my first BS in 2001 after 4 years, then decided to try nursing in 2004. I spent one year doing prereqs and started an accelerated program in August 05. Unfortunately, that accelerated program was in New Orleans, and it flooded 2 wks later. I spent a year not taking classes, then another year doing different prereqs required in FL, and I'll finish my 15 month ABSN in August. I'll have been in school for 7 years and a semester. My best friend from high school has finished all the course work for her Ph. D., she's just finishing her thesis. A majority of my friends have advanced degrees already, here I am finally earning a second bachelor's. However, I am planning to go back and become a CRNA, it'll just take me a little while longer.