How long did it take you to become a RN BSN

Published

How long did it take you to get your RN BSN nurses? I graduated at 22 from a LVN program and am now 23 going through my prereqs for my RN, but slowly- and working as a LVN and being a Mother. I feel so discouraged at times because I feel like its going to take me FOREVER to be done with school (RN BSN). I might have to do the RN program Non degree or Associates, and later do a RN to BSN, or just go straight LVN to BSN. I still have a good couple years of prereqs ahead of me- and then theres the chance of waiting to get into a program. I really don't see myself being done with my RN BSN until im 30. How long did it take you guys? This can be so discouraging to me right now- that seems so far away. Please any encouragement or advice. Thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology.

I did nursing school full time, going right into a BSN program, and it took me the standard 4 years to get a bachelor's degree.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/Telemetry/Med-Surg/Case Mgmt.

I graduated at 26 with my LPN, 31 with my RN and 41 with my BSN. Now at 44 I am graduating with my MSN. It has been a long road and I have raised a houseful of kids and worked 2 jobs at times, but it has been worth it!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Ed, Ob/GYN, AD, LTC, Rehab.

It took me 3 years to get into nursing school and several years of preqs. I became a LPN at 24, an RN ADN at 24 (finished the program) and a RN BSN at age 25. I went to a bridge school and took as heavy a load as possible and completed my program in a year and a month (RN BSN program). It was so tough but glad I got it over!

Hang in there, it seems like forever but its not. Once you are a RN BSN youll look back at the time and wonder where it all went. I do. Overall I spent 5 years to get my BSN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatrics, Transplant, Education.

I did the standard 4 year BSN straight out of high school. Passed my NCLEX at 22.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/CCU/Oncology/CSU/Managed Care/ Case Management.

I graduated with my ADN at 22 and went back for my BSN at 24 and it took me 2 years. I did like the ADN first then BSN route. Working as a RN for some years helped me with the theory portion. Honestly I believe I learned more in my ADN program because that prepared me for the core of nursing.

My BSN helped me prepare for the committe and evidence based practice portion of my career.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, Psych, Med/Onc,Ped Home Health.

unfortunately, i took the scenic route towards getting my bsn. after i graduated from high school, i went straight to college the following fall, but did not know what i wanted to do. plus, i had some friends who graduated with me also go to this unversity as well. bad mistake. to make a long story short, i had to start all over, retake my basics at the community college and transfer to the university's nursing program. i graduated high school when i was 18, and i graduated nursing school when i was 33; you do the math. if only i could go back in time, talk to my stupid, immature teenage self, grab him and yell, "what are you thinking???" *sigh* so many years wasted, but at least i finally got myself straight, buckled down, and focused on becoming a nurse. just wish i had done it years earlier.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I went back to school part time for a post diploma BScN, it took 6 years and a lot of juggling, as I am a full time nurse and mom. I remember feeling discouraged at the beginning, when I thought about how long it would take to complete the degree. Initially it seemed like too much work lay ahead of me. So instead of focusing on the end, I just focused on the small steps. I gave myself positive encouragement each step of the way, after each class I told myself good for you you went to class, after each article I read I told myself good for you you read that article, after each test and each assignment I told myself the same thing. It was my mantra ... so good for you LVNfairy you are working on your pre reqs.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks you guys for your feedback. For those who went straight into a 4 year program out of high school and got your BSN, thats incredible. I've never heard of anyone doing that where I live- the RN BSN program here is nearly impossible to get into and people are on waiting lists for years. You need atleast a 4.0 to get in- thats the average. Its crazy, In my LVN program I was 22 and I was the youngest person in my class. The oldest was 53, the average was 35+

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency, Cardiac, PAT/SPU, Urgent Care.

It took me four years right out of high school to get my BSN. However, it is taking me 4 1/2 years to get my MSN, since I went part-time, have kids, work, etc.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Tme is going to pass regardless of what you do. Don't concentrate on the statistics, just do your classes to the best of your ability and when you look up you will realize you are almost finished. With that said, it took me 2 1/2 years to finish pre-reqs and I was accepted first time around into a BSN program. Don't get discouraged, I did that and overworked myself into sickness. Just set a realistic goal and work to accomplish it. Good Luck

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Ambulatory care, OR.

Very inspiring stories....kudos to all of you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion