I think I've decided to go the ASN route

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I already have a Bachelor's in another field and have been trying to decide between getting an ASN at a local community college, or an accelerated BSN program.

I went to an info night at a school tonight for their accelerated BSN program (Umass Boston). All they talked about was how intensive it is, how you can't do anything else for those 15 months, how you usually don't qualify for a lot of financial aid for a 2nd bachelors, etc. etc. Sigh.

There were some things I liked about it. The campus was gorgeous, the professors seemed caring and smart, and of course I'd love to be able to get my Bachelor's in the same amount of time (since I already know I want to go on to advance practice nursing.)

But it sounds like it would just be too crazy. Maybe if I was 22, and could live on my parents' couch for a couple years. But I'm 33 - with 2 kids - and bills. I guess I need to be smart, and pick the option that will allow me to have some sanity, and some balance in my life. So I think I'm going to go the ASN route and then hopefully I can find a job and start working towards the bachelors at that point. I think I'm making the best choice for me.

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Hi ryanalice. I am trying to make a similar decision! There is a 12 month accelerated BSN program here, but it costs 60,000!! The funding is almost all private loans for us second degree BS students ugh. While I am super anxious to get the degree and be an RN and eventually an NP...I think that kind of debt is absurb, especially when I already have debt from the first degree. The problem with the community colleges is I've heard they have long wait lists and I don't want to sit around and wait to get in. What to do, what to do?

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and i meant to say absurd not absurb lol

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Hm, that's a tough one. In my area all of the programs are competitive but the Accelerated ones are even more so, so that's another thing steering me away from that. If I were you, I would check in with the community colleges and see what their process is - it might not be as bad as you think...

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Specializes in Hospice / Ambulatory Clinic.

Bills come first every single time.

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

I am 5 weeks away from (maybe) passing an ADN program. I wish I would have tried harder to get into a ABSN program. The ADN program is HARD, not that the others aren't, but I am going to have a tougher time getting a job with the ADN than I would with with a BSN. I pray I pass, get a job and then get my BSN as fast as I can. I am in my 40s with kids and bills. I had the same rationale as you, but I am not sure, in the long run, that it was the best decision. As far $$ goes, I already have 50k+ in grad loans and now more. If I was going to go more debt, I wish I at least had the BS to show for it.

Good luck on whatever you decide!!!!!!

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Specializes in Urgent Care, Oncology.

I would go the ASN route. I'm biased, though, because that's what I chose to do. I already had my Bachelor's in Chemical Science, too. I just started this semester. It is tough, but I am really glad I went this way. This is just my opinion, but I feel since I don't have as much theory as the the BSN I have more clinical and hands on training time. That could just be my school. After I graduate, I plan on working a year to clear up some of my $20,000 debt and then doing my BSN. Most likely, I can do that online, or part of it online.

Don't ever think you can't do something. I just went back to school at 26. I'm a HL 2B survivor. I'm getting married in October so I'm planning a wedding. We also just bought a house last month and are completely redoing it ourselves. I also do peer reviews for work. I may not sleep much, and right now I think I might have bronchitis, but where there is a will there is a way!

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Specializes in Geriatrics, dementia, hospice.

Hi, ryanalice!

I will finish the 1st year of an excellent ADN program at the end of June. Entrance to the program was based on competitive entry, so I had no wait. Perhaps your area has similar programs.

I also have a bachelor's in another field, but decided against the numerous ABSN programs in my area due to expense. Here, they are 4-8 times more expensive. I think taking on a large amount of debt is a bad idea, especially in this economy.

Furthermore, the program I'm in has a significantly higher NCLEX pass rate than all of the baccalaureate programs in my area, which was another deciding factor. So, while it's true that most hospitals are preferential to BSN grads, I'm open to working in any venue, such as LTC care, as I really enjoy caring for the geriatric population.

Nursing school expenses (books/videos, uniforms, board exam/licensure fees) are steep enough without having to carry a burdensome student loan balance. I'm VERY happy that I'm not putting myself 10s of thousands in debt to go to nursing school. In general, those who are (such as some students in BSN or proprietary ADN programs) will not make more money upon graduation than those who don't. (At most, I've heard of some hospitals that pay $1 more per hour for the BSN.)

You can always upgrade to a BSN or an MSN later, and, perhaps on your employer's dime! That's my plan!

Best!

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I had a Bachelor's degree before nursing school as well, and I chose an ADN program. No debt, and hospitals here don't pay more for for a BSN, nor do they have a hiring preference. I still plan to get mine online, but don't feel I lacked anything, education-wise

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Hm, I'm in a major city (Boston) and I know that hospitals around here do have a strong preference for hiring Bachelor's prepared nurses. Many will only hire those will Bachelor's degrees. But, I am not going to kill myself, put myself into tens of thousands of dollars in debt, and miss out on some of the critical years of my kids' lives. I need to make sure I have enough time and energy for the other things in my life. And yes, I will have to work while in school - part time if not more. So I'm slowly coming to accept that's the way to go - even if it means I start off working in long-term care of similar, and get to my "end goal" later. Thanks for all of the encouraging stories.

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I am also going the ADN route. I have three kids and an accelerated program is just not an option. The CC colleges here do have long waitlists, but I have some classes to take in that wait time and I plan of then going to volunteer in a hospital while waiting. I agree that if I could live at home and not have kids and bills the BSN program would be ideal, but it sounds like you are making an informed decision about what is best for you and your family. Good luck!!

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Specializes in Trauma, ER, ICU, CCU, PACU, GI, Cardiology, OR.

first of all, i will congratulate you for your desire to further your education. having said that, i began my nursing career as a na, then lpn, adn, bsn. in addition, i strongly believe this gave me a better perspective on my future goals. unquestionably, i would advise you whatever route you take make sure during your clinical you stand out, meaning leaving a positive impression on your preceptors, and getting to know your nurse managers. in other words, make sure you increase your networking skills during that time. needless to say, by doing this i received several job offers at the end of my clinical, and it offered me the ability to choose the facility that better suited me. lastly, keep in mind that the sky is the limit... wishing you the best in all of your future endeavors...aloha~

p.s. btw i accomplished my rn tittles as a single father.

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