I truly need help and advice on what to do.

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Hi everyone,

Hope everyone's well.

First, just wanted to say I am new to this site/forum and would appreciate any information or help anyone has to give about my situation. My situation is that I went to a four year college and got a B.S. in Criminal Justice. I knew I wanted to switch my path to nursing back then, but was so close to graduating and just having a degree that I didn't bother. I figured, at least I would have the ability to get job at least. I know now that it was the wrong decision. Nursing is my true passion. My question is does anyone have any advice to give me on what to do? I don't want to waste any more time or a ton of money on my mistake of not pursuing what I should have to begin with. So what should I do? Go back to school for an accelerated BSN? If I don't get accepted to that, should I go back to a traditional BSN route? Go do one of the nursing programs at a hospital? Start with a CNA route?

Please help.

I truly appreciate any information.

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Hi jade8307,

Here are some recommendations:

  1. Get started ASAP on your pre-requisite coursework if you haven't done so already. You will need the three core sciences: Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology
  2. Don't forget the pre-requisite courses for the three core sciences that may include general biology, chemistry, and possibly a math class.
  3. Start doing research on potential schools and check their requirements. You may find that you need to take classes that weren't part of your previous degree such as statistics, developmental psychology, a second composition course, etc.
  4. I'd recommend an Accelerated BSN program. Acc-BSN are usually for those with a bachelor degree in a non-nursing field and take about 12-18 months. For comparison, an ADN program typically takes 24 months.

I hope that helps.

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Welcome to allnurses!

IMO, there's no single, universal answer to the question of which route is "best" -- too many individual variables to consider. I encourage you to talk to all the nursing programs in your area (accelerated BSN, traditional BSN, ADN, diploma program (except that I'm not at all a fan of the proprietary nursing schools)) and see what they have to offer you, and that should help you clarify which would be the best option for you in your particular situation. This is a big enough decision that it's well worth putting the time and effort, up front, into making sure you're making the best choice you can.

Best wishes for your journey! :balloons:

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Specializes in ICU /ED.

Go for an accelerated BSN program. No need to start all over in the tradtional or adn.program. find a school in your area that offers the 1 year accelerated program and talk to them. I truly believe that is the best decision. I know alot of ppl that have been in your same boat and did just that. Plus its only one more year. Good Luck

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It depends on how much you already owe - you won't be able to finance an accelerated BSN if you are anywhere near the debt limit. Figure out how much you owe in student loans, then if you can afford it to the BSN. For me, I already had student loans and am doing ADN and paying in cash b/c I can't afford to take out more loans.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.
Hi jade8307,

Here are some recommendations:

  1. Get started ASAP on your pre-requisite coursework if you haven't done so already. You will need the three core sciences: Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology
  2. Don't forget the pre-requisite courses for the three core sciences that may include general biology, chemistry, and possibly a math class.
  3. Start doing research on potential schools and check their requirements. You may find that you need to take classes that weren't part of your previous degree such as statistics, developmental psychology, a second composition course, etc.
  4. I'd recommend an Accelerated BSN program. Acc-BSN are usually for those with a bachelor degree in a non-nursing field and take about 12-18 months. For comparison, an ADN program typically takes 24 months.

I hope that helps.

These are the same points I would recommend to you too. I'm a career changer as well who chose the ABSN route. It made more sense because it would have taken around the same amount or a little longer if I had gone the ADN route. Besides, my goal is to become an NP. You have a lot to consider, such as your long-term goals. Some career changers have no interest in getting a BSN or MSN. All the best in your decision.

Here is a list of ABSN programs in the U.S.: http://www.bestnursingdegree.com/programs/accelerated-bsn/

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