Interested in becoming a RN but already have a degree.

[SLWood1138]

Hi, I graduated last year and have a general arts bachelor degree from a 4 year college because i really couldn't figure out what i wanted to do with my life. Now that i have been graduated i have a full time job but all i can think about is wanting to become a RN in pediatrics. i thought about it during school but never really considered it until recently. I have a decent overall gpa (3.3) and i am wondering how to go about becoming a RN.

What options i have and the best choices etc... and pretty much how to start this whole process. Thanks.

[RNICU10]

I would look into an Accelerated BSN program. They require that you have a Bachelors degree and are a shortened nursing program to receive a 2nd Bachelors degree in Nursing. They typically require you to have certain pre-requisite classes done prior to the start of the nursing program, but those can often be completed at a junior college. This is what I did for my degree. I took three quarters worth of pre-requisite classes (I had a BS to begin with) and my nursing program was only 12 months. The downside to all this is that it usually is an expensive program, but you can get in and out sooner than starting a 4 year degree all over again. I would avoid ADN programs if possible because with more and more hospitals going (or applying) for Magnet status, they will often take those with a BSN or higher. ADN programs also typically have wait-lists or a lottery system to get into the program which could delay your start.

Just my two cents...Good Luck!

[RNperdiem, RN]

About two thirds of my nursing school classmates had college degrees in something else, so if you go back to school, you will not be the only one making the switch.

First thing is to find out more about nursing and decide if this is something you really want to do. Sometimes there is a mismatch between what people think nursing involves and what really happens.

I went to a community college and lived with my parents for the two years. I was able to pay all my tuition and books from my part-time CNA job and graduated free from debt.

[dennisschaub]

i am in the same situation, graduated with a bfa in fine arts in 2001. just recently started thinking about nursing and wondering where to get started.

"first thing is to find out more about nursing and decide if this is something you really want to do. sometimes there is a mismatch between what people think nursing involves and what really happens."

how would you recommend doing this?

thank you!