Interested in nursing, but many questions

[ramblin_hombre]

I am currently looking into persuing a career in nusring but have many questions and hoping some of you current nurses and those currently persuing a degree can provide some helpful information.

I currently hold a Bachelors of Science in computer science but with lack of experience and the current job market been having difficultly finding work. So I have been looking into different career paths including nursing as I was originally a pre-med major many years ago.

I am aware that there are accelerated programs for those wishing to obtain a Bachelors or even a Masters degree in nursing. However, without prior experience in nursing not sure if I should go the traditional route or opt for an accelerated program. I graduated with a 3.3 and this does not appear to be very competitive for most programs that I have seen.

Another issue are the prereqs that are required by most programs in order to be eligible to apply for admission. It seems each school has at least one more required prereq that another doesnt have so I'm stuck wondering what exactly I should take. Most ABSN program are between 12-18 months and I've seen one in Puerto Rico that is 24. As I have not yet completed any prereqs, an additional 3 to 4 semesters would be required before I could even apply for most of these programs.

Another issue is funding. Since I have already completed a Bachelors degree and used pell grants I would not be eligible for any grants that I know of through FASFA. Generally ABSN programs are quite intense and working is not possble during this time. So I would need some kind of support while I am going to school as I am not married and have no other forms of income.

Any input or help would be greatly appreciated.

[happy2learn]

i am currently looking into persuing a career in nusring but have many questions and hoping some of you current nurses and those currently persuing a degree can provide some helpful information.

i currently hold a bachelors of science in computer science but with lack of experience and the current job market been having difficultly finding work. so i have been looking into different career paths including nursing as i was originally a pre-med major many years ago.

due to the current job market, there are a lack of jobs in nursing for new grads. keep that in mind.

i am aware that there are accelerated programs for those wishing to obtain a bachelors or even a masters degree in nursing. however, without prior experience in nursing not sure if i should go the traditional route or opt for an accelerated program. i graduated with a 3.3 and this does not appear to be very competitive for most programs that i have seen.

in my area, they say 3.0 to qualify, however, most students have at least a 3.6 gpa. i haven't met anyone with a lower gpa that has gotten into those programs. again, this is my location.

another issue are the prereqs that are required by most programs in order to be eligible to apply for admission. it seems each school has at least one more required prereq that another doesnt have so i'm stuck wondering what exactly i should take. most absn program are between 12-18 months and i've seen one in puerto rico that is 24. as i have not yet completed any prereqs, an additional 3 to 4 semesters would be required before i could even apply for most of these programs.

i don't understand what your question is about this. each school and state are different. each have different requirements. that's pretty typical.

another issue is funding. since i have already completed a bachelors degree and used pell grants i would not be eligible for any grants that i know of through fasfa. generally absn programs are quite intense and working is not possble during this time. so i would need some kind of support while i am going to school as i am not married and have no other forms of income.

well, if you can't get grants, then you'll have to get loans. and if you've maxed out the stafford loans then you'll have to get private loans. all nursing programs are intensive and i've heard of many people working while they are in nursing school. if you do a search on this forum you will see many posts by people working and doing school. what you need to consider, are you prepared to pay for thousands in loans if even after getting a nursing degree you cannot find a job?

any input or help would be greatly appreciated.

do a search on the forum and you will find many posts about new grads not finding jobs. don't consider a career switch just because you can't find a job with your current degree. people in all fields with different degrees can't find jobs right now. that's just how it is. and nursing is no exception to this recession.

good luck in whatever you decide!