Is a bird in the hand really worth two in the bush when it comes to college choice

[knewme]

I'm trying to decide whether to attend an expensive post bac nursing certificate at a private college in which I have already been accepted admittance or forge ahead with prerequisites and apply to an entry level MSN program at an affordable college next year. I've tried weighing pros and cons and the scales seem to come up even. Any thoughts or insight would be appreciated.

Things to consider:

The post bac program is evenings and weekends which I don't really need as I am a SAHM with no kids at home as of this fall. This would be a plus in regards to not having to scramble for care should they become ill or when breaks do not align, and I'd have plenty of quiet study time. However, it would seriously curtail time with my husband since I already work nights as a PCA (I get paid to sleep!)

Finishing prerequisites is built into the program and I've heard that nursing programs are so competitive you should get in wherever you can. Since I'm already accepted this would take tremendous pressure off me regarding whether I'd be able to start nursing courses in January 2013 (start date for both programs). Also I wouldn't have to be as concerned about pulling a straight 4.0 in all my prereqs as with the post bac I just need to maintain a C to remain in the program. Not that I'm looking to slack.

The Post Bac has summers off and would allow me to work part time as a CNA which would be advantageous as I've heard the only nurse grads hired right now were the ones who already had their foot in a door. The MSN program is full time day classes for seven straight semesters and working during it is highly discouraged. We'd have to pay for daycare during the summer with no additional income and its pretty tight right now anyway.

Cost wise in total they are actually pretty close but the difference would be a master's vs a BSN equivalent.

See why I'm going round and round with this??

[leenak]

Is the MSN a CNL? Or is it something else? Do you want to be a CNL?

And I'm assuming the post bac certificate is really a second degree BSN?

Personally, I am not even looking at CNL programs because I don't want to be a CNL and don't really see an advantage unless I did. I do want an MSN though but as a NP.

If you want to be an RN, I'd say go for the second degree BSN.

[knewme]

Yes, it is a CNL. At this point I'm not looking at NP programs because this is so new for me. I'm not even completely sure what specialty I'll eventually pursue though I'm leaning to gerontology, home health, or hospice. My top priority is to be an RN... make that an EMPLOYED one. And yes, essentially the post bac is a second degree BSN, though the school is a little cagey with their verbiage stating that with this certificate and my prior BA its the equivalent of a BSN. When pressed they assured me that all the employers around here recognized the program (it is accredited and has a good reputation) and I would be eligible to enter any Master's programs later. Thanks so much for your opinion. As an older student I really need to be making good choices as time isn't in my favor anymore!