Is it a good move to straight for RN?

santhony44, MSN, RN, NP · Jun 5, 2007

Please be very careful about these types of contracts. You may get the cost of your schooling covered, but you also may find yourself in an unhappy arrangement for years. While some find it to be a great option, many others have found that they are placed on units they don't like, for shifts they don't like, potentially even in a HOSPITAL they've found they don't like....and are stuck (or have mucho money to pay back).
Consider options very carefully. And, like Tazzi said, look into community colleges and compare them.

:yeahthat:

Absolutely. If you go the ADN route first, then you will likely have an employer with a tuition reimbursement option. When I was last in school, the hospital's tuition reimbursement arrangement was that you were obligated to them for a year after you got each reimbursement. (This was 10 years ago so it may be done differently).

The advantage to this is that, after you work there for a time, you will know whether or not you want to be obligated to the facility.

If you take a "we'll pay but you owe us three years" option you really can't tell right now if you want to work at that facility or not. They can tell you anything, paint a rosy picture, and you can't really tell if it's got any connection to reality or not.

In jobs and employers, as in anything else, the adage "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!" works well.

As for what to do, the community college ADN program then bridging to BSN really may work out better for you.

robred · Jun 5, 2007

IMHO, as a adn with 10+ yrs experience, go directly for a BSN. I'm going back now for a BSN and wish I had simply gone for a BSN 10+ yrs ago. I have wasted ALOT of time. Good Luck!!!

jjjoy, LPN · Jun 5, 2007

Also, don't just assume that any hospital will pay for BSN classes. If that option sounds appealing, be sure to check if local facilities where you might want to work offer that.

sar4tee · Jun 5, 2007

There are community college in my area but the problem with that is I`m not eligible for any pell grants and the college is not affiliated with any student loans. Thats the only reason why I`m going to a university. It`s almost Like I`m pushed in that direction b/c all the other doors are closed.

heartofgold · Jun 5, 2007

Do you have any expirence working with patients? If not, then I recommend starting out as a CNA first. Get some good hands on patient care under your belt, then if you like it, move on from there. You will find out if nursing is really the best choice for you. I have seen people who have just went strait for the RN and come out without any "basic" patient skills.

It's ashame. :uhoh3: Remember... it's all about the patient.

Good luck to you

sar4tee · Jun 6, 2007

Do you have any expirence working with patients? If not, then I recommend starting out as a CNA first. Get some good hands on patient care under your belt, then if you like it, move on from there. You will find out if nursing is really the best choice for you. I have seen people who have just went strait for the RN and come out without any "basic" patient skills.
It's ashame. Remember... it's all about the patient.
Good luck to you

No I don`t have any pt. skills. The pt.I work with comes from an Optometrist or Opthamalogist office and thats all retail. I know I wanna do this.

sar4tee · Jul 24, 2007

I was wondering how expensive this could get? B/C I`m leaving my job to focus more on school, especially on my first semester, considering I`ve been out of school so long. I was awarded a loan but I think it`s just enough for tuition.

sar4tee · Jul 24, 2007

I'm now nearing 35 years old and I went straight for the BSN. I just graduated May 07. I figured if I'm going to go for my education to become a nurse, I might as well go for the whole bachelor's degree. And now that I had gotten more confident in my ability as a student, I have even tossed around the idea of continuing my education after a year of working to obtain my Master's in Nursing Education. Still just a thought in process though...lol. I felt that in comparison to some of my younger classmates, the older students seemed to be more determined and more studious. Not that all of the younger students weren't good students, but it just seemed there were more of them concerned about where to go out partying over the weekend or who to date and such than concentrating on their schoolwork. And some of the older student's life experience can really benefit you as a student. Anyway, I wish you luck in whatever you decide.
As far as cost is concerned, there is a possibility that you could qualify for some grants like PAL and TAP awards. I don't know what you financial situation is. I managed to have pretty much all of my college covered in grants. Only ended up taking out a $5,500 loan and the rest was pretty much grant covered. You can always sit down with the financial advisors of what ever school you choose and have them work with you and figure out what money you might be eligible for.

So far I was not eligible for any grants, I have a nice income with no dependents, but I`ve decided to leave my job and go to school full time. I hear I will need all the free time I can get, My question though , is, Maybe if I`m not working at all is it possible I can get grants to help pay? I`ve been awarded a student loan but that covers tuition only no books. I start in the fall and no savings to help buy the books I know I will need. Any suggestions?

sar4tee · Jul 24, 2007

If the RN is what you want and you have the financial means to get it, go for it!

I`m still getting used to using this site, so forgive you will see this message twice. but can you tell me what type of expense I`m looking at? I was rewarded a student loan that covers just tuition, no books. And school is coming up in the fall. I may be in a bit of a pickle, early. Last thing I want to stress over.