It's going to take me six years to get my ASN.. Frustrated! Not sure what to do until then

TitusNoir · Mar 31, 2015

Is this school the only place you are able to get your degree? I know it may be the cheapest, but there's probably other places in your area where you could get into a nursing cohort faster. You could always take those pre-reqs and transfer them to a BSN program. I am currently a pre-nursing student as well. All together, my my program should be about 6 years because there are 2.5 years of pre-reqs and then 2.5 years of night/weekend nursing courses and clinicals with a semester break in between, however I am doubling up on some pre-reqs taking some at the community college and some at an online university. All while working full time in a high stress position at a hospital I hope to be a nurse at one day. Does your employer assist with tuition? If so, maybe you could look into that to cut down on your time. But really, there's no need to rush, that time is going to fly by. Hell, I'm about to be 26 and I'm just getting started.

Irie.aries · Mar 31, 2015

Thank you for your feed back! The closest city with programs that could benefit my situation is 5 hours away. I think I need to look at other schools and the programs the have to offer. My ultimate goal is to get my BSN and all we have up here is an ASN program so I know eventually I'll have to move to finish my education anyway. I really appreciate your perspective.

LynM75 · Mar 31, 2015

I took 5 and half years for my ASN, I had to work full time to pay my bills, so I took my time. Now I'm in an RN-BSN program.

I was 37 when I graduated. You have plenty of time.

dorkypanda · Apr 1, 2015

I took 5 and half years for my ASN, I had to work full time to pay my bills, so I took my time. Now I'm in an RN-BSN program.
I was 37 when I graduated. You have plenty of time.

Did you do rn to bsn online or at a traditional school ?

TooManyCats, ASN, BSN · Apr 1, 2015

So when I was 21 I wanted to go back to school and get into a nursing program, but I had to work full time and it was going to take me two years for my prerequisites and then two years for my nursing courses and who knows how long to get into the program. I never applied. I was working full time so didn't think it was possible. Then I had a baby and didn't think I could balance both. Then I left my job but had ANOTHER baby and same thing. One day a couple years ago I just was tired of waiting, and tired of putting off my dreams. With a one and three year old at home, and a husband who works long hours and a part time job myself I enrolled, And despite two kids and a growing family and a working husband, I make it work. I want it bad enough to wear the juggling, scarifies, late nights, and time spent don't seem as scary anymore.

I've had hiccups. I couldn't get a spot in my anatomy pre-requisites and it put me back a year, we are trying for another baby and that will put me back another year. Stuff happens. Things take time. But if you want it badly enough the years will go by quickly and be totally totally worth it.

And for what it's worth, I won't be done with my bachelors degree until I'm 33.

LynM75 · Apr 1, 2015

Regarding the question from dorky panda, I do an online RN-BSN program at a brick and mortar school within 45 min just in case I need to go there.

LynM75 · Apr 1, 2015

Also, remember one thing, these years are going to go by anyway, so use the time to your advantage!

Spangle Brown · Apr 2, 2015

Sounds like my story. Only thing is, when it came time to apply, things had changed. Lots of private schools opened up in the area and the wait list was no longer 2 years long. But folks didn't know it.

Money is a thing to consider. How long will it take you to pay off loans?? Going to a CC is cheaper. Do that as long as you can.

I"m an older gal. I'm glad I didn't stuck on how long it might take me. If you want to be an RN, just get started. take it step at a time. When it comes time, THEN see what the options are. things might have changed.

Conqueror+, BSN, RN · Apr 2, 2015

Are there any LPN programs in your area? You could arguably get your LPN and do an LPN to RN in far less time than that. Maybe even a paramedic program and then Excelsior Colleges Paramedic to RN 2 years total. Think outta the box for a good solution. While you technically have time living on minimum wage is no real life for the next 6 years.

TransportJockey, EMT-P · Apr 2, 2015

If the OP isnt already an EMT, they'll need to add on an extra semester for the basic class, plus time for paramedic pre reqs (usually, at least out here, similar to nursing school pre reqs since there are no certificate programs in my state anymore) and time to actually be accepted to nursing school. Theres such a glut of EMTs in California that it'll potentially be hard for the OP to work as an emt and get the six months to a year experience a lot of paramedic programs in CA want you too have prior to application for paramedic school. Theoretically the Excelsior route might take the OP foir or five years.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Apr 2, 2015

Wow. Any chance you'd consider relocating? That's a really long time to wait for an entry-level degree.