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Hello,

I am finishing up a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field for nursing, and am interested in pursuing a nursing degree. I have two children, under two, and need to work in order to keep our family afloat, does anybody have any advice or programs to recommend?

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Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).

Normally, for someone with a Bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field, I would recommend an Accelerated BSN (ABSN).  However, these are very intense, fast-paced programs and you really can't work more than 10-15 hours per week during the program.

You could look at a regular BSN that you could do part-time, but you may then not be eligible for financial aid - check with individual schools on this.

The most cost-effective route would be to complete a community college ADN nursing program.  Find one that you could do part-time, if possible.  If you can't find a part-time program, you may be able to work 20 hours per week during a FT ADN program.

After completing an ADN, you can then sit for the NCLEX and if you pass, apply for an RN license.  After getting an RN job, you can then complete an RN to BSN bridge program and your employer will likely pay for part or all of that.

Another option would be to complete an LPN or LVN program at a community college, which only takes 1 year.  You could then work as an LVN while completing the RN program.

Good luck.

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FullGlass said:

Normally, for someone with a Bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field, I would recommend an Accelerated BSN (ABSN).  However, these are very intense, fast-paced programs and you really can't work more than 10-15 hours per week during the program.

You could look at a regular BSN that you could do part-time, but you may then not be eligible for financial aid - check with individual schools on this.

The most cost-effective route would be to complete a community college ADN nursing program.  Find one that you could do part-time, if possible.  If you can't find a part-time program, you may be able to work 20 hours per week during a FT ADN program.

After completing an ADN, you can then sit for the NCLEX and if you pass, apply for an RN license.  After getting an RN job, you can then complete an RN to BSN bridge program and your employer will likely pay for part or all of that.

Another option would be to complete an LPN or LVN program at a community college, which only takes 1 year.  You could then work as an LVN while completing the RN program.

Good luck.

Thank you for your advice! 

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Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).
Michael McCosker said:

Thank you for your advice! 

You are very welcome.  I once met the Director of Nurse Practitioner Services for a medium-size hospital system.  She literally started out as a receptionist in a medical office, then became a Medical Assistant, then a CNA (Tech), then LVN, then RN, then NP, then hospital executive!  

Best wishes and keep us posted.

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