I'm in my 40s, and looking at a career change to nursing. I have a Masters in an unrelated field (MBA) and am working on the pre-requisites for a Master's in Nursing - CNL program. It's not an inexpensive option, but otoh, I'm not in my 20's with time to work and pursue the degree at my leisure.
Am I better off getting an Associate's degree and starting to work in a clinical setting? Or dive straight in? I'm fairly certain about the sort of environment I'd like to specialize in, but this looks like one of the more expensive ways to go about it. I don't have an extra decade or two to spare though.
to oldsockventriloquist - thank you for expounding on my post. In no way shape or form could I so clearly discuss the details you covered. But I do know from my readings here, that financing is a most serious issue that requires long and hard introspection. I sincerely hope that OP does her research.
I once suggested that there be a way here on AN for members here to acknowledge other posters for some very special information they've shared with the community. You would have my recommendation for this as such a post.
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I'd be somewhat leery about generating a student loan debt load in the high five figures in middle age.
The staggering amount of money you'll owe will have future implications for work/life balance, retirement plans, and cash flow in upper middle age and old age. I would not do it, but to each his own. Good luck to you.
Hiring manager perspective here - entry-level MSN grads are competing for exactly the same entry-level new grad jobs as the ADN and BSN grads. Tacking on the "Clinical Nurse Leader" appellation does not fool anyone - you can't "lead" what you can't do. Nursing leadership roles do require an MSN, but achieving them is a step-wise progression. In order to reach the jobs associated with top-tier salaries you have to start at the bottom and work your way up.
I may be wrong and I will stand corrected but, and this is a REALLY big BUT - I believe that once you've taken out loans for an undergrad degree (or your MBA), you may NO LONGER qualify for certain loans from certain lenders.
PLEASE! Check out your financial options before you get in too deep.
Good advise, my friend did not look into this and got half way through a program when she ran out of financial aid and was forced to quit.
OP again. There's so much great information here, thank you to all respondents. What I'm ultimately interested in is something specialized like cardiac or ICU. I've defaulted to looking at 2nd Bachelor BSN/Accelerated BSN programs because in my initial research those are the programs that seem to be marketing to me because I have degrees in unrelated fields. The CNL program at Georgetown costs about the same as a 2nd Bachelor's BSN program at Catholic U. (Both are in DC). As of a year ago, Georgetown no longer offers an Accelerated BSN program, only the MSN - CNL route for previous degree holders. It seems like one has to go out of one's way to find an ASN program in this area (inside the District) though there is one nearby in Maryland at Montgomery County Community College.
Specializes in Cardiac, Home Health, Primary Care.
OP again. There's so much great information here, thank you to all respondents. What I'm ultimately interested in is something specialized like cardiac or ICU. I've defaulted to looking at 2nd Bachelor BSN/Accelerated BSN programs because in my initial research those are the programs that seem to be marketing to me because I have degrees in unrelated fields. The CNL program at Georgetown costs about the same as a 2nd Bachelor's BSN program at Catholic U. (Both are in DC). As of a year ago, Georgetown no longer offers an accelerated BSN program, only the MSN - CNL route for previous degree holders. It seems like one has to go out of one's way to find an ASN program in this area (inside the District) though there is one nearby in Maryland at Montgomery County Community College.
You've given me much food for thought, thank you.
But doing WHAT in cardiac or ICU? The bedside nurse who is there for 12 hours at a time? Nurse manager? Nurse educator?
The MSN-CNL might make you look better for a nurse manager or educator but often they still want people to have BEDSIDE nursing experience for these positions. As a bedside nurse a diploma, ADN or BSN are options for you and much cheaper.
Some have asked what you want to do and I think this is more of why they are asking.
Bedside nurse or something else?
I'm not sure I'd jump into the CNL program to be a bedside ICU nurse and go into that much debt.
amoLucia
7,736 Posts
to oldsockventriloquist - thank you for expounding on my post. In no way shape or form could I so clearly discuss the details you covered. But I do know from my readings here, that financing is a most serious issue that requires long and hard introspection. I sincerely hope that OP does her research.
I once suggested that there be a way here on AN for members here to acknowledge other posters for some very special information they've shared with the community. You would have my recommendation for this as such a post.