My wife is starting nursing school

TazziRN, RN · Jun 10, 2006

ABSOLUTELY!!!! Many many people have gotten their higher degrees after getting an ADN first. I think you've got a gem of a wife and I hope you support her later on as she's supporting you now.

weirdRN, RN · Jun 10, 2006

I am an ADN-RN and I am going back for my BSN, possibly my MSN at WVU. Depends on how much $$ it costs and whether I can get it online.

Congrats to her and you!

realitybias · Jun 10, 2006

Thanks. She really IS a gem, and she wants a secure job without the hassle of medical school. She is SO important to me, and I love her. I will certainly support her when she wants to get her advanced degree and I will have the money to back her up. She was just worried about any stigma in getting a 2 year degree. I know that she has the wisdom to go far. As I said before, she is very bright.

Thanks for the support. It meant so much to both her and myself.

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Jun 10, 2006

There is NO stigma in getting a 2 year degree then finishing the BSN later. Passing the boards is passing boards. You dont have to retake them just because you go back for the BSN or MSN. Once they are done they are DONE.

There are many online ADN to BSN programs out there so im sure she will find one that suits her.

She wont have to necissarily go attend class at a BSN program to complete it. Good luck to you both.

sharann, BSN, RN · Jun 10, 2006

The only "Stigma" is created by nurses against nurses.Nurses with advanced degrees who do not even set foot in a patients room telling those who do they are not competent enough. There is nothing wrong with pursing the ADN first, in fact it is the quickest way for your wife to be up and running as an RN so she can support you in med school. We fully expect you to be a great doctor and respect your nurse collegues! Then when she can she may go for her BSN online or on campus however she chooses if she still likes being a nurse.

You are lucky to have one another. Best of luck.

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Jun 10, 2006

I agree, no stigma with doing things the way your wife finds to be best or convenient. I too, hope to get a MSN. However, financially, I can't afford to go straight for a BSN and then into a master's program. So, I've done my pre-req's at a community college, and am now preparing to enroll in a hospital based R.N. program. Upon getting my R.N., I'll enroll in an RN-BSN bridge, and finally, after that, get my master's in nurse-midwifery. :specs:

realitybias · Jun 10, 2006

Excelent. I agree that the timing is so perfect. You guys have really made her want to be a nurse again. You calmed her fears, thanks. Hopefully in the far future, when I am a doctor, I can start my own practice and bring her in as a nurse.

MIA-RN1, RN · Jun 10, 2006

Many hospitals pay for nurses to acheive higher level degrees. For example, I just graduated from ADN program and the hospital I just started working for will finance pretty much my entire continuing education and the only committment I will have is to work for a year there once I am finished. Since I love the hospital and the culture there, it is no problem for me at all. I think the only thing I have to pay for is books but that may be included too. So I will be able to obtain my Master's degree which is something I couldn't even financially dream of before becoming a nurse.

I commend you on supporting your wife. Many spouses are not supportive and understanding and your wife is very lucky!

buddiage · Jun 10, 2006

The ADN will be something to fall back on while she climbs in her education to be whatever it is she wants. BSNs SOMETIMES make slightly more, but your wife is doing what I will be doing. Build a foundation for the education, and build on that.

Have you gone to college at all to pursue your medical career? Prereqs, etc? I will tell you, not to scare you, but you will both have to make time to protect your relationship with eachother. Nursing school is hard. Medical school is hard, but lasts longer. There is no mention of kids, which is good, since that would really give you a challenge.

It's going to be tough. If you can hang on, I'm sure it will be worth it.

Good for you guys- I think an education is the best bet for your future. I'm sure if you can stick with it, you'll really be able to benefit eachother in your careers and personally.

ms mimi · Jun 10, 2006

financially speaking, you will thank your wife for taking the ADN route. i am in an ADN program and it costs less than half that of a BSN degree. once i get my RN license either the hospital i choose can pay for my higher education or i can pay pay for it myself. from every nurse that i've talked to ADN or BSN, they are all the same when it comes to caring for patients. tell your wife that she made a great choice!!

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Jun 10, 2006

If it makes you and her feel better, I know a few people who earned ADNs that have degrees (Bachelors and Masters) in other occupations and they do not get paid more or have more respect. A Staff RN is a Staff RN.

By the way, I also know a guy who graduated from a name school back in the day. His wife attended the same name school but dropped out her first semester to attend a different school to become a Registered Nurse.

Years after he graduated he returned to Medical School and is now a Resident doctor. Her pay as a Registered Nurse supported him through medical school. So you two are not alone. Good luck.