2nd Degree Seeker, thinking about nursing school

[chrissylee33]

I'm 31 and considering a major career change. I graduated in 2000 with a BS in Journalism and Mass Communication; in 2006 I completed my MBA. My mom is an ARNP Case Manager and my dad MD, transplant surgeon.. I'm a walking dictionary of medical terms and condition, in college I would diagnose my friends with the correct illness then send them to the college infirmary, 90% of the time my diagnosis was correct!! Healthcare is in my blood...

So what's the problem lady... well...

I'm now the mother of a beautiful 6 month old and we are planning on adding a 2nd kiddio this time next year (it took 2-years to get preggo with the first). I have 20 hours of pre requisites to finish before I can gain accepted into a program. I'm naturally interested in a BSN Accelerated program over an associates RN program, and would prefer a generic MSN program. The unfortunate part is that accelerate MSN programs don't exists in my area. I also have less then stellar grads from undergrad, 2.98 GPA. I was a rock star student in grad school with a 3.75 GPA. I'm just wondering how feasible a change like this is at this point in my life, am I insane? After spending 30 years of their lives discouraging my desire for nursing my parents are suddenly supportive. My husband is less then thrilled with me entering school again but would be supportive. I guess I'm rambling now. Anyone in a similar position, have the same feelings of am I insane or am I alone?

[mcbismark]

Completely alone!

Just Kidding! :)

My mother was a nurse, my sister an xray technician, my brother in law a pharmacist and I was a Hospital Corpsman in the USN.

I have a BA in Econ and MBA in Technology Management, 4 kids (none of them young like yours though!) and I'm hoping to be accepted into an accelerated BSN program.

You might be crazy; but, you're not alone!

:)

[MzAmerykah]

It is definitely feasible. My gpa was similar when I obtained my B.S. in 2004, so I can relate to your situation (although I am not married nor a mother yet). But what I did and would suggest is:

- Take the pre-reqs at a local community college. (I went part-time, while I worked full-time.) Many cc's offer the required pre-reqs in the evenings, weekends, summers, etc. and most nursing programs will accept the credits. Plus, your local cc may be closer than the local univ, and it will definitely be cheaper.

- Do well (A's) and get great recommendations. The nursing school admissions committees look at your cumulative uGPA, so they will add your new grades to the old and get the average.

- In addition to considering accelerated BSN programs, look into regular 2nd degree programs and/or transferring into traditional 4-year programs. Since you will have already completed the pre-reqs, you may be able to complete one of these types of programs on an individualized basis, in which you determine your pace. You also may want to look into direct entry MSN programs.

- Try to get some type of healthcare-related volunteer experience, as it is helpful in many ways (when still deciding if it is the right career for you, writing the personal statement, having examples to discuss during the interview, etc.). The most important part about obtaining this experience is that you want to use it to learn as much firsthand knowledge as possible and you want to enjoy it.

- Lastly, if you are going to work full-time while completing all of the above, I would suggest finding a position within the healthcare industry. I understand you have a BS in Journalism and Mass Communications and an MBA. Maybe you could use this prior education within a healthcare company or even a hospital.

Well, I hope you find my suggestions helpful. Good luck to you!

[Audi02]

you are not alone!! I think there are many of us doing the same thing. I got my BA in communications in 2000. Tried the career out and hated it. Decided to go to nursing school, did all the pre-reqs and was put on the waiting list for nursing school. I got frustrated and took my name off during the long wait. At the time I thought it made more financial sense to look for another career within my degree. 2 years later I ended up back on the waiting list. I just couldn't get over my desire to be a nurse. I'm much happier now, and proud that I'm going for it. Although life is a lot more expensive at our age, so funds are tight while I'm in school. But believe me it's worth it. Good luck!