Need advice - bail on my accelerated BSN for an ADN?(long)

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Specializes in RN, Cardiac Step Down/Tele Unit.

I am in semester 2 of a 4 semester accelerated BSN program. Right now I am kicking myself for not applying to the ADN program at my local CC. The more I learn, the more I feel like I am spinning my wheels with classes like Nursing Research and Theory. I am beginning to see that the BS in BSN does not only stand for bachelor of science (bad me - :nono: )!

I am seriously considering applying to transfer to the ADN program after this semester is over. If I do this, I will have about $20,000 less in student loans, a great deal less stress and heartache, a life for the next year, and an RN either way! From what I can gather, depending on when they schedule the classes that I will need to finish the ADN program, I will either finish at the same time or maybe one semester late if they do not offer the classes I need in the summer.

Now a bit about my reasons for looking into this. It is not grade related. I have a 4.0 currently and at worst I will finish this semester with one or 2 B's and the rest A's. I have no problem succeeding in this program - but at what cost? Since starting this program, I have injured my knee twice (not necessarily related to the program), been sick several times, and the migraines that I have not suffered from in years are back and kicking. My house looks like a tornado came through it, and the dust bunnies are taking over. I often emerge from my study coma to wonder who that handsome man in my living room is, then realize it is my husband! I own a horse who no longer remembers what I look like, and I recently sold another horse who I bred and raised from birth becuase I did not have time for her and it is not fair to ask my husband to do more than he already is (he works FT and is in school PT working on an associates in business). We don't have kids yet, but would like to someday soon, except that you have to actually have a relationship with your spouse for that to happen!!!

I am committed to becoming an RN, I am just doubting my judgment on the route to get there. Has anyone done this, or do you have any advice for me?? What do you think?? :nurse:

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I have never heard of a BSN student switching to an ADN program, but it sounds like it might be the right choice for you. You can go back later and get your BSN if you decide it's something you really want. Good luck with whatever you decide.

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Specializes in ICU, ER, HH, NICU, now FNP.

Be sure that you CAN transfer - some programs will not allow it. Good luck whatever you decide to do.

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My heart goes out to you, Fleur-de-lis.

I think it depends on what your ultimate goal is. If you know for sure you want to do NP or management, I would tough it out for the next six months...otherwise, I'd be all over CC.

If you want NP or mngt, and NEED a BSN, you also have to factor that if go the CC route, you will be in school that much longer. So, either have a TOUGH one year, or less-tough 3 years.

But, like I said, if you know that you won't do mngt or NP, definitely do CC. Otherwise, the $20K you will owe at the end will be a big waste.

JMHO.

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If you want NP or mngt, and NEED a BSN, you also have to factor that if go the CC route, you will be in school that much longer.

But, like I said, if you know that you won't do mngt or NP, definitely do CC. Otherwise, the $20K you will owe at the end will be a big waste.

JMHO.

Not true at all. NP yes, you need BSN route unless you already have a BS or BA in another field, then you can generally easily bridge to MSN once you are an RN....often much cheaper/more efficient than getting BSN then MSN. That said, lots of managers and admin are not BSN trained. Look at it this way, you can train someone to do almost anything technical. However, people are either born with people/leader skills or not. That can't be trained.

Good luck on your choice!

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Specializes in RN, Cardiac Step Down/Tele Unit.

Thanks all for the advice. The more I think and talk thru this, the more I think ADN is the way to go. I already have a BS in business and prior supervisory experience. And I think maybe at some point I would like to get a higher degree, but for now I just want to be "in the trenches"! I have no desire to be a charge nurse after seeing what the ones at my clinical site go thru! It is tough managing people - I've been there - and have no desire to go back to it at this point. I just wish I knew five months ago what I know now and could have saved myself five months of hell and loans up to my eyeballs!

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Specializes in Acute Care Psych, DNP Student.

I can tell you what I would probably do. Stay right where you are. You are half-way there. It is HARD to get into nursing programs. You are in one.

I would adjust my expectations. The 4.0 is not a necessity. Aim right now to be a 'C' student. Yes, I know, the unthinkable!:eek:

This would shave a few hours of study time per week off your life. You could then devote that time to your husband, your horse, and sleep. Dust bunnies aren't important right now.

If you think you need a high GPA to get into grad school later on - remember that they do take course load into account. Worst case scenerio you could talk your way into an MSN program on probation for the first semester.

While the ADN program wouldn't be accelerated, it certainly wouldn't be a walk in the park.

I'd stay right where you are at, and learn to live with lower grades in order to have a better quality of life. A=nurse, and C=nurse too.

Again, this is what *I* would do (while moaning all the way that I can't lose the 4.0!).

Student stress is temporary, but a BSN is forever.

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Specializes in critical care transport.

I considered an accelerated program.

I went for the ADN, and I'm glad I did. I am still keepin my head above water. I am earning 'c's for the first time in 15 years.

If the associates is as hard as mine, I am glad I didn't do the accelerated program. I would be jumpin off a bridge right now.

I'd learn to live with lower grades.

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Now a bit about my reasons for looking into this. It is not grade related. I have a 4.0 currently and at worst I will finish this semester with one or 2 B's and the rest A's. I have no problem succeeding in this program - but at what cost? Since starting this program, I have injured my knee twice (not necessarily related to the program), been sick several times, and the migraines that I have not suffered from in years are back and kicking. My house looks like a tornado came through it, and the dust bunnies are taking over. I often emerge from my study coma to wonder who that handsome man in my living room is, then realize it is my husband! I own a horse who no longer remembers what I look like, and I recently sold another horse who I bred and raised from birth becuase I did not have time for her and it is not fair to ask my husband to do more than he already is (he works FT and is in school PT working on an associates in business). We don't have kids yet, but would like to someday soon, except that you have to actually have a relationship with your spouse for that to happen!!!

I felt this way and I did a 6 semester BSN. Nursing school is a crazy time, so I would get it overwith as soon as possible. It doesn't get any better. It's so hard to get into a program, and who is to say that you won't have to start all over in an ADN program. I would stick with it and battle in the trenches as best you can. Nursing school is hard, so try to keep your chin up and always remember to look at the big picture. Good luck!

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Specializes in Acute Care Psych, DNP Student.

Just brainstorming here...what about your husband taking one semester off? That would allow him to do more around the house and support you. You'd do it for him, wouldn't you?

I would think that his associate degree in business program is more flexible than your accelerated BSN program.

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Specializes in ICU, ER, HH, NICU, now FNP.

B's absolutely get degrees.

B's were what saved my sanity

B's were what gave me time with my family, and allowed me to work.

B's were my LIFESAVER.

It doesnt have to be perfect - it only has to be excellent.

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B's absolutely get degrees.

B's were what saved my sanity

B's were what gave me time with my family, and allowed me to work.

B's were my LIFESAVER.

It doesnt have to be perfect - it only has to be excellent.

Yeahm buddy.

I haven't gotten a B in 10 years. I am gonna aim for a 3.9 in nursing school, but if I get my RN with all C's I'm still gonna strut across that stage at graduation like a summa cum laude Phi Beta Kappa!

:lol2:

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