I have a dilemma. I'm changing careers from the chemical industry to nursing. I have a BS Chemistry and MBA already. My ultimate goal is to become a NP. I could do the PA route, but it would cost me more in terms of having to move to where a program is and it would disrupt my life a little too much financially. So I've researched the NP enough to know that I want to be one.
I've looked at the Accelerated BSN option which is costly but quick (12 months). Then I could enroll in an NP program
I've looked at the LPN route which is cheaper at good community college and quick. I figured that if I got the LPN I could worked while I worked on a LPN to BSN program, but job prospects may not be the best for LPN.
The next option is the RN (2 year option). Then RN to BSN. Then NP program.
I'm not afraid to work my way upwards being a farm girl and all. To start, I'll get a CNA I next month. Then get the CNA II certification. Then I'll start working part time to get to know the industry while still working as a chemist until we get the layoff in December. Yes, I can hear the questions now...why would I want to switch from chemistry and making great money to nursing? The answer is simple, I've fallen out of love with it. I want more happy. I didn't get into chemistry for the money, it was because I loved it. This will be my 3rd layoff in the chemical industry over a 15 year career span due to plant closures. I've always been attracted to the medical industry, and with the upcoming layoff, I feel like its perfect timing for a change to something I can enjoy more.
So please lend me your thoughts and advice. I'm open to hearing you and take your advice.
Yes, the costs are very much a factor. I'm finding that even though the BSN traditional route would make sense as it relates to the amount of time it would take vs the RN and the advantages of having the BSN out of the way...However, most of the schools around here cost arms, legs, and elbows to get the BSN.
One thing that helps me is that I already have a BS and I will enroll in an RN to MSN program while I work. I've found a few schools who offer this route.
I've decided to take the RN route!
Thank you guys so much. Your insight has been so helpful. Sometimes you just need to bounce things off of more experienced folks.
Go for ADN then go work somewhere and have them pay for your RN - BSN bridge. Then you can decide if you still want to be an NP after you get some nursing experience under your belt and you can be working while you complete your BSN online.
I have a bachelor's degree in another field. I went ADN route. It was cheaper and quicker for me than traditional bsn. The school here that offers the traditional bsn requires several advanced level chemistry courses that I just didn't want to do. I was warned from others that I wouldn't be able to find a job bc places are only hiring bsn graduates. I'm currently in the ADN program, and I received a scholarship through one of the local hospitals here. No, i dont currently work there either. I had to sign a contract to work there for 2 years after I graduate since im getting the scholarship for 2 years. The 1st year includes a 1 year RN residency program. So there is hope for ADN graduates. This hospital will also pay $5200 a year towards me getting my bsn. So my advice is go for the cheapest and most convenient route for you. Research your area. Hopefully, you live in an area that hires ADN graduates and still pays for RN to BSN.
I have a bachelor's degree in another field. I went ADN route. It was cheaper and quicker for me than traditional bsn. The school here that offers the traditional bsn requires several advanced level chemistry courses that I just didn't want to do. I was warned from others that I wouldn't be able to find a job bc places are only hiring bsn graduates. I'm currently in the ADN program, and I received a scholarship through one of the local hospitals here. No, i dont currently work there either. I had to sign a contract to work there for 2 years after I graduate since im getting the scholarship for 2 years. The 1st year includes a 1 year RN residency program. So there is hope for ADN graduates. This hospital will also pay $5200 a year towards me getting my bsn. So my advice is go for the cheapest and most convenient route for you. Research your area. Hopefully, you live in an area that hires ADN graduates and still pays for RN to BSN.
Thank you Ladyvp05, It looks like you've got everything together on this. That's excellent! It doesn't sound like you will have any problems in the job department. I think its all about networking anyway. At least that's how I'v got some of my jobs. All the others, I've got at the interview...I never leave without asking for and getting the job. I digress...
When you applied for your scholarship, did you do it through your school or through the hospital that offered it? The reason I ask is...sometimes that school will have those same scholarships offered, and that way you only have to fill out one application.
I found out about the scholarship when I was at clinical. I always talk to all the nurses about how they like working there and about heir department. It just so happened when I was talking to a nurse the director of nursing happened to walk up. She started talking about their 1 year residency program and scholarship. The residency program is for all first year RN'S. The scholarship is for students at my school only. The crazy thing is that me school never advertises this scholarship. Also nobody really applies for it. Most of my class mates don't want to sign the contract. They live in this fantasy world of moving out to California as a new grad RN.
Even though the scholarship was for my school only you were required to apply directly through the hospital, write an essay, send transcript, and turn in 2 recommendation letters.
AlleycatLady, BSN, MSN, NP
108 Posts
Yes, the costs are very much a factor. I'm finding that even though the BSN traditional route would make sense as it relates to the amount of time it would take vs the RN and the advantages of having the BSN out of the way...However, most of the schools around here cost arms, legs, and elbows to get the BSN.
One thing that helps me is that I already have a BS and I will enroll in an RN to MSN program while I work. I've found a few schools who offer this route.
I've decided to take the RN route!
Thank you guys so much. Your insight has been so helpful. Sometimes you just need to bounce things off of more experienced folks.