Need some advice

[NeuroNP]

Hello all. I am a 30 year old male with a BA in History and I ahve decided to go back to school to get my nursing degree. I'd like to work in Critical Care and maybe eventually go the CRNA route. Here's my problem.

Currently, there is a 2nd degree BSN program as well as an ADN program where I live. The ADN program is about 3x cheaper. Financially, there is no way that I could afford to start the 2nd degree BSN program within the next two years. so, I've been leaning towards getting my ADN and then finding a job where there is some tuition benefit and get someone else to pay for me to do the RN to BSN program. My question as it relates to distance learning is, is there a good program where I could get my ADN online and keep working while I do it? My current job schedule would conflict with going to class during the day....

I've already had Anatomy and Phys. as well as Chem, Bio, OChem, Phys. (I have a bio minor...) and lots of other good pre-req type classes. It'd also be nice if I could pay as I go (instead of having to save up for all my tuition/living expenses ahead of time).

I still have a decent amount of debt from my BA, so taking on more is not really an option. Also, how does something like an online degree look for CRNA school down the road?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Bryan

[llg, PhD, RN]

The issue with nursing education for people in your position is that it isn't all "book learning." At some point, you have to actually have supervised clinical rotations in hospitals as a student. While you may be able to do a lot of pre-requisite and/or classroom courses on-line and/or do evening/weekend classes, you will have to confront the need to do your clinical rotations at some point in whatever program you choose.

Some schools offer all evening and/or weekend clinicals as well as classes. If neither of your local programs includes that option, you may have to move to an area that has such a program ... or modify your plans to continue working your current job full time while in school.

There may be some schools that offer entry-level degrees on-line with you arranging your clinicals yourself, but I would be very skeptical of them. You might invest a lot of time and money in such a program only to find that you can't get the clinical arranged when the time comes. I know my hospital would never accept such a student. I would avoid such a program unless you get written confirmation from the hospitals that you can do your clinicals there.

I'll be interested to hear what others have to say.

llg

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

If you want to avoid the expense, I would find a way to go at the local ADN school, and take as many courses as they offer online. The couple of online ADN programs that are around are very expensive.

Good luck to you!

[Kelly2004]

i'm not sure where you live what the situation is but where i live (st. louis) almost all hospitals have a tuition reimbursement offer to help new nurses pay off their loans. when i spoke with the various hospitals in my area they not only offered the reimbursement but also a $4000 - $6000 signing bonus for a one year contract (barnes jewish). they reminded me that the tuition reimbursement could only be taken advantage of if you had student loans...if you didn't you missed out...they also have tuition reimbursement for any classes that you take while you are employed by them. this would allow you to do the bsn now and still have it remain cost effective. a student loan for 5 years is one of the cheapest investments for a career that will offer so much in the future. even my husband who i call cheap (he says he is just fiscally responsible!!) usually wants to pay for everything first, (we never carry any credit card debit etc.) wants me to take advantage of this tuition reimbursement. it's just an idea but i thought it might help you! check with your local hospitals as to what they offer.

kelly:)