Need help to convince parents!

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Greetings! I am Nate and I am a junior from high school. I recently just job shadowed at a hospital and feel really destined for it. Before then, my parents and I were looking at 4 year colleges that had the BSN program. I recently had a discussion with the nurses today that said that it but would be wiser if I got my ADN first, then get a job and go for the Accelerated BSN progam to finish up my BSN. Which one is cheaper? Which takes less time? I find the ADN route more appealing because while I am finishing up my BSN program I will get EXPERIENCE, which I understand is a vital part of being a nurse and getting to what floor you want. My parents are mad because I do well in school and that I shouldnt settle for a community college. But at this point, I really don't care what people think of my intellectual standing is( which is not right to judge a person that goes to a community college but this certainly happens) I am just looking for an option that will be better for ME and my career into the future. Any input will be helpful. Thank you!

Specializes in Home Care.

Nate...go the BSN route and stay away from the girls.

yo'momma

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I agree! Dont short yourself those four years of life experience. One option you may want to consider is a school with a 2+2 program. The one in my area has year 1 taking liberal arts/ prereq courses, 2 years in a hospital based ADN program (you are eligible to sit for the NCLEX at the end so you can work your final year) then a final year in the classroom finishing up those liberal arts/ electives.

Good luck to you!

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Hi,

A great reason to get your ADN first is that once you go to work at the hospital you can get tuition reimbursement and/or sign on bonuses and/or loan reimbursement. Some hospitals have colleges bring thier BSN programs right to the hospital.

You can make money and further your education. It is doable. I earned ADN and now I am in my 11th class of a doctoral degree and I raised children.

So, these are some good reasons. I tell my son that he needs to do what he wants. Unless your parents are nurses they really can not relate. Try to be respectful and listen to your parents. Everyone needs to make an informed decison. You could have your parents go with you to a seminar on the bridge programs. Good luck.

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I agree that the college experience would be cool. But nursing is serious and requires a lot of studying. So, with that said. I would not get a BSN just for the college experience. Nursing is a calling. Besides even if you started at the two year college you can always transfer to a four year college. Just a few ideas.

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I agree that the college experience would be cool. But nursing is serious and requires a lot of studying. So, with that said. I would not get a BSN just for the college experience. Nursing is a calling. Besides even if you started at the two year college you can always transfer to a four year college. Just a few ideas.

I agree...If you want to go the BSN route don't do it just for the college experience. Many BSN students I know never got that "college experience" because of how much time studying/clinicals took up. I know many other majors who graduated while partying and going out almost every night, but nursing isn't that kind of field where you can do that.

I personally would do the BSN route if I were you, especially if you can find an inexpensive state university. The only reason I wouldn't do the BSN route is if it is going to cost you $80,000 plus (many private BSN programs around here cost that) unless you have the money/abilities to pay that or don't mind having that debt...

Most ADN programs have at least a year of pre-reqs and waiting lists so it usually ends up to be 3-4 years anyway.

I started off at a university, but messed up my first year because I wasn't serious about school. I'm finishing up all my university's BSN pre-reqs, however I'm not competitive enough for their program due to my first year. I plan on starting clinicals at the local ADN program next fall, and when I graduate I will only need to take 4 classes in order to have my BSN because of all the credits I have from my current university. My only other BSN options were private schools that would have cost me $60,000 or more...and I don't have that kind of money. This way I'll be debt free and have my BSN less than a year after I graduate anyway, plus the job market around here doesn't really care about BSN/ADN. So the ADN made more sense for me personally, but a BSN might make more sense for you.

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Specializes in Med Surg, PCU, Travel.

nate I'm like 34, but you said u a junior in high school...I love to side with young people but unfortunately the parents are right on this one. I'm currently hoping to persue the BSN and trust me, doing the Associate and later hoping to jump into the BSN before u know it you'll be married have kids and squash! there goes the plans lol ok maybe not that soon. Seems like they can afford it to get you the BSN so jump at it. Look at job postings. Many I see have BSN now as the minimum requirement for new hires.Go to the new hires forum, see how the graduates are having a hard time finding work, so getting the best qualification possible is important.

One good option is actually taking advantage of dual enrollment with the CC for your AA, you'll be 2 yrs ahead of the game and can get all the prequesites done with your AA, while going to high school. What I am doing is the AA then transfering to the University for the BSN, if possible, I say that only cause I got a family to support and all that...I wish i knew what i wanted at a younger age...i dabled with computer jobs, electronics,electrical, then I just jumped into EMT for the money...ended up loving it and having a passion to work in medicine and now back to school, but i have to work as a cable guy just to keep up with the bills for now....take full advantage of your youth (and yr parents pockets :) lol ) while u can trust me on this.

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What I would do too is research the area you live...There are places in the country where many hospitals are going BSN only. There are also areas (such as where I live) that hospitals couldn't care less whether you have your BSN or ADN, and magnet hospitals here will hire an ADN new grad if they have CNA experience.

I think the best thing to do, no matter what program you choose, is try to get some healthcare experience whether it be as a CNA, secretary, etc. From what I've seen the new grads that had healthcare experience prior to graduate have a much easier time finding jobs. I know of an ADN new grad who was hired at a magnet hospital over BSN new grads because she had healthcare experience...It really does give you an edge, at least around here.

However, like I said if it's practical for you (which I think it is) go for the bsn right away.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.
Find out about specific programs you may interested in. What are the pre-reqs? When does one apply for the program (some BSN programs don't accept students until junior year)? Are there any waitlists?

An ADN may be shorter on paper (eg 2 years) but between pre-requisites, classes filling up, and wait lists for nursing school, earning an ADN can easily take four or more years for some students. Many ADN programs have only a limited number of seats (eg 50-100) and hundreds of qualified applicants; so the competition can be fierce. Some programs may have a waitlist or a lottery. However, things may be different at the schools near you. So go find out!

BSN programs often may not have quite as much competition for many reasons such as cost and convenience. ADN programs usually cost less, are more widely available across communities, and are more accessible to 'non-traditional' students ('traditional' being 18-22yr old full-time students).

Best wishes in your pursuits!

Good Advice here.

If I could have I would have done the college life experience, but I was a single parent, so I went the comnumity college route. It took 2.5 years going full time to get my pre-reqs done, and 3 years of applying to nursing schools before finally getting in, then 2 years of nursing school.

It took me 8 months to land a almost full time nursing job, in a nursing home as all the hospitals in my area require a BSN, so back to school. I have only 12 credits away from the BSN now, but it has been a very looooong road to get here.

While a ASN may figure out to be faster and cheaper on paper, it may be faster just to get the BSN, plus you do get to have the college life experience....something I wish I was able to have had.

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As you are so young and it seems your parents are willing to pay/help with a BSN I would go that route. Go off o school and get an education and have some fun. They will be some of the best years of your life. Don't rush into a f/t nursing job before you have to. Go for the 4 year degree right off the bat.

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Specializes in Acute Rehab, SCI, Clinic, HH, Med/Surg.

All I have to say is BSN!!!

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BSN.. ADNs are not considered in my state any more! You have your parents support, get the full college experience. Also find a part time job as a clerk or CNA or PCT in a hospital while in college and you will be golden.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

If your parents are going to pay for the 4 year college, then do that. Many places are going towards primarily hiring BSNs, making ADNs harder to get jobs. Plus, you never know if you'll change your major once you start. And right after highschool is the easiest time to get your 4 year degree finished. Not as much bills and adult life stuff is on your plate yet.

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