Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.
allnurses

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.
Discussion

Need Help Finding the Right Path

Hello all,

I am getting really discouraged with my efforts to becoming a nurse.

I already have a BA in psychology and wish to be an RN. Then after working for a few years complete my education by becoming a FNP.

I have applied to several BSN accelerated programs and have not heard back from some of them yet, but the few that I have I did not get in to. I believe that this is because my overall GPA was not very high, although in all my nursing prereq. classes I have a 4.0.

I'm now thinking of just doing a traditional RN program but I'm not sure if I should go for a BSN or ADN. Will this decision affect my later wanting to go into a masters program?

I'm 26 now and didn't want to be in a 3 year program, especially since I have already had 4 years of school. I feel like this is a never ending endeavor. I was also thinking about doing a direct entry masters program, but since I'm not getting into any accelerated BSN programs, I probably wouldn't get in to that sort of program either.

I'm looking at any programs in CA, Denver, or Des Moines.

I have always wanted to be a nurse, but my university didn't offer a program. I don't really have a plan B for my life, so I would really appreciate some guidance from all of you that have been there.

Thank you so much! :banghead:

Featured Replies

Since you asked, I will tell you: You should go on and get a Ph.D. in psychology and then a counseling license and do that. You would be consulted by MDs and Psychiatrists or work in a mental hospital or counseling center, etc. You would have a lot of respect and you would make more than a nurse. Why not set your sites on that instead of tossing away your previous hard work to do something totally different?

I feel for you. I had a friend with a BA in psych and then decided to go on to nursing school... but had a hard time getting into a BA to BSN program.. so she ended up going to an ADN program (which was just as hard to get into because our area is so impacted with people trying to become a nurse). Although she is now an RN and happy about her decision it was a hard decision to go backwards in her education persuits. Good luck. It can't be an easy decision for you. :uhoh3:

  • Author

Flightline-

Thank you so much for your input, that is an angle that I hadn't really considered. You are totally right though, I could still work in a clinical setting and that might be a happy medium for me. I will start checking out some programs.

Thanks again! :)

Look, I was right where you are: I had graduated with my BA in psych but didn't want to go for my PhD. I wanted to become a nurse but didn't want to backtrack too far, and I was 26 and didn't want to waste any time about it. Due to some personal things that occurred while I was in school, my GPA wasn't stellar and at one point I was even on academic probation, but I got it together. I found a BSN program, took a year of science prerequisites and have had my RN for 7 years now. Keep applying to schools. If there's one you are particularly interested in, contact someone there and ask about a meeting. We are going to really need dedicated nurses over the next few decades and I'd hate to see you get discouraged so easily. There's plenty of benefit to having a background in psych as well, even if you aren't financially compensated in an obvious manner.

  • Author

I Need Coffee-

Thanks for your uplifting message. It's nice to hear from someone that was in my shoes. I was wondering if you went through a traditional or accelerated BSN program and how long did it take you to complete the program not including your science prereqs.?

Thanks again for the message!

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
Go to topic listing

Currently Reading 0

  • No registered users viewing this page.

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications
Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.