Need a little help deciding

[Weezy24]

Okay, so after months of putting off my plans of starting the whole nursing school process, I finally am taking some concrete steps now. I have always thought of applying for the 2 year ADN program at the local CC (Waketech, Raleigh), which is reputed to be very good. But there were nurses I spoke to who recommended since I have a Master's (in a non-nursing program) I should definitely apply to a BSN program in a very good school (more specifically UNC Chapel Hill). It just sounds very over-whelming.

I am 28 and I feel like I if I were start pre-reqs anyway for either program it will be a while before I get into NS, right? I was thinking about starting the CNA program in August since that is a pre-requisite for the local CC program anyway.

Is it really a good shot applying for BSN in a very good school? Or is going the ADN route perfectly okay and will serve me equally good after a emotional and financial investment ?

I do not know what is confusing me but on the whole everything is very overwhelming.

[iPink, BSN, RN]

I started taking my prerequisites for my program at the age of 28 1/2. I just needed 6 classes, because I took some from my first degree.

I would suggest an Accelerated BSN program. Does Chapel Hill have an ABSN program offered? Most ABSN programs are between 12-16 months long and are very expensive. Also, due to the intensity it is usually recommended that one doesn't work. However, in my 15-month program, there are people who are working because they need to support a family. So, you may want to weigh some of those options before jumping into a CNA program.

I'll be 30 when I graduate (May/2012) and start my new RN career. I know it would have been much longer if I diverged and went the CNA route first. No thanks. But, to each is own.

For many of us career changers, some have decided to take the ADN route, because it is much cheaper. Although this is true, I would investigate if hospitals in your area are hiring ADNs or BSNs. ADNs are getting hired in many areas, but not in mine, which was another deciding factor why I chose the BSN route. Having your ADNs may limit you from managerial positions. However, if they do want to further their nursing careers later on, they are also hoping their employers will pay for their BSN. The RN-to-BSN bridge programs are usually 1 year in length.

You have a lot to think about, so I hope I helped in your decision making.

[Weezy24]

Hi Glad2baSN.,

thank you for your reply. I do not think Chapel Hill has a ABSN program but Duke does. I did look into it. I did look into it. I have been feeling more and more that if I took this plunge and did something ,might as well go the whole way and get my BSN. Then the costs and other factors keep deterring me. I have not yet signed up for the CNA. That is why I am trying to see what is the best for me.

So before applying to the ABSN program, if I do, do I spend more time doing the pre-reqs first as in a ADN program?

[iPink, BSN, RN]

You have to see what prerequisites are required for both ABSN programs of your choice as well as ADN programs. All programs are different. Plus, you probably took some of the prerequisites already from your previous degrees. For example, my program required A&P I and II, Microbiology, Statistics, Chemistry, Psychology, and Sociology. Another ABSN program I was looking at, wanted what I have listed, in addition to Nutrition, Organic Chemistry, and a computer class. I had already taken Stats from my previous degree, so I decided to go with the ABSN program that required the least amount of prerequisites. I knocked out those 6 prerequisites in 2 semesters (3 classes per semester). After I was done, I applied to the program. In the ADN program, you have prerequisites that need to be completed as well as co-requisites.

When I calculated everything, I saved myself a few months by going the ABSN route. One school year doing prerequisites, and 2 years of the ADN program vs. One school year doing prerequisites and 15 months with ABSN program.

[Weezy24]

thank you so much for your input. I will think about it. Like you said,to each his own. I just have to think about this some more before I make a decision. But am so excited to be starting a new journey !

[leenak]

I am going to school part time fulfilling my pre-reqs and I thought it'd take a while but it will only take 1.5 years. I am going to apply to 2 BSN programs and 1 ABSN. The ADN programs are all 2 years long or so. The BSN programs tend to be 2 years long (21 months) and ABSN programs vary between 13-18 months. If I were you, I would definitely look at the BSN programs as the time requirement will be the same or less. They may cost a bit more but you also don't know what financial aid you may get.

And the state school BSN may cost not too much more than the ADN program. So don't discount it just because it's not a ABSN program.

[IMOKAY, BSN]

I am a second degree seeking student as well. I started the ADN route but realized that its a 2 year program so I might as well get my BSN which is is the same amount of time- 2 years. Many of my credits transferred so I only had to take the sciences like micro, chem, a&p etc. I've been taking classes at night and working days so its been a long haul. Sometimes I wonder if I should have done a 1 year LPN program, started working as an LPN then taking the classes for BSN bridge while working to pay bills and avoid student loans. These are things you might consider: time, cost, which classes will transfer, previous medical experience. I have no previous experience so that is why I wonder if I should have gone the LPN route first for experience and getting my foot in the door someplace..they might have even had tuition reimbursement as well for the LPN to RN bridge program if your school offers that.