New Career in Nursing

[codi1226]

Hello everyone,

I'm a 24 year old student, new to this website and I can't stop reading it! I graduated from college 2 years ago with a degree in Education, had two straight years of subbing experience and HATED it, not to mention going through the countless interviews (teaching positions are VERY competitive where I live...graduated with a 3.9 GPA and could not find a job in my area). My third year in college I seriously considered switching my degree to nursing, but honestly, all the science classes intimidated me a little, and I think I stayed within education because I thought it would be the easier way out. I'm just not sure it's my "calling." After much thought and weighing my options I have decided to pursue the nursing field. My mom is a wonderful nurse, and I have always looked up to her. I know that nursing is an extremely difficult and trying job, but I love working with and caring for people. I also know that there are many different career options for nurses as well as job security. I am signed up for a prerequisite class next semester, and am actually very excited to start this new career path. My question is, since I already have a Bachelors degree, should I go through a hospital degree program to become an RN or go through an accelerated BSN program? (They both would take the same amount of time). My long-term goal would be to go back for my MSN and specialize in pediatrics. I know there are RN to MSN programs out there, but down the road, would it be difficult to get hired in a specialty without a BSN? Any advice or feedback is appreciated!

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Definately take the accelerated route since your goal is an MSN. The BSN is required for the MSN.

Good luck!

[smile123]

In your case, the Accel'd BSN/MSN route is definitely the way to go. It's typically 12 to 14 months to get the BSN. Then the next 1.5 to 2 years to get the masters degree to become a pediatric nurse practitioner. At the end of the BSN portion, students must sit for the NCLEX nursing boards before they are allowed to continue on for their masters. Then some of them work part time as an RN while they take the master's classes (part time or full time). Or they work full time as an RN (they do 3 - 12 hour shifts, on the weekends) while they go to school. Check out the accel'd programs listed under allnurses.com or just Google it. These programs are springing up quickly all around the country because there are lots of people in your same situation (have a bachelor's in another field). Good luck!