New Career-Second Bachelors

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  1. Best Nursing School for Second Bachelors Degree

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      Vanderbilt University
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      Tennessee State University
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      Belmont University
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      Trevecca University
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      Marian Accelerated Online Program

Hello everyone,

I am looking forward to starting a new career in nursing. I have a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Health (non nursing ) but plan to enroll in a full time Nursing Program in Nashville, TN. Would you all mind sharing the schools you attend (or attended) and your experiences? Did you work at all during the program? Is it "better" to earn an ASN and work first before applying to a BSN program or just go for the BSN? What is (was) your greatest struggle? Due to time lapse, I will have to take pre requisites. I am a little nervous about being out of school for a few years. I appreciate your input!

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Specializes in Orthopedics.

I didn't attend any of those schools (I'm from the west coast), but my BSN was also my second bachelors. I did my ASN first because it was more cost effective and then did an RN to BSN bridge that was mostly online. I worked about 20 hours per week in the ASN program and then 40 hours per week in the BSN program. The people in charge of the RN to BSN program touted it as a good program for those working full time.....it really wasn't, but I made it work. Just stay focused and be prepared not to have a social life for awhile.

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I had a previous non-nursing bachelors degree and obtained my ASN while working a full time and part time job. I am now completing my rn-bsn online while working full time as a nurse. I had some semblance of a social life but it involved a lot of strategic planning, a great boyfriend and great friends.

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An MSN in health opens many more doors than any nursing degree.

Please discuss this with your school's counselor.

Why would you want to clean up poop, instead of using your advanced degree ?

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I did an accelerated BSN for my 2nd degree. Personally I would go straight for the BSN so that I could reach my MSN faster.

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.
Why would you want to clean up poop, instead of using your advanced degree ?

I have a Masters in Teaching, I made more money with a 2 year ADN than I did with my masters. Advanced degrees aren't always what they are cracked up to be.

I did my ADN first b/c I missed the deadline for the ABSN. I worked part time. After I got the job I have now, I went back and did my BSN online while working FT. Starting MSN in Jan. One benefit to having a masters in another field, most grad schools don't require GRE/Millers or many pre-reqs.

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Thanks!

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Thank you.

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I am looking into the ASN programs. Thanks for sharing!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moved for more answers

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It sounds like we have very similar backgrounds. I also have a Bachelors and a Masters in health care but not nursing, and I'm going back for a second career as well. My plan is to do the ASN because it's part time and will allow me to work. Initially the accelerated BSN sounded like a great option, but it was more expensive and since it was full-time I couldn't work. I think it comes down to the financial support you have. If I could afford it I would do the accelerated BSN, simply because I would be done faster than with the ASN and then the BSN. However, this route gets me to the same end for much less out of pocket.

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