New grad RN and going to school?

[Jenniferocious]

Hey everyone... question for you all. I am a new grad RN with my ADN. I graduated in May, and I am starting a new overnight position on a cardiac/med-surg unit in about 2 weeks. I have been accepted into an online RN-BSN program starting in January, but I have one course I need to take this fall prior to beginning the program.

My question is this, do you think it is a good idea to start as a new nurse on the night shift and take on the BSN program? I have 3 very busy kids as well. They are a little older, but not old enough to drive yet.

The hospital I work at does want us to have our BSN, but it wasn't a requirement when I was offered the position.

Any advice would be welcomed. I just don't know if I can handle it all at once being new.

Thanks in advance.

[SleeepyRN]

First off....Congratulations!

Ok, so as to your question. Honestly, only you can answer that for yourself. I personally don't think it would be wise to miss out on this opportunity. But I don't know your schedule and child care situation, let alone financial situation. You can always try it, and if it doesn't work out, then resign with at least 2 weeks notice.

I'd go for it, but that's me.

[littlepeopleRNICU]

I started my RN-BSN program around a year out. Reason being, I wanted to become acclimated to nursing before starting school again. Given the opportunity to do over again, I would choose the same route, however, I think it also would have been okay if I hadn't waited. I think it helps to feel comfortable in your role before going back to school, but by January, you'll be somewhat adjusted already.

[calivianya, BSN, RN]

My employer just started a budget cutting program that involved a lot of people losing their jobs. All the LPNs got the ax (we were team nursing in theory, so some LPNs were still around), but no RNs in my department disappeared because we are critically short. However, many departments lost RNs as well. My employer's working towards 80% BSN, so guess which degree level RNs got the cut? As far as I'm aware, almost every RN laid off was associate's-prepared with a couple of exceptions.

For the record, BSN was not a requirement but a want when they hired me last year. A lot can change quickly in healthcare. If you even hear vague stirrings that your employer wants BSN-prepared nurses I'd get it over with as soon as possible. Most healthcare systems are looking to "trim the fat" with all the changes in reimbursement that have gone through over the past few years. I wouldn't want to put myself in a position where I was an easy target to be trimmed.

[Jenniferocious]

Ok.. Thanks all for your thoughts. I wouldn't be quitting my position, just pushing back the start date of the program. I guess i have a lot to think about in the next few days (tuition for fall is due 8/3). I've been told the program is mostly writing papers.. Im just worried about starting a new job and working nights and being able to do well in school and my new position. Yikes! I may email my manager this weekend and see what she thinks.

thanks again!

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

I waited a year or so to go back and get my BSN. I just wasn't mentally there after the stress of it. BSN is a lot less stressful because there isn't some giant test at the end. I did mine online, which was great because I could work on it when it was convenient. It's doable, but only you can decide whether you are ready yet. My hospital is going toward the 80% but if you tell them you are starting X date, they are good with that.