Newbie Nurse Career Advice

cherubhipster · Feb 18, 2008

Hi there!

I myself am on the beginning path to nursing, as I just applie dot my schools, but I will tell you what I know.

If you want to become an RN, your choice is between going back to a 2 year associates degree program, or an Bachelors of Nursing program. Many schools have accelerated bachelor programs for people how have already graduated college, but will list many prerequisite courses. Now for example, I have a bachelors degree in art (oh boy). Yeah, so I would have almost a year of school just to get all the courses I would need to go to get my BSRN, therefore I am going for the RN instead.

But with your background in engineering, you might be a lot closer than me.

I hope this helped a little. Good luck!

seanpdent, ADN, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP · Feb 18, 2008

Hey Everybody, I cant seem to be able to find what im looking for online about my situation. Hopefully u guys can help.
I m looking for a career change to try nursing and become one in NYS. I have a Bach in Engineering. My coursework in college only covered math, chemistry, physics - no involvement in physiology, biology etc
How does this work now that i already have a Bach.
need your input guys - thanx

Yep, your bachelors degree will help, but irregardless which program you take... a diploma/assoc or bsn you'll still need pre-req's that are healthcare related.

Best thing to do is inquire within the school(s) you are interested in.

Best of luck

:paw:

yvett · Feb 18, 2008

I was just wondering if any one had any advice of suggestion over what I should study for the Nursing School entrance exam?:paw::paw::paw::paw::paw::paw::paw::paw::paw::paw::paw::paw::paw::paw::paw: :nurse: +:nurse:= :nurse: :nurse:

snortzmom · Feb 18, 2008

Because you already have a degree, you can take the prereqs you don't have and then go through an accelerated BSN program (schools grant a BSN in 12-24 months) Or if it is cheaper and you don't plan on getting your masters, get an associates at a cheaper community college.

cherubhipster · Feb 19, 2008

I was just wondering if any one had any advice of suggestion over what I should study for the Nursing School entrance exam?:paw::paw::paw::paw::paw::paw::paw::paw::paw::paw::paw::paw::paw::paw::paw: +:nurse:=:nurse:

Which exam are you taking? The NET?

luckylee · Feb 20, 2008

thanx guys for your prompt reply :up:

so if it is cheaper to get my associates and i choose that path then wats the difference between going for the associates as opposed to the BS in nursing.

snortzmom · Feb 20, 2008

The pay difference between an associates and bachelors is only $0.50/hr at my hospital Are you thinking about getting your masters? If not, get your associates degree. Many charge nurses only have an associates degree. Plus, many hospitals will pay for you to bridge from an associates to bachelors (there are even online programs). Good luck..

cherubhipster · Feb 20, 2008

thanx guys for your prompt reply
so if it is cheaper to get my associates and i choose that path then wats the difference between going for the associates as opposed to the BS in nursing.

Kirsten is right, the difference is pay. Also, RN's with a bachelor degree get more responsibility in hospitals- you are also higher in the chain of command, so to speak.

Ideally they say that when you enter the nursing profession you should expect to continue your education throughout your career. I am going to go for my associates because it is cheaper, and while I am an RN I will plan to take classes towards the BSN. But some people want to just go for the BSN, get it over with, and come out ahead.