what to do next?

[emilytwo]

I know I want to go on to get my Bachelor's and possibly my Master's. I just don't know whether or not to go straight back to school or take a year off. Any suggestions?

[Wen83]

It really depends on what you feel like you can handle and what you really want. Right now I'm getting my BSN. When I first started I wanted to graduate, get my RN and then continue on to get my masters to be an FNP. The closer I come to graduation the more I realize that I would like to work a few years, make some money and see what I really like and don't like before diving back into school. Besides, I feel like I need a little break I need to get my head out of the nursing textbooks and spend some time trying to get my social life back together

[neneRN, BSN, RN]

I think if you take time off from school, you might see that year stretching into several. I graduated 5 years ago, with the thought of going back after a year....just now applied to go back this summer. It was just so nice after nursing school to just go to work and not have to worry about fitting in studying/classes that it became easier to put off as the years went by.

On the other hand, taking a year off really lets you focus on finding yourself as a nurse. The first year out of school is the hardest and adding school is going to increase your stress level immensely.

Guess it really boils down to your personality, if you know yourself well enough to say that no matter what, I'm going back to school in one year, then yes, take the year off. However if you're a chronic procrastinator like I am....

[labcat01, BSN, RN]

What is your kid situation? How about money? If you don't have any children i'd say keep going as far as you want with your education (because having kids makes it a lot harder). Also, if your ok on money and can afford it then why not finish while you can?