Not sure where to start

the six of us · Nov 11, 2008

There are many quality BSN programs in VA, just depends on your specific area and if your willing to relocate within the state. With most programs that I have investigated, you definatly have a good enough GPA! :up: There is ODU, HU, NSU, UVA...etc. Even some of the hospital programs are switching to BSN programs, so keep any eye out for that too. Good luck!

iluvmysailor · Nov 13, 2008

I totally agree with Six! Everyone has to start somewhere and it's never too late! My mom just graduated with her bachelor's two years ago at the age of fifty. If you're still interested in being in the military, there are a lot of resources for joining the nurse corps. I know ODU has a special ROTC for nurses - free education, you're a nurse, and you're a commissioned officer. Good luck!

Flames9_RN, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Nov 13, 2008

One should still consider the ADN route. There are a few benefits to going that route 1) You finish faster 2) Most hospitals have an education package, so that wil help pay for your BSN 3) ADN is usually less expensive 4) some ADN schools have a higher NCLEX passign rate. One just has to ensure your credits will transfer to another school. plus and negatives of each route, one just has to make an informed decision.

Cilantrophobe · Nov 16, 2008

I too have recently gotten out of the military. It was hard and scary but I have always wanted to do something in the medical field and never imagined myself doing construction in the military for the rest of my life.

If you are within the NVCC area I would recommend starting by taking NAS 161 and 162. If I had it my way I would be doing the NVCC/GMU 2+1 BSN program.

I have a horrible GPA from high school and never even took the SATs and only took one class (speech) while in the military. And now I have a 3.95 GPA...

You say "attempt a BSN if there is any possibility" why wouldn't that be a possibility? I personally am going for my BSN after I graduate nursing school and get a job. My husband is single-handedly supporting our family and a BSN will have to wait.

If you only graduated high school 4 years ago you are in a very good position right now. You are young, you have the GI Bill (I am assuming). The possibilities are endless! And trust me, everyone has a chance of getting into a nursing program. Just work hard, and take school seriously. There are many paths you can take (more or less depending on your area) but I say aim high.

april er · Nov 16, 2008

vcu in richmond,va is good and mary washington, in fredericksburg is good so i hear, what part of va are u in

tonyg128 · Dec 8, 2008

Thanks all, your answers are really helpful. Im going to apply to ODU, and VCU and see what happens there. If I dont get into one of there BSN programs I will look into ADN programs offered in the area. I live in Fredericksburg now but I plan on going where the work takes me, lol. Thanks again all.

AprilNK · Feb 2, 2009

With your GI Bill and all of it's benefits, I would definitely recommend a BSN program! Get it done now before life becomes "too busy". And you might as well use your GI Bill to the max. Paying for the program really shouldn't be a problem with that! I really don't have any good suggestions for a specific program but you should definitely be able to get into a BSN program. Most of the time you are pre-nursing major for your first year while you are working on your gen ed classes and then get accepted to the RN program in your second year, or something to that extent so with a BSN program you won't have to worry about getting gen ed requirements finished before you can apply or worry about them transferring from one school to another. Good luck!