Nursing advice needed!!!

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Hello, my name is Jessica L. I am a senior in high school and in the process of applying to colleges/univ. My goal is to become an RN to start off. I am trying to get a job as soon as possible because I have money issues and I am trying to help my family financialy ASAP, and I thought I'd get my ADN so I can finish that in 2 years, and get working. Then I could save up money and get my BSN to open up more opportunities. However, is this possible? Because I read that getting your ADN and BSN is the same thing except the BSN opens you up to more opportunities, which I want later in the future, when I can save up my own money. Also, I read it is required for me to get a CNA, that lasts a 3-4 months but when would I do that? Is this part of the ADN and/or BSN course. Side note: I am a well rounded student, great grade, high gpa, class president, sports, clubs, community service, etc, not trying to sound cocky, but I worked really hard, because again, money has always been an issue for me. Thank you so much taking time out of your busy schedule to read this! I TRULY appreciate it.

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Specializes in Pedi.

You will not be able to finish your ADN in 2 years right out of high school. The program is 2 years after you are admitted but there are many pre-reqs you must complete first. At your age, you are much better off going for a traditional pre-licensure BSN program.

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Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

CNA programs very in length. When I got my certification the community colleges really tried to get student to go through their 15 credit full quarter long training (about 3.5 months) however there were many private vocational programs which also offered training - some in as little as 4 weeks.

If and when you get training is up to you. A few nursing programs require incoming students have CNA training but not all. This may affect your timing if you want to apply to a program that requires CNA coursework. You could take a class over the summer, or look into weekend/evening class options if you are able to handle the additional course load during the year.

If the program does not require the CNA in advance, it is also possible to challenge the certification exam with a letter from your school - usually a couple quarters into the nursing program.

Coming out of high school you have a few options for pursinging school. You can apply to a university 4 year program. Typically this means 2 years of pre-reqs an application to the nursing program and 2 years of nursing coursework. Some programs allow direct admission as an undergrad - in which case your first two years are still mostly pre-reqs but you are admitted to both the university and the nursing program simultaneously as freshman.

Another option is to apply to community college, take 2 years of pre-reqs and then transfer to a 4 year university for the nursing program. This may save you some money as community college tuition is typically much cheaper, but does carry the disadvantage that there are typically very limited spots for transfer students (I think local university accepts 6 per year into the BSN program).

Third option is to apply to community college, take your pre-reqs, and then stay at the community college for an ASN degree. This is much more affordable. You still have to option to bridge to BSN later.

Time wise it doesn't make much difference to do ASN vs. BSN at your age, and BSN will likely allow greater employment opportunities after graduation. Cost wise the ASN will likely be much more affordable. In either case you can work during school to such extent as you feel able to balance.

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Thank you so, very much! I really mean it!

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THANK YOU SOOO SOOO MUCH!! I really appreciate you taking the time to help me figure things out!

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[COLOR=#000000]Wow! Thank you a lot! I am so happy to have received this help! [/COLOR]

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You will not be able to finish your ADN in 2 years right out of high school. The program is 2 years after you are admitted but there are many pre-reqs you must complete first. At your age, you are much better off going for a traditional pre-licensure BSN program.

I did it. It's hard to do but it can be done. I was an RN at the age of 19.

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You will not be able to finish your ADN in 2 years right out of high school. The program is 2 years after you are admitted but there are many pre-reqs you must complete first. At your age, you are much better off going for a traditional pre-licensure BSN program.

Not necessarily true. At my school, you CAN complete the entire program in 2 years, no pre-reqs required. It's not easy and most people choose not to do it that way (and most have previous college classes that transfer), but it's possible.

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Many hospitals still do hire ADN graduates on the contingency of obtaining your BSN within a certain time frame. It really depends on the job market and hospitals in the area.

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Hi Jessica. You have received alot of great information above. I have been a nurse 21 years and did the adn. It took me three years and includes the prereq. I was 29 and married so wanted a job asap. But if I knew now what I knew then I would do the BSN. Here where I live the hospitals, mostly require you get your BSN within six years as an employment condition. I am 52 and where I work I don't have to do that. I would like to but also I love having a good job and being able to have my hobbies and such. And when I had my sons obviously I had to work and no time for schooling to raise them. Just some thoughts. If you would ever need advice I would be happy to help, mentor. Good choice in careers and good job on all your hard work!

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Specializes in PCCN.

how set are you being an RN? are you thinking of being an NP in the future. I know they are not the same, but you might want to check out physician's assistant instead. 4 years school, and you should have a job after that. Plus, a lot more respect and less abuse.

Just saying, you might want to consider all your options.

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The route I took was all my prerequisites at a community college and got my Associate of Arts and that took me 2 years. Then I took my Associate of Science RN which took me an additional 2 years. I started working as a RN right away. Then while I was working I took the ADN-BSN bridge program. Since I already had my AA I only needed to take 1 extra course and was able to complete my BSN (and PHN) in 18 months. I went to a private university and able to save a lot of money. Granted taking this route took more time but saved a ton of money. I would suggest taking your CNA and getting a job with that. That helps give you experience and able to work in the field.

I would avoid taking the LVN/LPN route. Many hospitals are not hiring and it will take you longer. Since you want to work right away I would highly suggest not taking that route. I would also suggest not going to the programs (National Academy etc) or the programs like that as the credits do not transfer. Make sure that the school you pick is national accredited and counts towards the transfer.

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