I've been doing pre-req's for B.S.N. for almost a year now at a local junior college. Today I finally got a hold of someone at the nursing school I want to go to at SJSU. They said that you can't go to nursing school if you're working full time.
I find it hard to believe that everyone who's become a nurse has done so straight out of highschool and everyone else has quit their job and moved into a homeless shelter while they go to nursing school...
Is there any practical way for someone to work full time and go to nursing school or should I find a new career? I am not willing to accept an associates degree, it's BSN or nothing.
If I were to do a straight BSN I would have the pre-reqs, plus the 4 years for a BSN.
I disagree. If all goes well and you're accepted right into the program, it should only take you 2 years full-time to get your BSN once you've completed your prerequisites which should also take only about two years full-time. I've realized that it can take just as long if not longer to get your ADN as it takes to get your BSN.
If your plan is in fact to get your MSN, from my research, I've noticed that a lot of 4 yr schools have RN-MSN degree programs which only require you have at least a year of experience. The majority of the RN-MSN degree programs at the schools here in NC are offered online.
Whatever you decide to do, I wish you the best of luck!
I thought about going to the University of Minnesota, but I still had 2 pre-req's to complete, and it is VERY competitive (almost everyone who is accepted has a 4.0 and all pre-req's completed). But even after doing all general pre-req's, there is still 3 years to complete BSN program there.
For the OP, just research the college's you want to get into, every college is different on what pre-req's they want completed, some want experience as a CNA, some don't, etc.
I have to agree with MotivatedOne - 2 years pre-req's and 2 years BSN nursing program. My goal is also NP or CRNA so for me going the BSN route would be faster. I have been taking pre-req's for a year and a half (3/4 time) and still have quite a ways to go, but our CC usually has a waiting list and would take to the same amount of time either way. I will probably have to continue working part-time once accepted but will cross that road when I get there. GOOD LUCK!!
I am really nervous about starting a new job, and going to nursing school full time in the fall. I have not been to school in years and I hope I have enough time to get into the swing of things! Not to mention, I have a long distance relationship to try to maintain while all of this is going on! How do you prioritize???
Specializes in SNU/SNF/MedSurg, SPCU Ortho/Neuro/Spine.
i am out of my house at 6 am, and back at 130am, have to shower, shave and everything in between, ah and sleep also duuuuuhhhh, in 4.5 hours! that is crazy but doable!!!
Some nursing programs will NOT take you if you are working even at all. It's a VERY demanding course & you really don't have TIME to work between class & clinicals.
Move back in with your parents. Have a boyf/fiance/husband support you. If these are absolutely not options, keep looking for someone who will help you out... rent a room for minimal rent & work only a few hours. It's an important step & once you've made the sacrifices for it, you WILL reap the benefits.
All good things come from sacrifice.
(Also, I realize some people DO manage to work full time & go to nursing school. That's AWESOME for them but I'm not risking my education/career over it. School comes FIRST.)
I'm doing my science prereqs this Fall (CHEM I )and in the Spring (Micro and A&P I). That way, I can apply to nursing school in Spring '09. I have a BA and MA but I must say I am still a little nervous about going back to school. That's precisely why I'm doing one class. I currently work full time, have three kids and a supportive husband and I'm determined to successfully complete my nursing program and start a new career.
Yes, there are alot of sacrifices involved but I think the investment I'm putting into a nursing career now will be much more of a benefit to my family in the end- - -flexibility, a mom/wife that's happy and satisfied, more career options, etc.
The point is this . . .be REALISTIC with yourself and your situation- - -Both my husband and I have been down this road before because we were both in grad school at the same time w/ two little kids. So, I know to expect. The up side was they didn't remember me not being there alot in the evenings because they were babies. It's going to be harder now because they are in school.
It was tough but as long as you are determined and you have LOTS of support - - -you can do it. Right now I'm going to a CC in MD that offers a part-time nursing program in the evenings and weekends. Most of the RNs I know that have been through similar programs say its going to be tough once it's time for me to take my clinicals. I'll cross that bridge when I get there!!
MotivatedOne
366 Posts
I disagree. If all goes well and you're accepted right into the program, it should only take you 2 years full-time to get your BSN once you've completed your prerequisites which should also take only about two years full-time. I've realized that it can take just as long if not longer to get your ADN as it takes to get your BSN.
If your plan is in fact to get your MSN, from my research, I've noticed that a lot of 4 yr schools have RN-MSN degree programs which only require you have at least a year of experience. The majority of the RN-MSN degree programs at the schools here in NC are offered online.
Whatever you decide to do, I wish you the best of luck!