Nursing as a Second Career

Nurses Career Support

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Hello all, I'm new to the forum so please forgive me if I'm posting this question in the wrong place and I'm sure it's been asked before (I didn't find it in my brief search).

I'm considering a career change to nursing and I'm not sure which is the best route to go (ADN Vs. BSN). I already have a BA in communications, but I don't have very many of the nursing pre-reqs under my belt. I can't be out of work for too long, actually I really can't afford to be out of work at all (I'm married and have a four year old).

I wanted to get other people's opinions on which route to go. Since I already have a BA would that work in my favor towards getting the ADN and moving on to the BSN at a later time once I become a nurse, or would it be better to go straight for the BSN? (By better I mean, better job opportunities, better pay, etc).

Thanks for your help and input.

Michael J.

Specializes in Oncology/BMT.

Michael -

Nursing is an excellent profession! There are accelerated BSN programs out there, but most require a previous BS degree. I would suggest taking the hospital-based diploma program or associate degree route. You can always go back for a BSN later, often with financial assistance from your employer. I attended a hospital-based diploma program (22 months) and obtained my BSN in 13 months.

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I understand that the BSN is more research related whereas the ADN is more clinically focused. I also chose the ADN because the local state university offers an RN to Master's bridge program, in which I will be able to 'skip' the BSN course work and continue on to obtain the MSN for Nurse Practitioner (in the future). If your ultimate goal is to go into research or nurse education, BSN is likely the appropriate degree, though there are BSNs on the floors.

Respectfully, the BSN is not "more research-related," although it does prepare you to evaluate research as a nurse. Generally speaking, BSNs receive as much clinical training as ADNs. Although I obviously am not familiar with each and every ADN program, those in my area do not include individual courses in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and public health, all clinically relevant and required for my BSN.

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Thanks, everybody, for your responses. I have a lot to think about...

No matter which route I choose, I have to take some pre-requisite classes first. It really looks like both paths would take about the same amount of time (if I'm looking at things correctly the BSN route looks like it might take 1 semester longer than the ADN). I think I'm leaning towards the BSN since it's not really that much longer than the ADN.

My main concern is making it through financially!! I've been working since I was 15 (about to turn 32 in a couple of months) and don't know how to function w/o a paycheck coming in. Of course my wife would still be working, but as it is now, my paycheck pays the big bills (rent, car payment, insurance, etc). I've got to figure this part out as well...

Thanks again.

Michael

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Hello, I also want to change my career to nursing. I have a bachelors in Criminal Justice, and am trying to go the ADN route. I have been doing some research and, I do eventually want to get a BSN, and oneday a Master's! But for now, I want to get into the field to see how I really enjoy everything. There are so many bride programs, RN-MSN, RN-BSN, there are many opportunities for advancement once you get through the ADN program. Let us know what you decide! It is an exciting and scary time, changing from one career to another! Good Luck in your decision.

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Well, here it is eight months later and I'm really not any closer to a decision. :confused: We ran into some difficulties and things had to be put on the back burner, but now I'm firing the stove up again. I really think I'm going to try to go the BSN route. Either way I have some science courses that I have to take in order for any of this to happen. Online registration opens up in about a month for the JC that's closest to me so hopefully I can get the classes that I want/need at the right times.

I've been thinking about getting a CNA license so that I can get some experience and possibly have a more flexible job while I go back to school. Any thoughts/ideas about that?

Thanks for all of your help and advice!!

Michael

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