Nursing as Second Career: Would like your advice...

[eclinicgal]

To all those who have gone before me -

I am 29 years old, with a bachelor's and master's degree in fields other than nursing. After being a critical care and emergency veterinary technician (like an RN but can administer anesthesia) for six years, I have been an animal pharma rep for the remainder. I have found myself in four corporate mergers in the same number of years. Although I've managed to survive the fall out of these mergers, it has only been with limited opportunity elsewhere and a steadily declining income.

I have always considered becoming an RN, even when I was studying for my degrees, I just never did it. Well, I have now committed to doing it, with the support of my DH and have started by enrolling in a CNA class while completing the four pre-req's that are too old to transfer at my local community college in order to gain experience.

I guess what I'd like to know from some of you is how to make sense of and choose a path for my nursing future. I see so many options available when it comes to education. I'm in L.A. and see that UCLA has an MSN program for folks that have a Bachelor's in another field to earn their RN. That program also makes one eligible to sit for CNL and Public Health Nursing, etc. I also see that there are numerous BSN programs out there. And, of course, there is the 2 yr. degree that would also allow me to take the RN exam. In reality, with the 4 pre-req's I have to retake (credits are too old), the MSN, BSN, and Assoc. will all result in me finishing school at around the same time, give or take a semester. Part of me is inclined to apply to a few of each type when my pre-reqs are done and take the MSN if I get selected.

The other part says, just do the Assoc., get my license, and hope my Master's in business help me out later.

I should say that we are able to live on DH's income alone so being able to work while in school is not a concern, although I would prefer to get my foot in the door somewhere, even if as a CNA. I'm not afraid of hard work and taking my kicks from the wise, learned nurses I'll encounter. Vet techs eat their young as well, and the woman I provided many an overnight snack to is now my best friend and mentor. :-)

What are your recommendations on what to do? Positives and negatives of each?

Thanks,

[willowita, ADN, RN]

I would just apply to all levels and see what ends up happening. There are a lot of particulars involved but you want to cover as many bases as you can. You just never know what might happen in the time that you apply. Especially in a competitive state like California.

I'm also in L.A. and something I keep hearing from all the nurses around me is that eventually, California is going to require a BSN so a BSN should be somewhere in your future plans. That's not to say you shouldn't do an ADN program. You can always do an RN to BSN program afterward.

[eclinicgal]

Willowita,

Thanks for your response. I have a sister that is an RN in rural Kansas, she hears the same whisperings although she has a 2 yr. degree and has a full-time staff position, part-time position, and still receives per-diem calls from an agency twice a week. Right now I'm going to focus on my CNA class and finishing my pre-reqs. When I've done that, I'm going to be the best GD CNA I can be and try to learn from the best. For now, I think I'll make a list of the schools and programs I'll apply to and go from there.

Thanks!!

[eclinicgal]

Willowita,

Thanks for your response. I have a sister that is an RN in rural Kansas, she hears the same whisperings although she has a 2 yr. degree and has a full-time staff position, part-time position, and still receives per-diem calls from an agency twice a week. Right now I'm going to focus on my CNA class and finishing my pre-reqs. When I've done that, I'm going to be the best GD CNA I can be and try to learn from the best. For now, I think I'll make a list of the schools and programs I'll apply to and go from there.

Thanks!!

[WillLeads2Way]

I'm in a similar situation as you (already have BS and MS in another field). I say go straight for the BSN if you can. My issue is all but one of the schools in the DC area are expensive so I'm taking the long route: ADN then RN-BSN program.

Best wishes!

[eclinicgal]

WillLeads2Way,

Thanks for the recommendation. I've been looking at the WGU BSN program for people who already have a degree. Just have to finish those curse pre-reqs. It makes me feel old! I get it, after all the Periodic Table of Elements has changed since my Gen Chem classes!! I suppose we all have to keep up.

We are fortunate here that the public CC's and universities are affordable in California. I think I will apply to two or three of each type and take the highest level program I am accepted to.

Good luck!!

[CDEWannaBe]

You're not old at all!

I'm 38 and taking prereqs to apply to an accelerated BSN program. Thought I'd be the oldest, but there are folks in their 50's doing the same thing. The accelerated program has even had new grads in their 60's.