Nursing as a Second Degree

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Ok here is my situation and any feedback is very much appreciated....

I have my masters in social work and I am seriously thinking about going back to school for nursing. I have done some research on RN & BSN programs and the requirements involved, and I noticed that every school is different in regards to the pre-req's.

Which program (RN vs BSN) would be more feasible to complete within 2 years as well as cost and not to mention which program would be easier to get accepted in the state of California or Maryland?

Wow Thanks to all who responded/continue to respond...there are so many options on this issue...I'm still on the fence between a RN vs BSN program. :redbeathe

:yeah:Thanks "WantAccel.BSN". I work for LA County and you must def understand my frustration in the field of social work...I went from 35 cases to 23 so I'm finally breathing at the moment but I still deal with crisis daily. I love what I do but the work is never done, it's underappreciated, and underpaid...I think it's time to look into another helping profession.

:bow: Thanks " ED4Life" for the info. I'm trying to figure out if its more feasible to move back at home (Maryland) and go to a CC or try the Accelerated BSN at Univ. of Maryland (my alma matter) or Georgetown University (private school in DC).

As far as getting in I don't know if I have a better chance of getting into MD or Cali. I'm hearing horror stories of years of how long the wait list are in Cali for CC and BSN but I'm still researching...If I stay here I'm looking at Azuza Pacific Univ. in Azuza, Pasadena City College, or maybe up North SF State U, or Univ. of SF, inside/outside the city.

As for Financial Aide....is it just me or that for second degree'ers there are no grants/pell grants out there...I did my FAFSA for Spring 09' and I didn't qualify for any grants (of course) b/c I'm working FT right now...but is it true say I quit my job and go PT next year and then re-do my FAFSA I will be able to get some grants then? So many questions...

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You can't get pell grants for a second degree.

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These are good points; thank you. I don't remember where I'd heard one earns more w/ a BSN than an AA RN. It's possible I mixed future BSN earning power w/ higher starting wages. Good luck w/ your teaching hospital plan! I think that would be a perfect setup.

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I don't think one is eligible for any grants, or work-study, for a second bach. I earned less than $20K last year, but post-FAFSA submission was eligible for loans only. I've pored over some scholarship lists, but those few I appeared to be eligible for were offering small sums to a limited no. (competition here too) of individuals. To try and put together one's funding through scholarships seems a time-consuming process w/ uncertain yield. I'd feel better knowing the money were definitely there before I started nursing school, even if I had to pay it back.:yeahthat:

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All of this info is so encouraging and has been very helpful. I have a degree in Mass Communications and recently met w/ a counselor and the assessment office of my local community college. I left disappointed. None of my previous math courses will transfer, nor will any of my science courses transfer b/c Mass Comm is a non-science major. Basically, I would have to start all over again. I would have to take several math courses before I can take Chemistry and all of the pre reqs required prior to even applying to nursing school has pre reqs none of which I've ever taken. I thought about the accelerated route but I can't afford to not work. At least for the first year I would have to work and eventually stop towards my second year of nursing school. I'm really disappointed b/c I would have been able to apply to nursing school next year if everything transferred. Now I don't know when I'll be able to apply. The only good thing was that I would be more focused on doing everything right b/c of having to start over and once I have the ADN I could go back and get the BSN, MSN at the hospital's expense. I feel so sad though :cry:. But, this will be a story I'll tell my kids one day of all the set backs and disappointments I faced in pursuing my dream(s).

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HoneyChild-- Don't be discouraged! In five years from now when you're a nurse you won't think about that one or two extra semesters it took to take those extra pre-reqs! It's worth it.

I'm in the same situation as you... I got my degree in Communications, have almost all the pre-reqs taken (Chem, Stats, Anatomy, Math), but it turns out I will have to retake almost all of them because I didn't get a high enough grade. It sucks to retake these classes big time, but if nursing is what you want to do, it'll def be worth it.

Are you applying to a ASN program? I was leaning towards Accelerated BSN, but I am now thinking of doing ASN. I heard that if you have your BS or BA in something else, and have your ASN, you can apply to get your MSN pretty easily. If someone knows more about this, I would love to hear about it!

Good luck Honey, you can do it!:up:

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Cari001 thank you so very much for your encouraging words. It is encouraging to know that you are not completely alone; even though at times that's truly how you feel. My goal is to apply to the ASN program so that once I'm an RN I can study for the MSN. Regardless of it all, I have to do this. All the best to you and your endeavors. :D

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:yeah:Thanks "WantAccel.BSN". I work for LA County and you must def understand my frustration in the field of social work...I went from 35 cases to 23 so I'm finally breathing at the moment but I still deal with crisis daily. I love what I do but the work is never done, it's underappreciated, and underpaid...I think it's time to look into another helping profession.

I'm not trying to rain on your parade, just some food for thought... your words here about too heavy a caseload, the work never being done, being underappreciated and underpaid... many nurses have these exact same complaints!

So make sure you know what you're getting into with nursing and what it is that you are looking for in nursing... and that nursing can in fact provide whatever it is that social work isn't providing you.

Instead of having too many social work cases, you might have too many sick patients that you need to attend to during your 12 hour shift. Instead of being on call as a social worker, you'd likely have to work some nights/weekends/holidays as a nurse. The documentation requirements in nursing, just like other helping fields, has grown exponentially and take a good deal of time - that management doesn't often acknowledge. You'll still have to deal with uncooperative family members as a nurse and sometimes unappreciative patients. You may too often feel like you don't have the time to do more than the bare minimum to take care of patients... I imagine this is an issue as a social worker as well.

If you could get a social work position in a hospital or other health care facility, that might be a good way to scope out nursing and to start dipping your toes into health care - while still working full time!

Just suggestions and food for thought!!! Best of luck to you!!

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