Please help!!! I am new to all of this!!!

Yes, you can just get your BSN if you have a HS diploma. You just have to check out the colleges or universities in your area and make a few phone calls.

"I just read something that said you had to have an RN first before getting a BSN. Is that really the case?"

No.

"I didnt want to have to go to one school, take the RN state test, then go back to school again for a RN to BSN."

You don't have to. You CAN - if you get a two year degree (ASN or ADN) then attend an RN-BSN program. Some people like this option because they want to get their RN license, then have someone else pay for the rest of trip.

"Isn't there a way to just got to get a BSN and go once and get it over with?"

Yes. You go to a school that offers a BSN program.

You can absolutely obtain BSN w/out RN first! In fact, that is what most universities and 4 yr colleges offer; Most 2 year programs are thru community colleges, etc (although, yes some 4 yrs offer the ADN as well.) Kudos to you by the way for making this decision! I am 29 and although I have been to college before, this is my 4th sem for pre-nursing. I want my RN first though, and then later if I decide to get BSN hopefully God will open that door too. Check out some threads that discuss the RN to BSN routes, or just BSN routes, etc. There are several. I will say that it seems most seem to recommend RN first, but that doesn't mean it has to be that way for you! Good Luck to you!!

Hi JessicaBSN,

Yes, there is a way! enrolled in a 4year degree to

get your BSN. you don't have to be a Registered Nurse before

getting your BSN.

The RN to BSN option are for individuals who are Registered Nurses with a 2yrs college education (Associates Degree..in Nursing...aka ADN) who want to get their Bachelors degree in Nursing.

Individuals who have not yet completed an associates degree in Nursing can go straight for the 4yr degree BSN (like yourself) or 2yr degree (ADN)

When it comes to getting your RN you could go 3 ways

(actually 3 ways if you go the LPN route which is usually

about 12 to 18months to complete the whole program):

1. Go to a college that offers a 2yr degree

(some hospitals offer their own curriculum but they usually offer it as a diploma)

You may read and hear it takes only 2years, but this is only for the

clinical portion-meaning the MAIN nursing classes.

These classes generally

theory (in class lecture)

clinical (hands on practice in health care facility)

The prerequisites usually take 1 to 2years depending if you are

full time or part time student

2. Go to a college that offers you a 4yr degree:

with the 4yr degree you have more research papers to write and a little

more in depth nursing courses ounce you get to the end of your degree.

-you have to take prerequisites (mostly science classes)

and corequesties (music, theology, blah-blah classes)

help you to be a more well-rounded professional :-)

Again, it may take 1yr or longer just to complete the pre-reqs, depending how many classes you take at a time.

Both the 2yr or 4yr degree will grant you the opportunity to complete the

courses you need to qualify you to sit for the State board exam

called the NCLEX to receive you license to practice nursing- RN

my advice...stick with your plan to get your BSN.

I hear that some hospitals like in NY are requiring this.

You may not live in NY but I'm sure over time the majority of

hospitals are going to require BSNs.

And do well in your science classes.

when it comes to decided who will get a seat in the next available clinical classes they look at how well you did in your science courses.

You may have to take an entrance exam before even putting in your application to the nursing department.

Be mindful that some colleges have a wait-list. meaning you've meant all the requirements to begin your clinical but may have about 50 or more students before you waiting to begin-even after finishing all your pre-req's and co-req's. All in All, be successful in your endeavors!

Sorry so long, you may have already known half of this info.

dance your way to your BSN girl!:dancgrp:

Thank you all so very much for all your information and help! This is all very overwhelming and scary. Not knowing much about college, I am so afraid I will make the wrong decision. I really want this and I know I can do it!!! I need to do it for me and my daughter. Best wishes to all of you and thanks again. : )