Please help me!! New in nursing

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Hi, guys.

I just made a decision to become a nurse!

However, because i got married and am not young(28), I want to go to grad nursing school.

I already have a Bachelor's degree in non-nursing or science field but I have taken

2 bio classes, 2 gen chem, 1 org chem, 1 physics, and 1 biochem.

Besides, Im gonna take anatomy, developmental psych, nutrition, physiology, and microbio during Summer & Fall 2011.

I have checked some top-ranking schools for master of nursing program but some schools dont provide any specific

program for the person like me. They provide accelerated undergrad program instead.

Good news is there are still many schools providing master program with BN and require GRE score.

Can anyone give me advice about what program will be good for the person like me and

how to prepare for GRE?

I have pretty high GPA; little over 3.5, a BA at UC Berkeley, and have experience as a medic in Korean Army for 2 yrs.

Im looking forward to your reply and Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!

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If you do not have a bachelor degree in nursing already, you cannot enter a graudate nursing program. You must first get your bachelor degree in nursing, even if you have a bachelors in another field already. I did an accelerated 2nd degree program (my first degree was in biology), so I would recommend a program like this if you are wanting to get through school quickly. I did my program at Georgetown University, and it was around 16 months. You may be able to find a bachelors to masters program, which is longer but you will end up graduating with a masters degree. Hope this helps. Good luck.

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First of all, thanks for your reply.

I actually found some schools that accept students with Bachelor's degree in non-science field if they take GRE and finish

some of requirements. The program is actually for BN and MS together but they are connected in that program; after you finish

about one-yr long intensive course, you take exam to become RN and study continuously for master degree, which is guaranteed.

Anyways, thanks for your info about accelerated program!!!

David

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Right, what I meant was you can't just skip to MSN without getting your BSN.. I was trying to say the bridge programs where you do BSN-MSN, but it sounds like you already learned about those :) Good luck!

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Thanks alot!!!

But any tips for GRE?????

Do u know wat prep program and wat books are good for GRE????

I have no idea :(

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Specializes in CVICU.

I also got my BSN through an accelerated program (I have my first degree in Exercise Phys). Anyway, my program required the GRE and having been out of college for over 11 years, I went with the "GRE for Dummies" book. It was helpful and I scored well on the GRE. I thought it was a pretty decent review and gives a lot of tips for taking the GRE. You can find it and many other review books/courses at any bookstore and online.

Good luck to you!

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.
If you do not have a bachelor degree in nursing already, you cannot enter a graudate nursing program. You must first get your bachelor degree in nursing, even if you have a bachelors in another field already. I did an accelerated 2nd degree program (my first degree was in biology), so I would recommend a program like this if you are wanting to get through school quickly. I did my program at Georgetown University, and it was around 16 months. You may be able to find a bachelors to masters program, which is longer but you will end up graduating with a masters degree. Hope this helps. Good luck.

This is not true, they have an ENTRY level master's program at some schools.

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

Here is an example of one such program:

http://prospective.westernu.edu/nursing-msn-entry/welcome

They require a bachelors in any field, all nursing prereqs, and you are able to get your RN at the completion of the program. It wont enable you to function in advanced practice roles like NP, but it is an entry option that would be suitable for you.

I'm sorry I can't give any advice on the GRE

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The GRE pretty much sucks. There is really no way to prepare for the verbal section, but go out and buy a study book for the quantitative section and written part. It's not hard math, but it's formulas and things you probably haven't thought about since 8th grade. I used the Kaplan book, and I felt it was quite helpful. I took it in '09 and unfortunately changed my path so I will have to take it again when I want to get into grad school for nursing. I'm going the BSN then MSN route.

Oh, and yes, you are correct, you don't have to have a BSN to get an MSN. There are many entry level masters programs, but be aware it might be more difficult to find a job as an NP once you graduate since you will have no experience. Here's a great page which lists all the accelerated programs in the country. Check out the last page which lists masters programs. Some offer advanced practice programs while others just offer a general MSN. Do your research to be sure the school you choose will prepare you to sit for the certification exam you are wanting: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Education/pdf/APLIST.PDF

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Specializes in ER/ICU/STICU.

Like others have said you can buy a study book that gives you little inside tricks to help you get the right answer, but other than that you need to just study words. I personally think the GRE is a scam just to make money$$$. You will see when you take the test that it is a very poor way to evaluate how someone will do in grad school. As others have mentioned I think your best bet is a BSN-MSN program. If you do a google search you will find tons of information about the different programs out there.

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