Plese HELP ME! How do I become a Nurse?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Hi all!redbeatheart.gifpinkheartbeat.gifredbeatheart.gif

Ok, here is the dilemma. I just recently graduated with a BA in Psychology. However..Now I really want to become a NURSEnurse.gif!!! (I am so mad at myself for not thinking about this earlier!!)

Anyway, I know there are MSN programs for those who already have a BS or BA in another field..but I am afraid that will be too hard for me as I have NO experience with anything science related.

So my question is this, at this point should I go for a BSN (ABSN) or an ADN (RN)? I am afraid the BSN/ABSN programs will also be too hard for me. So if I become an RN(ADN) and gain work experience, I think I will be better off, and more knowledgeable than if I were to go into a hard program which is less hands on.

My ultimate goal is to go onto Graduate School in the future (perhaps for CRNA)..do you think they will accept me with an ADN/RN and a BA in Psychology? I really don't see the point of having two Bachelor degrees.

I'm sorry for rambling..but I am freaking out. I feel like I am wasting time now but not knowing what to do. sad.gif

Thank you all and I look forward to reading your responses! bow.gif

PS: Oh and my graduating GPA wasn't all that good, so I am afraid I may not get into a ABSN or BSN program?!? sad.gif

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Hi and welcome...I'm going to move your post to the general student nursing forum so that you can get advice.

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Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

It depends...you could probably do a accelerated BSN..as you have that other degree..they have 18 month programs at a lot of schools. I would look at area schools and see what your options are...

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Specializes in Cardiac.
It depends...you could probably do a accelerated BSN..as you have that other degree..they have 18 month programs at a lot of schools. I would look at area schools and see what your options are...

I agree, you already have a BA, what good would an AS in Nursing do. Accelerated BSN if you can and you think going straight to an MSN would be difficult. Less time and hopefully in the long run less money if you want your BSN and MSN eventually

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Hi there! I would like to welcome you to allnurses.com. I have moved your thread to the General Nursing Section, in order more members will see and participate.

Meanwhile, if your goal is to be a nurse, particularly CRNA, I would begin by planning on an BSN (bachelor's degree in nursing) right off the bat. The CRNA holds a master's degree in nursing, plus additional education and experience as a nurse, generally in intensive care nursing of some sort.

They WILL accept you with an ADN (associate's degree) in your record, but you will have to obtain a BSN somewhere along the way----and then a master's degree.

Plan if you can, to earn a bachelor's degree.

Gain experience in nursing----particularly in intensive care areas, if possible----operating room and emergency nursing won't hurt either.

I was a horrible student in high school and my first attempt in college. I started my pre-requisite courses as a college dropout with a terrible GPA. I finished nursing school with a staight 4.0 all throughout. I am not all that smart; just determined. I have no doubt you have the smarts to do exactly the same thing. Don't be intimidated; you can do what you really work hard for!

Talk to the CRNAs on our board in the CRNA forum and gain better insight about how they reached their goals to gain clarity on what path to take to reach yours!

Here is the forum: https://allnurses.com/forums/f16/

good luck in everything you do.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.

Most nursing programs have pre-admissions requirements. I'm sure you've taken some of them before achieving your BSN, but there are probably others you'll need, too.

Most programs require Anatomy & Physiology I and II (human based) and Microbiology. Many also require any college level chemistry (1 semester), nutrition, developmental psychology (you've probably taken that), a math or statistics course. Other programs I've seen wanted a medical ethics (philosophy), and a pathophysiology course. Even more, some religious schools may require a semester or two of theology. Even if your previous GPA wasn't so great, make an effort to do your best in the pre-requisites. Schools may weigh the prerequisites higher than other courses, and others will weigh more recent classes.

As others have advised, I'd suggest trying to get into a Bachelor's program. There are some bridge programs of ADN+Bachelors towards an MSN program, but it will be additional courses and time.

I'd also suggest getting some hospital experience either through work or volunteering. It could be a good way to get references, which some programs want (both work and education based).

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Specializes in Interested in ER, L&D, Surg/Med.

i dont know if you could get a masters in nursing if you have a psychology degree, but you can try and find out

to your other question; i would either get an ADN and get your RN license then maybe your nursing job will pay for your BSN

OR

go straight to a BSN. especially an accelerated BSN. i know getting a second bachelors might be kind of waste but it being in nursing will pay off. as for your GPA. i wouldnt worry too bad about it, you after all did graduate and got a degree, i mean if it was that bad then you may not have graduated and got your degree in the first place.

to get to a masters program in nursing will require a bachelors soon or later anyway, whether you start with a ADN or not. so i would look in to schools. try your state's board of nursing site...it will give you schools and their programs that they give accreditation to.

HOPE IT HELPS & GOOD LUCK!

we are rooting for you! :w00t:

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my graduating gpa was a 2.987. yikes. it was all my fault though. i never did anything because i had no set goals for myself.. nor did i see the "light at the end of the tunnel".:sniff:

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Specializes in Interested in ER, L&D, Surg/Med.
my graduating gpa was a 2.987. yikes. it was all my fault though. i never did anything because i had no set goals for myself.. nor did i see the "light at the end of the tunnel".:sniff:

dont think so bad of yourself, just pick it up. especially since you really seem like your into this and really want to do it for real! go for it and dont be sad people, anyone can pick up their gpa and so can you! since your commited to following your new set goal just try hard and it will pick up in time!!!!

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MedicalDreams, I'm in the same boat as you!:nurse:

I feel like I'm repeating myself on here, but I just got my degree in Communications, have around a 3.0, want to go to nursing school, and don't know where to start! Recently, I've come to the conclusion that I'll get a BSN because I want to go on to school as well. I figure I have the time to go back full-time because I don't have kids and a family yet. I'm just really worried about my GPA and getting accepted. It seems the easiest to get an ASN, but I figure I'll be spending the same amount of time completing my pre-reqs.. if I were going to get a second bachelors degree. Like you said, I really do feel like I've wasted enough time getting a degree in something else! We'll eventually be nurses one day.. Don't give up! :heartbeat

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Specializes in Interested in ER, L&D, Surg/Med.

yes as for both of you

dont give up

it may seem like a waste of time but a BSN is the way to go!

i know neither of you want to repeat yourself but it would help out in the end!

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Actually if anyone here is from Chicago, UIC has a program for those who have a BA or BS in another field to get their MSN and RN along the way. I do not want to take that route YET..as I want some experience.

You can also apply to this program with an ADN (RN). All you have to do is three online courses ( bridge courses they are called) and that's it.

This is what I am planning to do because 1. I would like to work as a Nurse first before getting an MSN, and 2. Because Hospitals often offer tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness.

At this point in my life, I am all about saving $$Money$$...especially after graduating from a private University (DePaul).

However Loyola Chicago has an accelerated BSN program (ABSN) I am also looking into..:heartbeat

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