Pre-nursing student asks, should I get the BSN?

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Hi folks,

Has this question been answered before? I'm probably going to sound like a real newbie here, which, of course, I am!

I'm a pre-nursing student, and I've finished my first semester of pre-reqs with all 4.0s. I will start applying to schools Fall of 2010 for entry hopefully Summer or Fall of 2011. I've pretty much got all the reqs to be accepted (it's a point system) to the local ADN program. I'd be able to enter into their accellerated program for people with Bachelor's degrees. But I'm seriously thinking that I want to focus on working for the VA hospitals when I graduate. Are there schools/programs I should look into now for getting my ADN or BSN?

My question is, how should I proceed? Does anyone have advice?

Should I try to get work now in the VA as a nurse aid? Will they help me pay for school if I do?

Should I get my ADN and then apply at the VA and hopefully they'll help me towards my BSN?

Should I get my BSN now and then apply for a job? Do they have loan forgiveness programs?

Does the VA offer grant money if you agree to work for them for a number of years after? Does it depend on the hospital?

I already have about $12k in debt from my Bachelor's and prereqs for nursing. I really have felt a strong calling to do make this career switch. Any advice?

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Answering the question in your thread title, if you have the opportunity to obtain a BSN, that is the program you should attend, all things considered. Questions about the VA should be directed to a person in the HR department of your local VA hospital. You will get up to date information from the horse's mouth.

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Hey thanks!

And I finally finished the whole sticky thread at the top of this forum and realized that was probably a better place to ask my questions. :imbar

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You can get a lot of info reading about people's experiences on the site, but sometimes things have changed or there are special circumstances that may or may not apply to you. That is why it is always better to go to the source and possibly avoid disappointment.

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

Get a job as a nursing assistant in the VA or otherwise. Most hospitals around here have a education benefit. Our hospital pays up to $5,600 a year for education - catch is you owe them time, but then they will work harder to get you a job once you become an RN. If you can get into a BSN program in the same time frame as an ADN program, go for the BSN. If there is a couple years wait, take whatever you can get into first. You can always build on the basics later if you wish. (on the floor, there is no difference really between a BSN and ADN, at least not here in Phoenix)

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

If you can get your foot in the VA as a CNA do it. It will be easier for you to be hired as a RN if you are already in the system. In the VA there is a pretty good pay difference between a ADN and BSN. So as stated in previous post get your BSN if it takes the same time as your ADN. One thing to speak with the local HR rep for the VA is the VALOR program vs working as a CNA.

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Thanks for all the advice guys! I'm taking a PCT class in the spring. I'm hoping to get a p/t job as a nurse's aid somewhere, so I can quit my full time day job to focus on getting my RN prereqs taken at a faster pace.

There is no VA hospital in my hometown. Just a clinic. (I'd actually really prefer to move away from my current home anyway depending on where I get accepted to school.) But I'm sure there's opportunities right now to volunteer with the VA system within a reasonable driving distance to see how well I fit in. Volunteering at a hospital has taught me a lot about who I am and what's important to me.

Thanks again for the tips, you all are awesome. I welcome any and all advice!

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