Going back to school for a second degree..

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I am currently working fulltime and not sure how im going to pay for living expenses once I have to quit my job to go back to school. I have applied to one accelerated BSN program which is pretty expensive and an associates degree program which costs a lot less. Im just wondering which one will benifit me most in the long run, pay more and help me move up in the hospital. Some people tell me to just get the associates degree and then the hospital will pay me to get my bachelors. I just want to make the right decision and not be in debt forever! Does anyone have advice on what degree is the best and how to pay for living expenses while going to nursing school?

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Definitely associates

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I would suggest the associates because you could always do an RN to BSN bridge program later if you would like your bachelors. Hope this helps!

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Sorry posted twice!

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Specializes in Forensic Psych.

There will most likely not be an pay difference. I've heard of some places in other states that maybe give $0.25 more per hour for a BSN.

A BSN will benefit you in the long run, but it's possibly to go from an ADN to a BSN, so that's not so much an issue.

The two things I'd look at are job outlooks for ADNs vs BSNs in your area and cost difference. I personally could not justify the price difference of the $4500 ADN (which I had completely paid for by scholarships) and $45,000 accelerate BSN to work one year sooner. The RN-BSN bridge will only cost be around $7500 and I can work while I do it.

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I am in a similar boat as you, I already have my BS in Biology and have a full time job. Enjoying my job in biotech, but have always felt a calling to nursing. Thinking about signing up for a pre-req for this upcoming spring semester, and should be able to swing it, but was looking further into the program and not sure how time consuming the courses will be when they start to involve more clinical work. Anyone have any ideas?

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Specializes in Forensic Psych.
I am in a similar boat as you I already have my BS in Biology and have a full time job. Enjoying my job in biotech, but have always felt a calling to nursing. Thinking about signing up for a pre-req for this upcoming spring semester, and should be able to swing it, but was looking further into the program and not sure how time consuming the courses will be when they start to involve more clinical work. Anyone have any ideas?[/quote']

Nursing school will eat your life.

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Specializes in LTC.

I'd go ADN, because scholarship can cover a lot of cost. And yes, say goodbye to everything you used to enjoy for several years. Nursing school, the life crusher!

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Specializes in ED.

If it were me, and job prospects in my area were good for ADN grads, I'd go for the ADN (which is what I have). My step-brother's girlfriend is about to start an accelerated BSN program and she is going to hate her life, lol. She was complaining to me over the summer about how hard and stressful her A&P class was...oh how I laughed.

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Specializes in HIV, Psych, GI, Hepatology, Research.

I agree with ADN then get your BSN later if you wish to.

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Specializes in Peds OR as RN, Peds ENT as NP.

I would suggest BSN if able to get loans/scholarships. I had a BS before my BSN and only considered ASN programs if I was not accepted to any BSN programs. However, I am single with no kids. Yes, a BSN has more expenses but you'll be done. Work is not guaranteed either way just read the posts on this site :/. Best of luck no matter what you choose!

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It depends on what the healthcare facilities are looking for in your area. These days many HR depts are looking for BSNs over ADNs, I'm not sure why! Just do a little research on where you are looking for work as a RN before making a decision.

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