BlueHour

I don't know regarding the above. Plausible...I'm in an ABSN program, but others in my area have shut down to become CNL programs. Oops, posted before I was finished... I think it's about the money and prestige of having master's/doctoral programs. Why have students commit to 12-15 months, when you can get them hooked for at least a couple years. The CNL designation is also a carrot, I believe. They make students believe they will be promoted faster than the average RN, but I have yet to see this happen.

I'm in an accelerated BSN program. I have seen people fall by the wayside because they did not have their eyes open when entering the field and find they can't stand bedside nursing. I love it, but some days I feel like the exception (most just want to go straight into a graduate program). Still, it's impossible to avoid the bedside altogether, and it's a slog if you realize you really dislike it, even with advanced practice on the horizon. Please don't dip into your IRA unless you are sure this is what you want to do. The advice to volunteer or shadow is good. I was in the corporate world too and volunteered in a perioperative setting for 2 years before deciding I wanted to make the transition. It is so worth it if you heart is in it, but I wouldn't advise the switch for any other reason. Nursing can wear you down, and you have a high chance of becoming disenchanted if you're not fully committed to your path.