ChangingMyLife

Thanks Sunkissd. My biggest problem is that the Associate programs are only offered during the day. Because of this I am either going to apply for the evening and weekend BSN through West Suburban or the DePaul MSN. Giving up my job to go to school during the day is not an option. I also plan on having all my pre-reqs completed before starting. I'm either going to get my science courses through Triton or Oakton to help save some money. I do have to meet with counselors to go over my transcripts from my first bachelor's degree to see what they will accept(in the case of the BSN at West Suburban).

Two of the biggest problems with the ADN route in Chicago is the extensive waiting lists to get into the programs and the lack of night time and weekend classes. I do need to continue working, like most people. This ultimately is going to be the deciding factor. Although the BSN and MSN programs are more expensive they do make it fit a variety of schedules. Thanks for all the help.

Thank you for the reply. This helps considerably. The schools have been absolutely no help. I think I will look further into the ADN route. Thank you.

I am in the process of a career change and am shopping for a nursing program in Chicago. It seems the schools around the Chicago area are doing away with the BA-BSN option and are now pushing the MSN as the option for people with a previous degree other than a BS. Now I have nothing against more education and I do plan on continuing my education throughout my career,but I am a realist. I know that just because you attain a Master's degree there is no guarantee that you are going to have employers lined up outside the school waiting for you to graduate. In addition, I have learned over the years that the American school system is a business just like any other business and is there to make money. They would much rather sell you a graduate degree at a graduate degree price. So now the options in Chicago are an ADN, RN-BSN or an MSN degree. I have read numerous threads by people struggling to get jobs after completing their BSN while others with a GN are able to get their foot in the door right away. I personally would think that saving some money by getting my ADN and then proceeding with an advanced degree once I have a job in nursing would make more sense. Does anyone have a different opinion on this? I am truly looking for some guidance and would really appreciate the input. Thanks.

Now let me preface this by saying that I'm sure this has been covered at some point in a previous thread, but I just don't have the time to search all the threads so please bear with me. My info: I am looking to enter into nursing as a second career and currently have a B.A. so I am short on all the science courses. What I have read: Now it has been suggested that those changing to a career in nursing are best served by attaining an associate degree in nursing so that they can get to the bedside as soon as possible. Then you can decide how you would like to proceed. Does anyone else agree with this? If so, is it harder to get a job in a hospital in and around Chicago with an Associates degree as opposed to a BSN? Originally, I was looking at getting my pre-reqs out of the way and was looking at West Suburban in Oak Park since they offered evening and weekend classes since I do have to work. Other threads regarding West Suburban have definitely changed my mind about this school. Ultimately, I am looking for school suggestions as well depending on whether to proceed with the Associates or the BSN. One other thing: My sister is a new RN and has suggested I try to get a job in a hospital prior to going to school since the hospital will help pay for classes. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance for all the help. Larry