librarific

So, my heart is set on becoming an RN, like most of you guys. And, like some of you, I have no idea where to begin. I guess it comes down to two questions: How competitive are accelerated BSN programs, really? and How practical is it to pursue a BSN while working full-time as an RN? Here's my biography: I already have a bachelor's and technically a master's, am currently in grad school for something completely different. I have four years of home health aide experience and one year as a (forgive the pretentious title) "senior hospital assistant" at UC Berkeley under my belt. I'm beginning prerequisites for nursing school (anatomy, physiology, microbiology, the usual), but I'm not sure which path to go from there. I would definitely like to get a BSN at some point. Since I have a bachelor's, those accelerated BSN programs for people with bachelor's seem like a nice fit, but I have reservations about it. I would effectively be dropping out of grad school for nursing, and since BSN programs seem to be pretty competitive and focused on academic potential, that would put me at a disadvantage (I think). On the other hand, if practical medical experience is a factor in admissions decisions, that would weigh in my favor. The associate degree programs in my area are all way overcrowded, so I was thinking of going to a hospital diploma program. I've heard somewhere that the hospital programs are supposed to be more clinically-intensive, which would be a plus. I know you can get a job with a diploma education, and I've heard of many nurses pursuing BSNs while working. However, I'm concerned that that might just be wishful thinking and it would turn out to be too difficult to get a BSN while working (although I don't have a family or much of a life, so I'd have fewer distractions). Excuse the long posting, and thank you for any input you can give.

First off, congratulations to you guys for getting into St. Margaret's and for those of you who have already graduated. For those of you still going there, I have some questions about your experiences. Is the tuition loan forgiveness program still in place? I understand that it was cancelled at UPMC Shadyside and (perhaps) UPMC Mercy. Secondly, is the location a problem? I was thinking of potentially applying sometime in the far off future, but I am already thinking about practical issues. The location in Blawnox (or McKeesport, for that matter) seems awkward since I would not have a car. Even if I moved to Blawnox, there would be clinicals to get to, and it would be better to live in a more central location to get to those.