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akanini - That's awesome! Did you get advice from an academic advisor or talk to any hiring managers before you made the decision to go straight for your MSN? I mean, it sounds logical to go straight for the MSN if you are an RN with a BA/BS. That's why I'm confused when I see job postings that require a MSN, asking for a BSN & MSN. Do you think you will encounter any issues when applying for advanced work? Good luck with the program and thanks for your input!

Hey jaclynmarie88, ALL nursing programs are competitive. ALL of them. With that said, even when schools post 2.8 or 3.0 GPA as a requirement to even be considered, they RARELY accept applicants with a GPA under 3.5 as they have tons of applicants with 3.8 and even 4.0 GPAs. You should call the ABSN programs you are interested in attending and they will tell you if someone in your position should spend time and money applying. Find out what they are mainly interested in; your essay, your GPA, your references or do they look at the ENTIRE application + an interview before making their selections. You MIGHT get a positive response. You will never know until you ask. I was in a similar situation because my undergraduate GPA was 2.67. When I contacted an ABSN program in NJ, the admissions department bluntly told me that it would be a waste of my time to apply, even when I told them that I had a Master’s degree with a 3.67 GPA as well. I was told the school wasn't interested in my graduate degree. Fair enough, I thought. As I continued to seek out ABSN programs in NJ & NY (part-time programs were of particular interest to me), the responses were pretty much the same. It sucks to feel like you are going backwards, but even applying to Associate degree nursing programs can prove to be challenging because the competition is fierce and waiting lists are long. At the end of the day, I decided to apply to an ADN program (to which I've been accepted & no waiting list) and then go from RN to BSN or MSN immediately after. Good luck in your endeavors and no matter which path you decide, don't give up!

Hi Corp2healthcare! I agree with the OP that whatever your passions are, pursue them and not something you know you will never enjoy just to please others. On another note, I think you just wrote a part of my biography! I too got a BS degree in Computers from a CUNY College and I also worked as an Executive Assistant (making more money than I ever would as a Nurse at the bed side) but would NEVER want to do it again! I also have an MS degree that I have yet to utilize. I belive that being in that position/type of work has allowed me to see how much I would rather be helping those who are TRUELY helpless. I got side tracked when I first entered college (was supposed to major in Biology) but I was 17 yrs old and let advisors steer me off my path. However, here I am years later, full circle, seeking a career in healthcare. I'm starting nursing school next month and I'm going full force! Not letting anything or anyone hold me back! Again, well written post by the OP and one that should make all potential nursing students dig deep to make sure they are doing what their hearts desire and not what makes others happy.

Hey Julie_0507, I hope you get an answer soon. I am in the same situation. I have a BS, a MS (both unrelated to nursing) and I'm currently enrolled in an Associates nursing program. My ultimate goal is to earn the DNP to practice as an APN. However, my delimma comes into play when I read job postings that require a MSN for an APN position. It seems like employers want candidates to have a BSN & a MSN. It appears as if they have a problem with those who may have gone from ADN to MSN (without first getting the BSN). Is this true??? I don't have a problem getting a BSN if it's absolutely necessary, however I don't see how I would be less prepared if I just went from ADN to MSN. Truth be told...nursing leadership, community nursing and nursing research courses from the Bachelor level are all built into the front portion of ADN to MSN programs. So why do I need the BSN? Also, if DNPs will soon be required to practice as an APN, then shouldn't the real path for me look something like this...ADN (then if possible in my geographical location, work as an RN to gain experience), get the MSN (then practice as an APN) and then get the DNP to secure my future? But like I said, it seems like some employers will frown upon me when applying for an APN position b/c I wouldn't have my BSN. This is all so confusing. At the end of the day, I guess I should just focus on getting through nursing school! But I'm a planner, so here I am.

Hey NikkiJo, I've been following all sorts of PBISN threads for a while. In April I was accepted into the Jan 2014 evening program. I have been trying to locate anyone who is/was in the evening program, but there doesn't seem to be many. Anyway, I'm sure you are swamped, but I was hoping you could offer any insight into the evening program. I'm dying to speak with someone first-hand about the challenges. Any advice would be great! Lastly, I hope your time at PBISN has been a wonderful experience and best wishes on your upcoming graduation!

Hey Pickychic4eva, You are not alone! LOL! Hopefully we will find others who are in the evening program too. I look forward to meeting you! ANYONE ELSE IN THE EVENING PROGRAM??? :)

Hi pickychick4eva, I got into the evening program for Spring 2014. Did you apply? Are you in? Good luck!

nylady07 - Congrats on your admission! Which program are you in? Do you have any feedback regarding the evening program? Do you know anyone in the evening program? Thanks for responding and trying to put all of our minds at ease during this stressful time!

Hello Everyone, I'm new here. I had an interview today at PBISN. I was told by my interviewer to check in with her next week (a day after the committee is scheduled to meet) regarding their decision. Random question...How likely am I to get in? I know the wait will kill me! LOL!

Hi Duke1158, Thanks for responding! So you've already been accepted to the program? Congrats!! What time does the evening classes generally start? Also, do classes meet M-F in the evening or just a couple of nights per week?

Hello All, I'm new to this site and I'm currently looking for schools with evening/weekend BSN programs. I was wondering if anyone out there is currently attending or has graduated from DeSales' ACCESS Evening/Weekend program. If so, how would you rate it? Any advice? Thanks for your time!