reflective11

I was told that if you choose to complete your BSN through WGU with the intention of finishing an advanced degree at a different school, the BSN earned through WGU is worthless. And the reason for this is, WGU grades on a pass/fail vs a GPA system. I am not sure if there is truth to this, but that is what I have been told. For this reason, I opted not to pursue a BSN from WGU.

Hey grizmama I am also considering Boise's RN to BSN program - can you elaborate a little on the group projects. How many were there? Was it difficult to complete as a group being it is an online program? Thanks in advance :-)

Thanks Sunrise for the info and stats. Gotta love that gender gap

Thanks for the insight Juan. One thing that really gravitates me towards the NP vs PA is the autonomy of the NP.

I noticed your credentials but that doesn't mean you aren't knowledgeable on the topic/question I posed However, I do appreciate the honesty. So, since I am curious, what are you leaning towards as far as an advanced degree/specialty?

I also have "heard" that PA's get all of the shifts the MD's don't necessarily want ie noc shifts. However, with NP's is it true if they specialize in psych (as an example) and later down the road it is decided he/she wants to switch and specialize in women's health, then at that point he/she would have to go back to school to get certified in that new area? Whereas, PA's once they have their license they can freely apply to and change specialties however he/she sees fit?

Thank you for that direction!

Good evening, Just looking for some advice/opinions from others. I am an RN with my ADN. I have spent countless hours trying to decide which path would make the most sense for me. Being I already have my ADN it seems the most logical decision for me is to follow through with my NP. There are bridge programs out there that go directly from an ADN to a MSN. This path would also not require me to retake any general courses ie Micro/Chem as its been a few years since I've taken these general type courses. Also, from what I have read, it seems as though to work full time would also be a possibility throughout NP school. In contrast, the PA route would require me to first of all, turn my ADN into a BS - it would also require me to retake some courses that are > 5 yrs old. Also, in my research it seems NP programs would be more affordable in the long run - since I was not born a Hilton, I will have to take out student loans to help me afford my education. So, what I guess I am asking is: given these specifics - for me, which would make the most sense --> NP or PA? Thanks all!

I'm sorry I should have clarified what I mean by that phrase. I meant not worth much as in limited to only classroom teaching, that is a BS in Psychology I mean. Of course I could be mislead with this information. What you are telling me is a Masters degree in psychology would prepare me for a position in counseling?

Yes I have considered the advanced nurse track with a focus on psychiatric nursing. I too was also under the impression that in order to do any type of counseling, one would need a masters at least in Psychology. But then I had also heard that any psychology wasn't worth much unless one wanted to teach. My only interest really within the nursing field is mental health. Guess I was hoping to find the quickest and most affordable route into mental health, hence the Psychology thought :) Thanks for the advice!

Good morning! was wondering everyone's opinions regarding if an ADN nurse would benefit from a BS in Psychology? My interest lies in Mental Health/Counseling and therefore am thinking a BS in Psychology would be a better route for me than the BSN. Thoughts, please ?

Thank you for your reply and information!

marie Bailey - if you could do it all over again and not choose nursing school but still obtaining the epi - what would your path look like? I really want to get into epi - I have an ADN and would only get my BSN if I had to as a req to get into epi. Do you know if that is at all possible?

Keylime - did you get BSN immediately or did you start with an ADN and work your way up?

Thank you for all the replies and insight. I wish I had the luxury of being able to go full time, but I also have to work full time and go to school.