audionaut

Hey all, First of all thanks to everyone posting, this site has been a great resource for someone with very limited experience in healthcare. I'm 33, living in Chicago (bronzeville) and planning to start applying to nursing programs as soon as I complete a couple of prerequisite courses. My initial goal is to get my RN as cheaply and quickly as possible (via an ADN program @ City or Community Colleges) then get into the workforce ASAP. I already have a BA, so I might be able to bridge to an MSN after a couple years working. I know what everyone's thinking, but based on my research this makes more sense to me than going directly for my BSN or direct entry MSN as my mediocre college GPA (2.56) and lack of funds rule out any programs that are ideal (Rush, Depaul, UIC). So the current plan is to take BIO 121, CHEM 121, and BIO 120 (medical terminology) to meet posted admission requirements for schools like Malcom X and Truman College. Can anyone recommend a school for these prereqs? Is distance learning an option? I know there's a long lead time between applying to and actually starting nursing at these schools so I'm also lining up volunteer jobs and Red Cross training for CPR/AED certifications. Sorry for the rambling post... any answers/suggestions/opinions are very welcome. Thanks! Eric

Thanks for the help, Suzanne4. I spent some time at the NCSBN website last night and that cleared up a few things as well with regard to licensing & boards. I never thought of going directly for my MSN. Does that put me any closer to becoming an RNP? Would employers rather hire a ADN or BSN with experience or an MSN that doesn't have any? My biggest concern with that plan is the length of time before I actually start working ($$$). I'm assuming that it will take me at least a year to get all of my prereqs out of the way as well. Any Chicago locals have a school to recommend? I've been looking at Rush.

Hi all, I don't want to be a pest and stain your message boards with my ingnorance, but I'm just getting started and I don't know anyone in the healthcare industry. My goal is to become an RN...I think. I'm 31 years old and have a BA in a completely unrelated field, but I'm very passionate about working in the medical field. I've been told that I should go directly for a BSN, while others (on these message boards) have advised that I go immediately to a community college, get an associate's in nursing and start working. I'm not sure if I understand the entire process and what courses, certifications and responsibilities are defined by the titles: LPN, RN, or BSN. Can anyone recommend a school/advisor or even a good book to explain some of the basics? Thanks, Eric