Pursuing path towards 2nd career nurse

[kaykay7212]

Hello all,

Considering pursuing a path towards a second career nurse & am interested in hearing input of others.

I have a BBA in Marketing and MIS. My 9-5 3PL logistics job is crushing my soul. Sitting in my gray office, pushing emails all day every day is rather draining and dull. I am a great student, love to learn, and am seeking a more interactive/collaborative career. Looking towards nursing because I love people & I love helping people. The flexibility doesn't hurt either.

I've been looking into Gwynedd Mercy's ABSN program in Philadelphia and have spoken to a counselor about what steps need to be taken before I apply. I will have to take all of the pre-reqs minus Chem I. I was pleasantly presented with the online option of Portage Learning-I am most drawn to the convenience. Huge plus for KK. Covering the costs of all these classes will be a hurdle for sure but I can make it work.

My biggest concern is cost. If that weren't an issue I'd take all my pre-reqs through Portage and start ASAP. All ABSN programs seem to be cost a pretty penny. I used up a significant amount of student loans for my BBA, about 40K. I am concerned this will be an issue because I am aware that there is a cap for Bachelor's degrees whether it be your first, second, third, etc. I also found an interesting loan option via PNC--have yet to discuss this with PNC. They offer loans geared towards students seeking accelerated degrees in health professions—perfect, right? Anyone on here use this option?

I also live on my own in the city. The only kind of support that I won't have through this would be financial. So I will have to work somewhere to keep up with bills.

Just looking for insight on any topic I've rambled about above… Second Career nursing, Portage Learning, Gwynedd Mercy ABSN, money, working through nursing school.

Thanks.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I certainly understand your desire for more meaningful work.

ABSN programs are always significantly more expensive because they require greater resources to manage the intense pace. They are also very unforgiving, with no opportunities for breathing room, as the curriculum has been boiled down to fit a very tight timeline. I think that this program is very new, right? In this case, they may not have everything ironed out yet so there may still be some adjustments & mid-course corrections to deal with. For most ABSN students, it is nearly impossible to work due to the huge time commitment required to maintain their grades.

You're smart. You already know the perils of private student loans. Be careful. You're fortunate because you have other job skills/experience that will make it easier to deal with the "I've graduated & I can't find a nursing job" period that is so often reported here on AN.

Wishing you the best. Keep us posted on your progress.

[HTCC]

I'm in a similar position as you. I have a BS and MS in a healthcare field, but there is no upward mobility in my career so I'm planning on going to nursing school. I gave a lot of thought to an accelerated BSN vs an ASN. I really thought I wou go with the bsn, but ultimately I've decided the ASN is a smarter choice for me. I also support myself financially and will have to work, plus more loans is not my idea of a good time! The ASN will take a little longer, but is part time and ultimately will save me quite a bit of money since I can work more. In my area ASNs find jobs with no problem, but I know that's not the case everywhere. So, no advice but wishing you the best!