Question About Starting Nursing

[rva_nurse2b]

I am looking into all the avenues I have available to me within my immediate area. Basically there are only a few options. I am a father with kids and only have a handful of classes left for my bachelors (non-nursing). I'm looking at applying to an accelerated program, but due to my past schooling (current GPA 2.2 but will be closer to a 3 when I graduate) am worried about acceptance into the accelerated program. Which seems to kill the chance of getting my BSN. If I go the community college route I'm still stuck with the issue of not obtaining a BSN which severely limits (imo) potential growth in the field of nursing. In the area I live BSNs are held in high regard. From what I've read this is the same pretty much everywhere. I have goals and am dedicated in getting better grades going forward.

I have been trying to get my feet wet in either a hospital or doctor's office setting, but am having difficulty doing so without an RN license or certificate of some kind. My previous background was in IT so I'm familiar with working late nights and weekends. When I was younger I used to work holidays at a retirement home. I've applied as a registrar and a few other jobs that don't require medical experience. The other idea I had was to join a EMS team in a fire department, however I do not have an ACLS certification. Although I did get BLS CPR certified. So I'm willing to put my money where my mouth is and put in the time for it.

I also didn't see any place where the NET was required for 2 year programs. Is this the case or just a given for all nursing programs? The plus side to the two year program is that I could get experience much faster through clinicals. The unfortunate issue is that I have to also work in order to afford a living.

I'm feeding myself to the lions :) So have at it. I know there are great nurses on here who will give me the hard cold truth.

[Atl-Murse]

Your GPA will make it almost impossible to get admission to public schools. Retake your prerequisites get all A. Plan B attend a private expensive school and work 60 hours a week to pay off school loans

[SaltySarcasticSally, LPN, RN]

Do your associates. I know the weight of a BSN depends on location but I live in a fairly large city and got hired in a new grad residency before graduation. It is 70% networking getting a job, BSN or not. That or do as above. You will not get into a accelerated program with that GPA unfortunately.

[brillohead, ADN, RN]

I would get the ADN and then do an RN-to-BSN program online.

For starters, the ADN is going to be a LOT cheaper than a BSN. (I was able to do a part-time ADN program and still work full-time and paid for my ADN completely out-of-pocket, graduating with no student loans.)

Secondly, once you have the ADN you can start working as an RN, earning RN wages and gaining RN experience, even without having the BSN that you desire.

Once you are working as an RN, you can do one of the many RN-to-BSN programs (and probably also get some tuition reimbursement through your employer) and obtain your coveted BSN degree.

If you then want to change jobs to one that requires the BSN, you'll not only have the BSN on your resume, but you'll also have RN experience under your belt from having worked as an RN/ADN, so you'll be more desirable as an employee than a brand new BSN grad who has no actual experience.

Depending on the cost of community college in your area, you could have your BSN for $20,000 or less. Compare that to my niece, who spent $100,000 for her BSN at a university. Same degree, same license, same job, huge difference in cost. She'll be paying off student loans for several years to come... I'll have no debt whatsoever.

Finally, don't let the inability to get into an accelerated BSN program bum you out. They are EXTREMELY intensive and demanding -- you won't have the time or energy for anything else. You say that you're a parent... are you really willing to miss an entire year of your kids' lives and go into more debt just to get this particular piece of paper, when there's a cheaper and easier way to achieve the same outcome?

[rva_nurse2b]

I appreciate all the feedback, especially yours brillohead. The GPA would be higher by the time I graduate and it would be more competitive, but the overall school career may be more the issue. It sounds like the quickest way to gain experience is the associates route. Then complete a BSN program going forward (if possible).