the quickest and affordable way

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Oct 19, 2003

A BSN takes a lot longer than 4 years (in many cases) when you consider the prereqs.

My ADN took six years, because of me having to move, credits having no equivilent at the new school, and the many, many prereqs.

It depends on how many prereqs and how hard it is to get in the program you are trying for.

shodobe · Oct 19, 2003

If you want to get to working as soon as possible, then a ADN program would be the right choice. If you have your heart set on a BSN then time will be your nemesis. I did all my work in two years including alot of core classes, A&P, Micro at the same time as my nursing. I know this is not the way it is now, I went 26 years ago, and all of this stuff has to be out of the way before applying to school. You can go to work and work on your BSN and get paid at the same time. Most hospitals have a reimbursement for this. I have never had the desire to go to school for my BSN because no need for it. I like what I do, the OR, and have no desire for the higher "credential". Don't waste your time on an LPN program that appears to be going no where. You want classes that will be useful in an RN program and personally an LPN is useless in many states except to work in a LTC or whatever. Good luck in your decision. Mike

guru · Oct 20, 2003

Thank you for the help!!!!!!!!!!!!!

wayover20 · Oct 20, 2003

I was an LVN for 15yrs before I enrolled in a BSN program. A long hard struggle as I juggled a baby, and full time work, but it can be done. I would suggest you look into a good ADN program if finances would make it a little easier. If you want to be a nurse, forego the LPN idea and go for it (RN) as the financial rewards are greater, and you can pretty much write your own ticket as an RN. Hurry Up......We Need You Out Here!!! Good Luck!

guru · Oct 20, 2003

wayover,

lol@ we need you out here. my job is boring so I need a challenege. should I work as a CNA for extra experieces. CNA mostly learn how to take blood pressure, cleaning/bath patiences, and few other things. Thanks for helping me with my questions.

Emperess · Oct 20, 2003

I did my ADN in a program that allowed you to take LPN boards after the 1st year of a 2 year RN program. All together it took me 4 years, but it can be done in 3 (depending on how many prereqs and how many classes you are able to take at once). I went full-time plus, but started out my prereqs at the CC with intentions on transferring to the university nearby, so I have my ADN with extra classes I didn't need for my degree, but would have needed for the BSN (statistics, the slightly higher math, and the like).

The students at my program who did it in 3 yrs instead of 4 (or more :) ) had all their PREreqs done before starting the program but not all their COreqs - classes you must have done before graduation, but not necessarily before starting the program. I wouldn't advise that, because they were swamped - nursing school is hard enough without having to worry about additional courses, too.

The year working as an LPN (part-time on med/surg) while finishing my RN I found as EXTREMELY INVALUABLE - to me, it was a year of getting adjusted to "real-life nursing", learning time-management and patient care/tasks for a 12 hour shift while having an RN "backing me up" if I needed it. But working as a CNA can have benefits as well, even if it's just familiarizing yourself with the hospital environment and routine, and becoming comfortable dealing with patients and even families. Another possibility is working as a unit secretary - less patient care, but a chance to familiarize yourself with orders and what they mean, how they get done, and how a unit functions.

If you can swing it, I highly recommend getting experience in the hospital however you can, with a caveat - as a CNA or LPN, beware of difficulties with "role confusion." A student nurse vs CNA vs LPN have widely different roles, duties, and focuses, and be cognizant of the different thinking patterns required for each. Though all revolve around what is best for the patient, as an RN you are expected to see a much bigger picture and have much more (sorry I hate this phrase too) critical thinking. So go for it, but don't get stuck in a CNA/ US mindset for your RN training.

Like the others have said, definitely go for the ADN - unlike my program, the LPN won't seem to benefit you at all.

sashibeak · Oct 21, 2003

Hey!

I decided to go for the ASN, purely because like you I was in a dilemma.

I am an international student and am waiting for my work permit to hurry up and come through.

I have been lucky with my college (Florida)............ we get to do clinicals every week, whereas I have heard with many BSN courses, they don't get to see a patient for ages.

If you need to work, I would say take baby-steps............. it is HEAPS of work anyways, but go for the ASN and then you can do your BSN online.

Best of luck to you! Let us know what you decide!

wayover20 · Oct 29, 2003

I was an LVN for 15yrs before I enrolled in a BSN program. A long hard struggle as I juggled a baby, and full time work, but it can be done. I would suggest you look into a good ADN program

SORRY>....I meant ADN. Now I'm studying for my BSN.