RD to RN....Accelerated BSN Program advice

Tweety, BSN, RN · Nov 25, 2007

I have precepted students doing the accellerated program and your concerns are valid - it is very intense. But already having a degree, you know what college is like and you probably can do it.

Good luck to you.

17175 · Nov 25, 2007

I am currently a student enrolled at a community college, taking the pre-requisites for an accelerated BSN (I already have a BS).

I decided to do nursing, but am trying to decide the most economical pathway, since I still have outstanding college loans (and most of the accelerated BSN programs are to the tune of at least $20,000).

I have heard differing view points on the pay differential between RN's and BSNs. I understand the opportunity for advancement by getting a BSN, but right now money is tight.

Any ideas, I'd appreciate some guidance.

Thanks!

Mark

smile123 · Nov 25, 2007

I am a new dietitian who is having trouble finding a job. I'm debating on going back to school for nursing. I am thinking of applying for an accelerated BSN program. Has anyone been through an accelerated program, or does anyone know anything about them? I'm a little worried because it seems like it is going to be really intense with a lot of information crammed into 1.5 years. I'd like to go the accelerated route because if I went back for a regular BSN it would take 3 more years at my local university . Any advice is appreciated!

There have been several threads about accel'd BSN's and master's entry programs (where you can sit for the RN licensure after 12 to 14 months). Do a search on this website and see.

You do have to do all the pre-reqs (which may or may not take a while depending on what you took to become a dietician), which in some schools have waiting lists (especially for Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology). So it would be worth it to go talk to a school counselor and look at some nursing school websites for the pre-reqs. Then you can decide if nursing is right for you. I would also recommend that you volunteer at a hospital or shadow a nurse to see if that's really what you want to do. It's about caring, but there is a lot scut work involved too. You'll need to embrace the entire package, not just the good parts. Good luck!

krisjazzer13 · Nov 26, 2007

I was in the exact same situation! I graduated w/my BS in Dietetics and decided to go right into an accelerated BSN program (I did not complete a dietetic internship; I just went right to school in the fall for nursing) because nursing offers many more opportunities and job availability. We are lucky as Dietetics majors because we have already taken almost all of the prereqs (I just had to take Anatomy and sociology my last semester before graduating) and all of the difficult sciences...what is funny is that my dietetics curriculum was near impossible compared to my nursing curriculum, and the pay comparison is very significant (it's all supply and demand!) The accelerated BSN was a walk in the park compared to Organic, biochem and nutritional biochem, so you can do it!

2bNurseguru · Nov 26, 2007

I am debating the same scenario. I have a masters in nutrition but I did not pursue the internship. Do you find any advantages of combining RD and RN in the work place? I have a good job right now making low 40s--have been there for 6 years. I really need a change and I am wondering if this is the route to take. I am debating between pursuing an intership which will not gurantee me a pay raise or an accelerated BSN. Physical therapy is another career I am debating but the schooling is too long.

krisjazzer13 · Nov 27, 2007

It was the best decision I have ever made for myself! I would highly recommend going for your BSN...more opportunity for advancement and I love working as a RN in the ICU! :)

2bNurseguru · Nov 27, 2007

It was the best decision I have ever made for myself! I would highly recommend going for your BSN...more opportunity for advancement and I love working as a RN in the ICU! :)

Thanks for the encouragement. I am really scared of making a change. Not sure if I can make it in the medical field but my ultimate goal would be to be an NP. My current job is very flexible and it works for me with 2 young kids, but if I start schooling right now, by the time I graduate my kids will be gone to school. I will shadow a nurse and see what they do.

codi1226 · Nov 28, 2007

Hey mark, I am in the same situation. I already have a Bachelor's and am finding it a little pointless to go back for another one; however, if you ever want your MSN, you will need your BSN first. I live in PA and there are bridge programs for RN-MSN where you can take something like 3 courses and then begin your MSN classes. All of the schools that have these programs are pricey though. I can relate because I am anxious to start working, as money is tight. I will probably go through a hospital diploma program in 2 years or less and work at that particular hospital (for at least the first two years) so that they will pay back my schooling, I can get experience, and then apply for a bridge-MSN program somewhere. It is my understanding that all RN's pretty much make the same in pay; Remember that a RN is a RN...we all take the same test. You have to consider how quickly you want to get through school and how soon you want to start working; that is my main issue. Good luck :)

SSeul · May 25, 2010

Hi! I'm currently student getting my undergrad Bachelors in Nutrition Science and want to go into Nursing after wards... is taking the dietetics internship important? would you recommend to take it first( I heard it was required if you wanted to be certified as a RD) before getting into a BSN or nursing program in general?

I'm so happy to find this thread! !

spete39, ADN · Sep 16, 2010

I just graduated with my BS in Nutrition back in May 2009, I'm about to complete my LPN program at the end of this month. I too wonder if I should try to scrabble some money for an Accel BSN or look for another ADN program and just complete a RN-BSN program online while I work as an RN....I don't know....decisions, decisions.

17175 · Sep 17, 2010

Pete,

I just finished an Accel BSN program in May and have prior experience in the medical field. Either way the job market is pretty tight right now in the Northeast (with the economy sucking super hardcore).

Do you plan to work FT or PT as an LPN? Even PT would be tough in an accel BSN program (some ABSN programs will list a disclaimer when you apply that you shouldn't work b/c the program is too intense to have any time for anything). Depends too on what type of student you are. Do you find you excel in school or do you feel like you need extra time to go over things? Be aware that in the accel classes it's sink or swim, literally. If you can't hold your own or find a fellow classmate to help you out you won't last. Remember, in order for a school to maintain accreditation from NLN or the state they need to maintain a certain pass rate on the NCLEX. Most programs have pass/fail grades that if you're not above they ask you to leave. So if you're used to getting C's, the ABSN might not be a good fit.

Other thing to consider with the ABSN is if you have one of those f-word's.... you guessed it, a family. If you got kids (or a spouse, in some instances) that need your attention they're not gonna get it for however long your in school, that simple.

A lot of the ABSN programs are expensive.

Problem with some ADN programs is the waiting lists. While most ABSN are competitive, as long as you're a good student you shouldn't find it hard to get accepted. With the ADN's, it seems like you gotta take a number (oh and I like my meat sliced thin, please).

Hope I didn't rant too much!

Good luck Pete!

Mark