Recent BA graduate, ADN->RN->BSN, or straight to BSN?

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I recently graduated with my BA in Religious Studies/Psychology with the intention of attending graduate school for school counseling. However, I have found from different forums and really just keeping an eye on openings that there aren't that many jobs in the field.

I have been interested in the possibility of going back to school for nursing, but I am concerned with finances. I know that the associates program will be cheaper, and then since I already have a BA, I'm assuming the RN/BSN will be cheaper as well.

However, from reading similar posts, I am aware that BSNs are preferred over ADNs (please advise if incorrect!). I think I would be open to getting my BSN straightaway, but I am concerned that I might not be able to work, more loans, etc.

Has anyone had any experience with this before? Any advice??

Also, if this helps, I am currently in Blacksburg, VA and would be pursuing this either here in the NRV/Roanoke, or Hampton Roads/Norfolk/Va Beach area!

Thank you in advance!!

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Look into accelerated or second degree BSN programs in your area. A lot of hospitals only hire BSN nurses now so you will have a greater chance of securing a position after nursing school with a BSN. If you haven't graduated more than 7 years ago you should be able to use some of your credits from you BA as prereqs for nursing school.

HRSA has a nursing scholarship program in which you can apply. They will pay for your tutition and give you a monthly stipend in exchange for 2 years of practice in an underserved community.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

Look at BSN and ABSN programs in your area. Since you have your 1st Bachelor's, as long as you have all the prerequisites to get into nursing school, the program itself will be about the same length whether it's an ADN or BSN program. Accelerated programs take just about a year... but they're usually more expensive than either of the other options. If you can afford it, go for the BSN program, IMHO.

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As someone who just graduated with a BA in Music from VCU, I willl tell you that it would probably be in your best interest to do an accelerated nursing program. I looked for accelerated nursing programs in VA (I've already applied and am waiting) and in your desired area, I think the only school with an ABSN program is NSU. This is a list of all the ABSN programs in the country. :) Hope this helps!

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/leading-initiatives/education-resources/APLIST.PDF

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

From what I've seen, most aBSN programs can be pricey, but a regular BSN program may be a less expensive route, and many of them are getting shorter and shorter. There are several second-bacc students in my program.

You might consider talking to nurses in your area, and find out what the hiring trends are where you're located. The nursing field is very competitive right now. Also, some hospitals are no longer hiring ADN-prepared nurses. So find out what's happening where you live before you pursue this.

Good luck!

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I thought I'd chime in on this since I'm from Virginia -- Lynchburg College has an accelerated BSN program and has a very good reputation for their nursing program. Centra Health (also located in Lynchburg) has a very nice ADN program. I'm in the same boat as you: BA in Religion and Philosophy, wanted to go to grad school for one of those but realized that the job market in academics is kaput, and decided that nursing would be a fabulous career change (for me, anyway). I'm currently taking pre-reqs for the Centra Health ADN program but with the realization that I may instead pursue the BSN program at LC since that program's pre-reqs are nearly the same as Centra's. I think the difference is that LC requires Chemistry as a pre-req.

My mode of thinking is that I need to save money and the ADN program is much cheaper than the BSN program. But, hey, in the end it may be worth spending the extra penny for a more secure degree. Remember why we got in this boat in the first place - we got a somewhat dead-end degree (I never regret getting my BA in Religion and Philosophy, though) that doesn't have many options when it comes to the job market.

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Thank you all for your help! I will start looking for more BSN programs. For some reason looking for a regular (as opposed to accelerated) didn't occur to me at all!

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

I went to Marymount U in Arlington VA ABSN. Also GWU, George Mason, and Georgetown all have ABSN programs. I would apply to every school you can possibly attend and see if you get in. Also check each schools minimum required GPA to get in. Then..just hit it hard and apply,

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Sweetbriar, did you go to SBC?? I just got accepted to the aBSN program at Lynchburg College!! So excited and thankful!! They take so few applicants for these programs it's insanely competitive!

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I was in the same boat as you not too long ago. I graduated with a BA in psychology then realized I needed to be in nursing school. In Florida, pretty much all the nursing programs require the same prerequisites because they are mandated by the state to be the same with slight differences. I compared the length of time to get each kind of degree and their respective costs. I found that it would take the same amount of time for slightly more money (~$2,000 more) to get a BSN rather than ADN. Like you said, hospitals are increasingly favoring a BSN over ADN, and why go backwards? I also figured getting a BSN right away is better in case I decide to go further (masters, doctorate, etc). Also, there are a lot of ABSN programs in Florida that I can choose from.

Good luck!

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Sweetbriar, did you go to SBC?? I just got accepted to the aBSN program at Lynchburg College!! So excited and thankful!! They take so few applicants for these programs it's insanely competitive!

Ahhh! I just saw this! A year later....

But, yes!!! I did graduate from SBC!!!

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Me too!! What did you end up doing? I am finishing up the first year of the accelerated BSN program at LC.

Holla Holla! We will save our school! #SaveSweetBriar

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