Should I Continue My Education

Nursing Students ADN/BSN

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I graduate in December with my ADN from the RN program. I would like to continue my education to get my BSN but I don't really know how long I should wait. I am ready for a break from school so I was thinking about waiting a year or so but what is everyone's opinion? What is the best way to go about getting my BSN? Any recommendation for schools that have a good BSN program? Thanks in advance for all the advice. Any advice regarding a BSN degree is appreciated.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.

If you are undecided, I would suggest taking an interesting general education course or exam or two as a way of keeping your options open while your take a break to really decide. Unfortunately, I believe the push for BSN-only will eventually decide for you. But taking a CLEP exam or an art course here or there will keep you moving forward especially since the job market for new grads (ASN and BSN alike) is more competitive than the wait of actually getting into the nursing program was.

By the way, my opinion is that you should continue (at least) through obtaining the BSN. Times are changing dramatically for nurses of today and tomorrow; so much so that it is leaving and/or tossing a lot of yesterday's (education-wise/seasoned) nurses to the wayside.

I don't know you, but in a year or so, you may be starting or adding to a family and not having the time to pursue your education. Before you know it, you will have X amount of years of experience that has become completely irrelevant because your employer says BSN or bust.

So, at the very least, I would suggest that you start kicking the rocks with an accredited BSN program's requirement and who knows, by the time you get your second wind, your general education requirements (if any) are almost done. You can do this without actually enrolling by simply contacting a school or looking online at its website to view its program requirements.

CONGRATZ on being this close to the finish line and good luck!

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Thanks for such great advice I truly appreciate it.

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

I waited a year so I could concentrate on learning my new job. I would look into programs that interest you and find out if you need any pre-reqs. I found an online program at a state university that was flexible and not too expensive. I found out what I needed and took some of the gap classes at comm college, which saved money. I ended up only taking the minimum number of hours online. It pays to investigate. It will be a calender year from start to finish in the RN-BSN program I am in.

Good Luck!!

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Specializes in CT, CCU, MICU, Trauma ICUs.

You should go on ASAP. Look into RN-BSN programs that you are interested in. Take the core courses or CLEP out of whatever you can. CLEP is a money saver! Don't stop now. Before you know it 20 years will have passed and you're stuck. You can't take another step without that BSN. If your job will pay for classes at least take the amount of classes they will pay for.

The RN-BSN was easy. Lots of APA papers and power points. It's a time sink. All learning is good, but I never went back to work the next day in the ICU and used any of the knowledge I gained. It's a lot of theory and interesting. I suppose it's perfect for those going into education.

As a nurse who took 23 years to finally finish her BSN I can tell you that you can't take another step without that BSN and you may feel trapped at the bedside. That's how I felt. Now I have the freedom to go try drug research or go for any NP program I want to. I chose to go for CRNA since I've been doing ICU for 17 years.

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Don't wait. It gets harder to get back into it if you put if off. Trust me.

Good luck!

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