Required 20 Hours/Week

[Jcat117]

Good morning,

I'm interested in WGUs program starting this summer, but I'm slightly concerned about the being required to work 20 hours a week before being considered. I'll graduate in May with my RN, and I was hoping to get started on the BSN right away. I'm concerned that it may take some time to get a nursing job as a new grad, and I've also been told by many people to be careful with which job you start off with. I was told by many that it's difficult to get into med-surg (acute care in general) once you've taken a job in something else like a nursing home (etc.) because you'll no longer be a new grad and eligible for the new grad program at a later time.

Thanks for any advice or input on this!

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Since WGU offers start dates the first of every month of the year, you can postpone until the right job comes along for you.

[Jcat117]

I didn't realize they had a monthly start date! Nice :) I was worried they only had a couple of starts a year. This is good to know

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

In addition, the 20-hour-a-week suggestion isn't a rule that is set in stone. Sometimes I devote 20+ hours per week to studies, and at other times I have not studied in two months straight. I will still complete my degree requirements in less than a year, even considering the fact that I work 12-hour nights.

[klone, MSN, RN]

The OP is referring to the rule of being at least a part-time employed nurse in order to enroll, not about recommended study times.