RN to BSN, work and go to school or just school?

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:nurse: Hello. I graduated about a year and a half ago. I've been working for less than a year full-time. I am wanting to go back to school to get my BSN. Although I am hestiant about how to go about doing it. I work on a great floor and feel blessed with the nurses I work with. I can't imagen working on another floor. I got accepted to a RN to BSN program but I am not sure which direction I should go about pursuing it. Here are my options:

Quit my job and go full-time school finish in a year- my reservations is I won't get the hands on experience and the learning you get on the job. Plus I'd miss the ladies I work with.

Part-time work and school part-time- I am not sure if I could handle the load. I work nights and classes are held during the day. I remember how stressful school was the first time around. Flipping back and forth already kicks my booty. I can't imagen doing it with school on top of it. Plus I don't want to do this for a few years.

I have an opportunity for get my schooling paid for free for the next year. I just need a little advice. I look forward to any that comes my way!

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Specializes in None.

Can you take the program online?

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The director said its online and class room. I do have to take some other classes that weren't required for my assoc. It's at a universtiy and they only ofter certain classes during the fall and spring semester.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I'm working full time while doing my RN to BSN and for me its not as hard as the ADN program. Its really more of an inconvenience to have to get all the school work done. I've never been a fan of not working while in school its too much money lost that you will never make up, imo. If you like your unit that is huge so I'd really think twice before quitting that gig. Good luck and congratulations on getting your tuition paid, after being used to a CC the tuition at a University is killing me, lol.

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

I know that right now the program might seem like a good deal. But if you're happy where your at, with the economy, I'd think twice before quitting!

There are so many programs that are CCNE or NLNAC certified that are available online. Even some regular universities have this option. Perhaps you should consider some of the general ed classes and knock them out, then reapply to the program?

Talk to the Director of the program and ask her what would be the best option. She may suggest you do the general ed and reapply, they often won't discount you attending at later date if you inform then early.

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Thank you for your advice. It is a huge help!!!

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Do you work nights or days? How many credits are you taking?

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You are right about liking your unit. I've heard some stories on here. Everyone on my shift works together to help one another get a head and out on time.

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Lots of nurses are doing the same thing and still working - if you already have a job (and one you are happy with!) you would be crazy to leave it -

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

stay with your job. take everything (including courses you need to be in the program) online or make arrangements with your floor to be in class part-time offline if you must. i would not give up a good job or floor at this time. also, the rn-bsn program i am in asks us research questions that relates to patient care. my suggestion is do what i am doing.. go part-time and continue to work full-time.

as a working nurse you have more resources at your finger tips to include experience to draw and ebp policies and procedures you can find on your floors when discussing nursing theory unlike the traditional or Accelerated BSN students. they have to say "i am not a nurse but i suspect..." or "i saw my nurse in clinicals do ....” you do not. you are the nurse! gl! :D

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Specializes in ICU, PACU, Cath Lab.

I am starting my RN-BSN in a few weeks...I do not plan to cut down on my hours at work at all. I am going to a 100% online program, besides the small clinical portion which I arrange locally. I work with so many nurses that have gone this route! Good Luck in school.

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