RN with non BSN B.S in Health Science

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Specializes in CNA.

I am finishing up my B.S in health science degree and was planning on applying for a general entry masters program in midwifery. The program is now under review and it seem like they are changing the degree program. I will not know the requirements until August 2013 (at the earliest). I would like to start working as soon as possible but I am not currently an RN. I have heard numerous times that associate degree nurses are not being hired. If I were to go to a community college to get my RN, with a non BSN bachelors what are my chances of finding a job after graduation? My goal is become a CNM or a pediatric NP so obviously I would be completing more school. I live in Chicago.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

It depends on your local job market. At my hospital, you BS in another field would not help you -- and we don't hire new grad ADN's unless they are currently enrolled in a BSN program.

But it might be different where you live. You'll have to contact the potential employers in your area and find out what their hiring preferences are.

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If you do go ADN route, let's say you have a BS in Biology, make sure you put BSB on your name so you look as ridiculous as people who put BSN on theirs.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

It may help, but the reality is that to many (not all) employers, ADN + non-nursing BA/BS does not equal BSN.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

THe quickest route would be a direct entry MSN NP program, otherwise I would choose an accelerated BSN vs ADN. There are very few direct ADN to MSN programs especially for NP. Now if you want to specialize just in midwife or pediatric NP, there are even less schools that offer these programs. Most just offer a generic FNP. FNP is broadest and most job friendly, although I'm sure there is a need for nurse midwives, but I think it would be harder to get a job as a pediactric NP.

Since your desire is to work with mom/baby or children the NP is the best way to go. Otherwise you could also consider PA school since you have a science background already. However there are a lot fewer PA schools vs NP and therefore more competitive. Also NP's have greater autonomy although this also varies by state law.

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