Second Degree nursing students, nurses

TazziRN, RN · Oct 17, 2006

An ADN is less expensive than a BSN, and it takes less time to get. No, you're not too old. Yes, you can do it with a family if you have help with the babies.

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 17, 2006

Your concerns are valid. Most people who post here in a similar situation either take the Accelerated (very expensive) BSN route or the ADN, then RN-BSN (cheap) route.

I was recently accepted into an ADN program. I have two degrees, two kids, and a husband. Not to mention I also work part-time. I paid cash the entire way through my pre-reqs and co-reqs. I will continue to pay cash for my clinical core nursing classes and RN-BSN bridge pre-reqs.

I might be able to land a few scholarships to finish this education and my BSN because my GPA is great. But if I do not receive any scholarships, I can continue to pay cash. Good luck. :wink2:

santhony44, MSN, RN, NP · Oct 17, 2006

God willing, you'll be in your mid-40's in a few years anyway! Definitely not too old. Older students sometimes do better than younger ones!

ADN is probably less expensive and quicker, but I'd consider getting a BSN at some point for the flexibility it can give you.

Your family will need to be understanding of what you're doing but yes, you can do it with kids.

Good luck to you!

BonnieSc · Oct 17, 2006

In my case, a BSN was MUCH quicker because I didn't have to wait on a waiting list. Keep that in mind!

My school, like many others, recently started an entry-level master's degree program for students with non-nursing bachelor's degrees. These students get their RN in 14 months! Then they go on and take master's classes, but these have a fairly light class load, and the students are expected to work as RNs during that time. It isn't particularly expensive, because it's a state university. (They didn't have the program when I started.) Find out if there's something similar near you.

A BSN (or, in the program above, an MSN) will give you more access to 8-5 M-F jobs, such as public health--a plus when you're raising a family.

Also, there ARE still financial aid options for you, even though they aren't the ones that were available during your first degree. Many nursing scholarships don't specify that the student must be getting her first degree.

Epona · Oct 17, 2006

Hi. I am entering a BSN program in Jan. I, like you, already have a BS. I have a degree in Comm. AND Biology with my focus on medical oriented classes.. was going Pre-Med then switched to Broadcasting. For ME, the best route is BSN. I already have a bunch of the pre-reqs. done. The BSN, I have heard, will open a lot of doors and will provide flexibility. For me, that is the best route with the degree and knowledge I already have.

Good luck in whatever path you choose!!! E

nerdtonurse?, BSN, RN · Oct 17, 2006

Just to give you another option...I've got a BA in English and a MS in Computer Science (and I just turned 43 on Friday). Honestly, I had concerns about walking in for an interview with my brand new diploma, them taking one look at my age plus no hands on experience, and deciding to go with someone with experience. So, here's my plan. I've applied for a LPN program that starts in January. In the meantime, I'm taking the pre-reqs for the ADN. If I get into the January class, I'll be a LPN in 3 semesters and then go into the LPN-RN bridge (another 3 semesters). That's only one more semester than if I go straight into the ADN program, plus I'm getting hands on experience as an LPN. If there's no seat, I'll hopefully get into the ADN program in September, and have many of the non clinical classes out of the way (the sociology class, etc.). Then it's the RN to BSN, where with my existing degrees (and the fact that all the sciences will be recent) I shouldn't have more than 1 or 2 years to do. So, basically, I pop out in 4 years with 3 years LPN/RN experience, and a BSN. And hopefully because I'll have had hands on in different areas of nursing, I'll have found out what my favorite area of nursing is and can start on a MSN in it... So, assuming I haven't completely lost my mind by that point, I'll have a dual Master's, Nursing and Computer Science by the age of 50. When I decide I don't want to do bedside nursing (or L&D, or ICU, or whatever it is that I find I like best) I can teach, go into administration, or maybe do something that doesn't even exist right now, but will in the future. Who knows? I may even write one of these horridly expensive textbooks and get some of my money back....