Seeking advice from experienced RNs

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Hello, this is my first time posting on this website! I love allnurses.com and have been a lurker for a few years now. I think this is a great resource for students! So, I have come to you all for some advice.

I will have completed all the pre-requisites for the BSN programs in my area at the end of the Spring '13 semester. I will also be graduating from my community college with an AS at this time. Due to requirements set by the each of the universities to which I am applying, I must wait to apply for the BSN programs which start in Spring '14. This situation is arising because I will be taking micrbiology during the Fall '13 application period. That being said, assuming I am accepted to a BSN program for Spring '14, I will have a bit of time off from school (Summer and Fall '13).

My question is this: What is the best use of that time? Should I try to obtain a CNA license and work? Should I pursue courses for my back up degree (Community Health Education)? Should I seek Fall '13 acceptance into an ADN program and transfer if I am accepted to a BSN program?

If it helps, financials are not an issue as my husband works and my tuition is paid for by veteran's benefits. I do have two small children (ages 2 and 7) whose welfare I must take into consideration.

Thank you!

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Specializes in LTC, Rehab, CCU, Alzheimers, Med-Surg.

What is your Associates Degree in? And why are you getting that if you want to go into nursing? I may have missed something.

I'm not an RN yet, but I'm an LPN in a bridge program and I can tell you that jobs are hard to come by, so having CNA experience at a hospital you want to work at is a huge advantage right now. Managers hire who they like, so if you can impress some people you'll have an easier time getting a job! And you wouldn't have to work full-time necessarily, though having extra money saved away could never hurt!

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What is your Associates Degree in? And why are you getting that if you want to go into nursing? I may have missed something.
It is just a regular Associate of Science degree. I wasn't sure what I wanted to major in at first so I took a lot of generic basics my first couple of semesters. I am choosing to participate in graduation simply because I have all the credits!I like what you said about working. I only considered it beneficial because I knew I would gain experience. I never thought about it as an opportunity to network! Great advice. :)
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