how to start nursing

IHeartPeds87 · Dec 9, 2008

Please bear in mind that any info I give you pertains to the USA. I am not sure how standards are different in your country.

First of all, you might want to do a search...there are so many threads on this it is insane! I will try to steer you in the right direction though.

You can become an RN (if that is what you are looking at) in three ways:

- hospital diploma program (these are rare and are a "dying breed")

- ADN program (associate degree nursing program) through a community college. These are usually 2 year degrees, some schools have accelerated programs that are more competitive to get into that can take less time. These programs vary in cost by school, and whether you are in district or out of district and by teh total number of credits they are.

- BSN programs (bachelors of science in nursing programs) are generally 4 year programs at universities/colleges. These are more expensive than their ADN counterparts as more credits are taken in nursing and in general education courses.

The ADN vs BSN topic has been debated to death on these threads. Ultimately, graduates from both programs are eligible to sit for the NCLEX exam and, upon passing that exam, are considered Registered Nurses (RN).

The base salary for an RN (from either BSN or ADN program) at entry level is usually exactly the same (in some cases a fifty cent to a dollar differential per hour).

The advantage of doing a BSN is simply that it is a "higher" degree, so some management positions require a BSN. Also, if an RN wants to advance to become a nurse practioner or clinical nurse specialist or CRNA or nurse educator (basically most things that require atleast a masters) in, the RN will typically have to get the BSN and then go for the Masters in Nursing (MSN).

There are many bridge programs however, that do allow an RN to go from An ADN program directly to an MSN. Typically these programs last 3 years with the first year being some sort of a bridge between the ADN and the BSN. The program length varies greatly by the program so be sure to look into specific programs.

There are also several ADN to BSN programs that typically last two years, sometimes less (heavily dependent on the classes taken that the BSN degree requires).

There is also the LPN route (Licensed practical nurse). These programs are typically a year long (in many cases are the first year of the ADN programs). LPN's sit for an exam called the NCLEX-PN. These are practical nurses that can do more than CNA's (nurse's aides) but not as much as RN's (registered nurses).

The salary difference between an RN and an LPN is substantial, in many cases, more than double (depends ofcourse on many situations, but in general).

so basically you have a lot of options depending on your overall career goals and what educational background you currently hold. For example, if you already have a bachelors degree, there are also second degree programs for both BSN and ADN that are significantly shorter. You could also, if you have a bachelors degree do a direct entry MSN program (typically 3 years).

As to which pathway to take, no one can answer that without knowing your specific situation. I would suggest researching the boards, considering your financial situation, whether you would need to work or not during nursing school, your family situation, your ability to relocate if necessary, etc.

as to answering which school is the best, again, this would depend on your situation. Generally if schools are accredited you are in good shape. Online programs vary with their overall credibility...it really depends on the program so doing research on here would be your best bet.

Again, as to how much it would cost, it would depend on which program, your location, etc.

I highly recommend you search the boards.

Good luck.