Starting Over

don't waste your time with the adn. go directly to the bachelor's-in-anything-to-bsn and be done with it. i think northeastern has a good one, or check simmons.

What is your take on an accelerated BSN vs a traditional BSN?

Look at the program to see if it is a solid one. I'm more of an accelerated BSN fan, although it's more intense. Go with whatever you think is best for you and your learning style.

Choosing between an accelerated BSN and a traditional BSN is up to you (I wouldn't try for an ADN, unless you don't think you'd be able to 'get into' a BSN program). I would look into various options available to you. You may (will probably) need to take prerequisite courses for programs (many want Anatomy & Physiology courses taken within the last 5 years, among other requirements). I took an accelerated program at a private university. Education is expensive. I couldn't imagine spending lots more time and money on a program. I already had a bachelor's in a science field, so I wasn't worried about learning the sciency stuff in Nursing.

Some schools offer a 'capstone' or a major senior clinical/practicum where you may spend a significant amount of time in a clinical rotation of your choosing. Mine didn't, but I've heard that in many cases, students are often offered jobs at those locations.

Check the NCLEX pass rates of the schools you are looking into. Also, these forums are a good resource for asking about particular schools. You can check back threads for pertinent information.

Accelerated if you don't have small children. Traditional if you do.

Good luck!!

Every accelerated program is different. Call the school and ask for their advice. Most are 14-18 months with no breaks (you take summer school, intercession, etc.).

Consider how strong of a student you are and which option makes the most financial sense.

And check the want ads in your area. Mine is still hiring ADN and many hospitals offer scholarships for ADN to BSN programs.

P.S. I know a mom of 2 kids who did great in an accelerated program. She said it was much easier to be a full-time accelerated student than it had been to work full-time and attend school part-time.

I would go for the accelerated, especially if there is a option for 3rd year graduate study like MGH or Regis college. I had a few options for school for this upcoming fall semester, and I chose Regis college because of the graduate study and reputation of the school.

Are you looking for schools in Massachusetts?

Oh and Northeastern is probably considered the best school in Massachusetts. The only accept 30 students per year. You need to be an exceptional student to apply to that program. Depending on where you live, there are many BSN programs out there.

Thanks for the insights and yes I plan on applying to programs In Massachusetts. I want to go the traditional route but I'm not sure if all my credits will be accepted or spend forever in school.

I started looking with websites like this,

Nursing Schools in Massachusetts | Nursing Schools.net

If you are driven and motivated, you can get into any school, and you will need that same drive to succeed while in school.

Check with facilities in your area -- LTC facilities and hospitals in my area will hire new grad ADNs, and the hospitals offer tuition reimbursement for employees to go on and get your BSN as well.

(Taking tax credits into account, my ADN is going to cost me about $5,000-$6,000 from start to finish. My niece's BSN is costing her around $100,000. We'll earn the same wage.)

Hey there, I am also in MA with a non-nursing degree (BA/English).

I wanted to go for nursing in the first place, but I foolishly let people talk me out of it. I had people telling me that jobs are hard to find, or that Nursing is too hard, too gross, too sad, too this, too that. But I really wanted to do it. it is in my nature to take care of people. And All the jobs I have had, including my current one, I feel like I just don't matter. The work I do..is pointless. I work in retail and I think..what am I doing? I have no impact on anyone, I have no personal satisfaction in what I am doing because I really feel the need to help people. I feel like that is such a cliche saying now, but its just true.

So, I have my BA and I was going to be a teacher, but I just dont feel it. I dont feel like its enough. I went for it because I thought I would like the schedule. That is simply not a good reason to become a teacher. When it comes to teaching, or nursing, or anything that really has an affect on people, I feel like you should WANT to do it for more than the money, or the schedule, or job security. I work a set schedule right now and I actually hate it, so monotonous, mon-fri, 9-5. I feel like a hamster on a wheel.

I applied to Umass Dartmouth and Rhode Island College for nursing. I also applied for the ADN program at the CC near me, and even an LPN program. I have a lot of friends who are nurses, some LPNs, some RNs, my aunt is an Anesthesia nurse, and they all told me the same thing, that if I cant get into the 4yr school or the CC, then go for my LPN, do that for a year and then take a bridge to RN program because at least I will be licensed to work...and I can work while going for my RN..and if I somehow fail a year..I can at least still work and I wont be wasting time. So thats my plan.