student loans

[Stephanie Peterson]

Hello everyone,

I'm waiting to begin my pre-req's so I can hopefully get into nursing school. I already have a B.A in Finance...This is my dilemma: I will have to pay for all my school and living expenses through student loans, fortunately I didn't have to take student loans for my 1st degree, the idea of student loans really scares me. Soooooo these are my different options:

1. Just get my Associates (2 yrs) then begin working at a hospital and have them pay to get my B.S and then a masters.... a lot longer time to accomplish this - but the cheapest

2. Get my B.S at an accelerated program (1.5 years) take out more money in student loans because the program is more expensive.

3. Attempt to get into a Direct Entry Program, get my R.N and masters in nursing all at once in 2 yrs and never have to go back to school, but i would start off making more $ - but there are only a few schools that offer this programs and they are all private - so is this trade off worth it?

Help!!!

Stephanie

[l0k33_RN]

AA or ABSN - the EMSN programs typically offer a Clinician, Adult Acute Care MSN. While this is fantastic if you are one of the lucky few who, never having done any nursing, knows this is the path you want to follow, for the rest, some experience is recommended prior to choosing an advanced degree specialty.

AA to BSN to MSN, on your (prospective) employer's dime is the most economical way to go, if the notion of being in debt with student loans is overwhelming. However, if you are OK with the commitment of student loans, then ABSN = a better position than possessing an AA, and that much closer to an advanced degree.

[PacoUSA, BSN, RN]

I agree, the ABSN is the best way to go in your situation. I personally shy away from direct entry MSN programs because I would rather work for a few years as a BSN before committing to a graduate program, and working would more or less help me explore and confirm what specific area to pursue (at this time I am committed to working in NICU but who knows what the future holds).

A BSN is increasingly becoming the preferred entry degree with employers, it also opens more doors of opportunity. If you had a choice that is, BSN would be the one. Of course, some people can only pursue ADN and that is understandable. But if so they must understand what that will mean in the marketplace and be prepared accordingly.

Also, in this economy many hospitals are modifying their policies that pay for school, so I would not completely rely on hospitals automatically paying for your education going forward beyond an associates or bachelors. Consider it a possible perk, it's not a guarantee.