Teacher to Nurse - Advice

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Specializes in Pre nursing student.

Hello everyone! I am a special needs teacher looking to transition into nursing. Can anyone list any school recommendations for ADN programs? (in Florida or in other states too)  I'm not interested in doing any of the accelerated BSN programs at this time. - I just feel that nursing school is already challenging enough and trying to earn a BSN in 12 - 16 months would be overwhelming. 

I've also seen people recommend MEPN programs. How do you feel about someone with a non-nursing bachelors degree applying for one of these programs? Is it actually better to become a registered nurse first before even considering doing an MEPN program?

 

Any advice or insight is appreciated! Thank you ?

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Specializes in pediatrics, ER, education.

Just a few thoughts not knowing any other circumstances that might influence your decision.  You mentioned you were not interested in an ABSN program.  However, the MEPN programs are also accelerated leading to you becoming a nurse practitioner.  If becoming an NP is your ultimate goal and you are positive of that, then it may be worth considering.  

I think tackling an ADN/ASN program first is a good idea.  It is not as intense but still results in you being an RN when you graduate.  There are many, many programs in person and online that will later let you bridge from your RN to a BSN, MSN, or NP if you decided to pursue furthering your degree.  Taking nursing degrees in steps can be very beneficial as it lets you get working and gain experience and insight into what you really want to do.  If you have never worked in healthcare or spent a significant amount of time having honest discussions with NPs, then I would hesitate to just jump down that road as it isn't the best path for everyone.  It is amazing, but not for all nurses.  

As far as location or school, it makes the most sense to me to stay in the state you currently reside in.  Why pay out of state tuition if you don't have to and some states have scholarships for adult learners, nursing students, etc.  Typically you would not qualify for instate tuition or any state aid for at least one year after moving to a new state.  I am sure there is variations to those rules, but that has been my general experience.   

My general advice is to balance your goals and the quality of education (like don't go to a school with a subpar NCLEX passing rate or low retention rate), but after identifying some acceptable possible schools, choose one that will be the most economical for you.  This is another reason to take your nursing education in steps.  If you were to finish your ADN or ASN and not want to go further, then you would not be committed to a tremendous amount of school debt for a degree you don't really want.

Hope that helps a bit and best of luck to you!  

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Specializes in Pre nursing student.

@amgRN

Thank you so much for your insight and suggestions! I definitely have a few schools in mind for ADN/ASN programs to start with.

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