Thinking about becoming a nurse

I'm 39 now. I have a BS in engineering. I've been working as an engineer for 10 years now.

I work full-time, and will need to continue to do so, thus going back to school will be challenging.

Are there any online or part-time programs in western Washington state?

Any other consideration, school wise? RN then BSN? Straight to BSN? Will any of my degree credits transfer? Most of my general college coursework is about 20 years old now.

Thanks in advance for any info!

That's great that you're considering joining the ranks.

Most schools that I looked at prior to applying had a statute of limitations on science courses of 5 years, unfortunately. I would start by enrolling in a community college to knock out the science pre requisites (anatomy, microbiology, chemistry, etc). There are a lot of 2nd bachelor programs, like the one that I enrolled in back in 2012. They scare you with the "you can't work during the program." I was able to go to school in Mass (where I rented a room) and commute back to CT on the weekends to work 32 hours. That's just one person's experience. If I were you, and you're committed to this idea of changing fields, I'd get the BSN out of the way right away.

Good luck

I agree with the guy's comment above. Some sciences, hence anatomy and physiology, aren't accepted at school if taken between 5 and sometimes 10+ years ago. Community college is your best bet for knocking out the prerequisites. If you really want to keep working and become a nurse there should be some school near you that has a RN weekend option or a part time option. I know there are 2 school near me that do, but they're both associate degree programs though. Its supposed to be flexible and allow you to work on the weekends. It would be a lot easier for you if you took a year off. Some programs have fast track options for people with bachelor degrees. You could have your BSN in a year!

Sorry. I didnt mean to put " work on the weekends. ". I meant to put " allows you to work during the week but go to school on weekends. "

I know there are online rn-bsn bridge programs but I doubt you can find an online straight asn or bsn. I think the reason behind this is because you need to have clinicals. It's definitely possible for you to go back to school but like the others said, some of your credits might not be accepted.

It is better to get a bsn because it is hard to get hired as an associate's rn. But if you really need to, you can probably take your asn slowly, to keep your engineering job, then do an online bsn bridge program

Find programs you are considering in your area and consult with an advisor about what prereqs will age out and which won't. I graduated with my BS in 2003 and for the programs I applied to nothing was aged out and everything transferred over. I know some programs have a night/weekend program. But they are few and far between. I am taking the traditional path BSN bc I Also have to work and I have a toddler. It will be worth my sanity to have some breathing room whereas the ABSN path would not allow for that.

There are no associate degree online nursing programs that I am aware of. You'll have to go "face-to-face" for your first nursing degree.

Part time or online isn't much of an option. Nursing school takes total intense commitment. You will have clinicals as well. I did an ABSN and It took 15 months of nursing school. Not to mention the year and a half of prereqs. First thing look at schools. See what they require. You can't even apply until prereqs are done. Start banging out AP I and II. Those are guarantees at all programs. And then find out what the other ones require. Good luck man.

I am also an engineer, and neo-nurse. After my last two engineering jobs (both lasting about 10 years each) both got shipped to Mexico, I decided I'd had it. I couldn't find another engineering job without moving, and my youngest was starting her junior year of HS.

Nursing seemed interesting to me, and I bought into the fallacy - encouraged by nursing schools - that nursing was a secure job field. After all, people would always need nurses, right? WRONG, WRONG. A thousand times: WRONG! I got my ASN, and passed my NCLEX. The only jobs for new ASN-trained RNs are/were in LTC. So I have been working there for 1.5 years, working for 2/3s of what I used to make as an engineer, and I am treated like a child - certainly not like a professional.

My advice to you is DO NOT leave engineering! I am so tired and disillusioned by nursing, that I am considering going back to engineering, even if I have to travel hours away for a job.

Sorry to be a wet blanket, but that's how it is. Your engineering degree is FAR more valuable - money and respect-wise - than a nursing degree.

I am also an engineer, and neo-nurse. After my last two engineering jobs (both lasting about 10 years each) both got shipped to Mexico, I decided I'd had it. I couldn't find another engineering job without moving, and my youngest was starting her junior year of HS.

Nursing seemed interesting to me, and I bought into the fallacy - encouraged by nursing schools - that nursing was a secure job field. After all, people would always need nurses, right? WRONG, WRONG. A thousand times: WRONG! I got my ASN, and passed my NCLEX. The only jobs for new ASN-trained RNs are/were in LTC. So I have been working there for 1.5 years, working for 2/3s of what I used to make as an engineer, and I am treated like a child - certainly not like a professional.

My advice to you is DO NOT leave engineering! I am so tired and disillusioned by nursing, that I am considering going back to engineering, even if I have to travel hours away for a job.

Sorry to be a wet blanket, but that's how it is. Your engineering degree is FAR more valuable - money and respect-wise - than a nursing degree.

Wise words - there's nothing as valuable as the voice of experience.

Prereqs: Seattle Central Community College

Program: UW all the way. They'll love you.