Thinking about becoming an RN....

tridil2000, MSN, RN · Jul 19, 2006

I've been seriously considering going back to school to become an RN. I'm just trying to figure out if it's worth it or not for me. I'm 24 work full time and make $17.50 an hour. Isn't my dream job but not bad either. I've always been interested in the health care field but have never thought seriously about it till now.
Would it be worth it to go after the RN degree $$wise in IA? How much do Iowa RN's make on average?) I've heard you can become an RN at a community college in 2 years, this true? What kind of classes will I be looking at? Would it be possible to work full time at my current job and pursue this, or better to just go full time and get it over with?
Sorry for all the ?'s, I hope someone can give me some insite.

Thanks!

you have to go to school for at least 2.5 years and that is if you can get in. there's a long wait list at most schools.

not sure about iowa, but i'd think rns start at about $18 an hour there.

you'll have job security... not sure if you have that where you are now. BUT you'll have to work on christmas and thanksgiving etc plus weekends.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 19, 2006

Nationwide, 60 percent of all RNs have ADN degrees that were earned at local community colleges. It is true that one can become an RN through training at a community college; however, it tends to take three years and often longer due to prerequisite classes.

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Jul 19, 2006

I recommend you call your local community college and make an appointment to go speak with an advisor. Many CC are going to an evening class with evening clinical rotations which might work for you. But the only way to find out is call them and go find out. Good luck

JoeyDog · Jul 19, 2006

Go to your local college or university and speak with the nursing advisor they will be able to answer pretty much all of your questions. Your associate or ADN takes longer than two years (nursing school itself takes two yrs). This is b/c there is atleast one year of prereqs and then you have to wait to get in. Many colleges only accept once/yr so after you finish your year of prereqs you generally have to wait another year for admission. Some CC do accept more than once/year, others have wait lists, and still others keep no wait lists at all. It just depends on your area.

The prereqs you are going to be taking are primarily science courses (microbiology, chemistry, anatomy & physiology)with a few psych and/or "humanities" classes, and a math class or two. Your Bachelors, or BSN requires many more prereq classes, I think they ammount to about one and a half to two years worth depending on the load you plan to carry. Lastly you must maintain vveeeerry good grades to be a competitive candiate for any nursing program ADN or BSN. Admission is extremely competitive as there are always more people applying than seats avaliable.

Pay varies depending on your location. I think in the south RN's start at something in the teens, while CA RN's can start anywhere from the 20's-40 range. I know in Tacoma,WA new grads start at about 23/hr. So it really depends on where you live. Good luck! Talk to your nsg advisor and they will be able to get you pointed in the right direction!

awdroket · Jul 19, 2006

Thanks for the great responses everyone. Much appreciated!