Thinking about getting into nursing

ann945n, RN · Nov 26, 2007

Im a bit confused by some of your question so Ill try my best to answer you. A nursing degree can only be done online AFTER you become a nurse. For example getting your bachelors degree or masters degree after you become an RN, or you are a LPN going for RN, that you could do online. You first must be part of the 'nurse club'. Also I get the feeling you are under the impression nurses get specialized degrees in a paticular area of nursing. THat is true but only at the masters level. All nurses get the same foundation to become RN's then get on the job training to speciailize and refine their skills in an area once employed. SO getting your RN is a 4 year process (2 yr prereq 2 yr of nursing) whether you do BSN or ADN.

CaLLaCoDe, BSN, RN · Nov 26, 2007

You came to my favorite resource on the internet. Really, people on this site have warm hearts and love to share information. Just by going to the threads posted under national, specifically Florida, I'm sure you'll find diverse opinions regarding nursing there. Or perhaps, try looking under the student domain for pertinent information regarding nursing schools in your area. I could go on and on about all the various elements which makes this website great, but that would be longwinded and tiresome...Good LUCK! Future Nurse ;-)

Oh, and I might add, don't forget to search a thread, such as Florida Schools in the student domain.

GEM2010 · Nov 26, 2007

I'm 27 and I'm changing careers from education. My advice is to start figuring out how you can get those prereqs done. I've been doing prereqs for two years part time at a local community college while still working full time. It's doable. Since I am in Chicago and I already have two bachelor degrees, I was drawn to two Chicago schools that offered a general direct entry master's program for those who already had a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field (Depaul and Rush). I chose Rush and I'll be starting in June. But if you don't want to go the masters route, there are a number of accelerated BSN programs in the country where it will take about a year to finish.

L&D_2b · Nov 26, 2007

Anyone who can give me advice, I would greatly appreciate it. I am currently a 30 year old Interior Designer and I am thinking about changing careers - long story short. I have a bachelor of science in Architecture. I am considering nursing and have asked many nurses that I am in contact with - what their degrees are in...for instance women's heath, Invitro Fertilization related, or operating room nurse, ect... I seem to get general answers.
I don't know where to start online because I know nothing about NURSING. I live in florida and I work full time so I am looking for answers about which programs are better than others and why, and how long they are, which Universities I should attend?? Can I do it online at an entry level? I also keep hearing about how nurses are in such high demand that schooling can be paid for....is this true and if so by whom - the schools or the facilities? Could I really get a new degree for free due to high demand?
Any direction would be great - somewhere to start other than google.

If you already have a bachelors degree in another field, you would be able to take an accelerated BSN program. Those type of programs are VERY intense, but you would be done within 12-15 months (depending on the program). Those programs usually don't allow you to work while in their program, so if you can live without the pay, do it. Although you would still have to take Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, etc, some of your other credits like English and Math should transfer. You can find an accelerated BSN program at your local universities. You can also do a program search for Florida at http://www.discovernursing.com

Hospital based programs are usually the ones that will offer full tuition if you agree to work for them for x amount of years after you graduate. You would call your local hospital nursing programs to inquire about that.

Good luck to you!

--Marci

jlbird · Nov 27, 2007

Thank you all for your advice and thoughts on this. Unfortunately, I do have to continue working full time while going to nursing school, so I will not be able to complete and accelerated program. Like I said - I know nothing about nursing - so I am sorry if my questions confused you. I am just trying to figure out where to start.

If you have any thoughts on nursing field in general - please advise. Only after getting into Interior Design do I know what it is I like and dislike about the field. Anyone want to share what your salary is as a new RN ( I guess that is the first step, then on to BSN and so on...)? I am just trying to gage if I will be making tha same as I do now, but then I know I can move up the nursing ladder eventually.

jlbird · Nov 27, 2007

Thank you so much, I will call hospital nursing programs and go to the website you mentioned. :)

SICU Queen · Nov 27, 2007

You've gotten great advice that I don't feel the need to add to, but I had to tell you that I have often thought about interior design as MY second career, LOL!!