To take a break or not take a break

[ellee1977]

I am in my last semester of an ADN program. I already know I am going to continue my education and obtain a BSN and then a MSN. My question is should I wait a year and develop more knowledge and experience in the field before pursuing my BSN? Or should I began working on the BSN in the Fall after I graduate?

[Crux1024]

Its really up to you. Do you feel like taking a break from school? Do you have the resources/sanity to continue?

Id personally say if you can do it to go for it. You never know when that dream job will come along but oh noes! It requires a BSN. :) Youd be prepared. I took off for almost a year and am now starting my BSN program this summer.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Congratulations on your achievements! I would recommend that you wait until you begin working - in order to take advantage of your employer's tuition reimbursement opportunities. If you need a break, by all means take one. But a lot of nurses feel that going directly into the BSN track is best because they lose momentum if they take too much time off in between.

[RNperdiem, RN]

If your hospital offers tuition reimbursement, you might be able to start working, and when ready work on your BSN.

[aura_of_laura]

Take a break and enjoy the fruits of your labors!

I took one year off from school after I got my license, and it was amazing to be able to look around and say "Oh yeah, this is why I put up with all of that ****!" To *only* have to go to work was such a nice change from juggling work, class, and clinicals... Now I'm finishing my BSN in April, and I am really ready for another little break before starting my MSN!

Just don't lose sight of starting back to school - give yourself a timeline.

[ellee1977]

Thanks for all the comments, they are very helpful. Still have some thinking to do but really appreciate the feedback especially from people who are doing it or have done it.:)

[netglow, ASN, RN]

I'd let the economy guide you. When you get out see which way the wind is blowing, and let that be your guide.

If nothings doing on the job front, and you have some way to finance more edu. then do that. If it looks like some positions are opening up and they are going to properly orient you... GET A JOB. Things could close down again just as fast as they open, so I'd get a job first if there is a good one to be had.

[llg, PhD, RN]

As someone who teaches in a BSN completion program, I strongly recommend getting a little work experience before starting the BSN -- particularly if the program you plan to attend is targeted to nurses with some experience. The program I teach in is designed to meet the learning needs of nurses with some experience, not new grads who have not yet become competent in the actual practice. I find that those who return to school too soon struggle with the classes as they have no practical experience to draw upon. Many assignments assume that the student has some practical experience and those without it are at a disadvantage.

Also, as someone who has worked with a lot on new grads through their orientation phase ... I recommend not trying to go to school while you are still making that often difficult transition from student to staff nurse. A lot of new grads really struggle with that transition -- and it is made more difficult when your attention is divided between work and school.

Get competent in the practice of nursing first ... then return to school. People who try to do too many things at the same time often do a poor of job. Focus on the role transition ... then on the additional education.

... assuming you can get a nursing job, of course.

[MB37]

I started with a BSN, but chose to wait a year before taking classes towards my masters. I might at least take a semester and see how you feel. You'll be studying for boards right after you graduate, and possibly going through orientation at the same time, and you don't want to sabotage your GPA (or fail NCLEX) because you have too much on your plate. Once you have both a job and a license you'll have a better idea of how much time you'll have for school and if you're ready, or need to wait. My orientation was long and involved classroom, home study, and exams - but it was for critical care. If you start in a less intense environment, you might have more time sooner, but understand there will still be a steep learning curve once you're on your own.

As others have said, this all assumes that you're able to find a job right away with an ADN. I hope you can and that your area isn't as depressed as many. If you have trouble finding employment, start back right away - the BSN may help in your job search. Good luck with everything!

[feisty]

I went directly into an RN-BSN program and have done well. Having said that I will admit that I wish that I had waited. As someone else posted, the assignments are often geared toward someone with experience and they are very difficult to complete without that experience. You will also be learning when you start your first nursing job. Believe me, you will need to continuously educate yourself as a nurse and a new nurse has so much to learn. Policy and procedure of your facility alone can be overwhelming at times not to mention the actually hands on nursing skills then throw in prioritizing, delagation and communication...whew. The stress of just starting a nursing career is tremendous and the added stress of cont. edu. can make you feel like you are so divided and exhausted that you can't always give your best. I didn't check you profile so I will just ask...do you have family to care for? Responsibilities outside of work and class?

My daughter graduated on year ago from an ADN program and she considered going straight into a BSN program. We discussed all of these things and she decided to wait. She is so happy that she waited because she can focus on the classes she is required to take for her job and still have a life. It is important to have balance in life or the stress of this job will destroy your health.

Sorry if I sound negative, I just want you to have the facts when making your decision.

[SoCalRN23]

i had the same exact question. seeing as the majority on here suggests taking a break, i feel better about making the decision to wait a while. i plan to give myself at least one year minimum before i return to school for my bsn. with that said, my question is whether an online program or on campus program is better?

:redpinkhe

[skittles08]

I graduate in May and I also have the same dilemma. I have a scholarship that will cover my tuition for up to 4 years. I've used 2 years on my ASN & it will transfer to my RN-BSN, but I lose it if I take a year off. I plan to work also. I'm curious about what kind of assignments you get that require experience. Will they require alot of past experience/knowledge, or would the experience I would be gaining while working be enough to complete them? I would kind of like to have some time off, but I also don't want to pay thousands of dollars for my BSN tuition when it could be free.