Undergrad looking to pursue a career as a nurse, please help

Jo Dirt · Nov 9, 2007

If you're unencumbered and have the funds, you may as well wait. If you need to get out and make a living ASAP then why not go through an LPN program and work on the RN portion part-time or go to a diploma/ADN program at a community college?

There's no shame in that.

I'll assume you're young and it hasn't been too long since you were in high school. I'm going to assume, also, that you are still a victim of the mindset the guidance counselors in high school pushed on you, and that is that people who are truly going somewhere go to the university while those who are limited go to the CC or vo-tech because that is all they are capable of. Schools are doing a TERRIBLE disservice to young people with this attitude and it is disgusting. Then again, if you notice, a lot of guidance counselors are doing what they do because they can't do anything else.

jlcole45 · Nov 9, 2007

My recommendation would be enroll in one of the diploma or Community College programs - my first nursing degree (RN diploma) was from St. Frances in Trenton - it was an excellent program! Then later if you want to pursue a BSN - then do it. At least you get in sooner and have a clue if this is really what you want to do.

The other strong recommendation I have is go work at a hospital as a nursing aide (they'll provide the training), not only will you see first hand what an RN does, but you might receive tuition assistance benefits - many hospitals will help you pay for school in exchange for working as a nurse after graduation for a couple of years.

Good luck. Don't hesitate just get in there and start working and making plans for enrollment - you can always change your mind later.

anonimous · Nov 10, 2007

At least you get in sooner and have a clue if this is really what you want to do.
- you can always change your mind later.

Thanks. I've been working as an ER Tech/nursing assistant, and volunteering locally as an EMT for about 2 years now. I look forward to a career as an ED nurse. I agree 100% that those interested in pursuing this career should get hands on experience and know what they're getting into.

I appreciate all the suggestions, and am open to hear any and all opinions.

Waiting the extra year is really something I would like to avoid. If it's not possible to begin my Clinicals in Fall '08, my second preference is to find a program which begins immediately after in Spring '09. I know there are programs which begin clinicals in both Fall + Spring semesters for nursing students, but am unsure of where they are.