UW BSN Program as a second career.

[Seattle1980]

Firstly this forum has been really helpful in my research so kudos to all those who take the time to post their thoughts.

Now a little about me; I already have a bachelors and masters in IT MGMT and have been working in the IT industry in management roles for about ten years. I hit the six figure salary mark pretty much 4 years out of school but never really got the professional satisfaction that I desired hence the desire to change careers.

I have been researching medical careers for well over a year; med school is not a viable option for me due to family responsibilities and the debt involved. I don't wish to move out of the Seattle area because of kids and PA program by UW is not an option because of their work experience requirement of 4000 hours.

I have had a chance to converse with RN's, doctors and based on the information at hand I have narrowed down my option to pursuing a BSN program at UW. My ultimate goal is to pursue a degree for CRNA at Gonzaga. I understand that I will be taking a pay cut and incurring student loans going through this process however like many others I have come to the realization that money is not nor should it be the sole reason for a career choice so I am willing to make this sacrifice.

I have not started the Pre-Req work yet but will be starting the first set of classes later this year.

Now my question is, are there other individuals on this forum that have pursued BSN as a second career similar to my situation and how has your journey been and what advice can you give to someone in my position.

Apologies upfront if the post is verbose and I truly appreciate any advice you can give.

[tokmom, BSN, RN]

I'm not one of them, but there is a glut of nurses in this area. Are you prepared to be possibly unemployed until something opens up?

That would be my only concern. The U of W has a very good program, but just because you have a BSN from the U of W, doesn't guarantee you a job. We have had a plethora of U of W grads at our doorstep. They are perplexed that we aren't snatching them up. One even said her instructor told her that as a U of W grad, that she would have a job right out of school because she graduated from the "Best of the Best." Yeah, right. Poor girl.

I'm not trying to be a downer, honestly I'm not, lol. But it's something to think about.