Weighing my Best Option-Would Love To Hear Your Opinion

[dallasmommyof1]

Hello guys,

I have been reading this forum and it has evidently a lot of useful information we all could use. Anyway, I just got my US Citizenship, and I am planning to apply for a dual citizenship, since I was born and raised in the Philippines. And, I have been seriously contemplating on going back to P.I. and pursue a degree in BSN. Like some people here, BSN would be my 2nd degree, should I pursue.

I will be coming back to P.I. along with my 2-year old daughter who is a US Citizen. Actually, we haven't come up with a definite decision yet. But weighing the pros and cons, it would be more likely that we go home. My husband will have to stay here and support us in P.I.

My folks are from Misamis Oriental in Mindanao, so most likely, I would like to study where it wont be too far away from them; knowing the fact that my daughter will be with me and I may need some assistance here and there from them. The closest city where we live is in Cagayan de Oro City. And I wonder if there is anyone in here, who had studied and finished BSN in Liceo de Cagayan or Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro? Would you know if they accept a second degree courser as well as their NCLEX passing rates? Anyone who are now here in the States coming from these schools? How much is the tuition fees? The reason I ask is I just wanna make sure that it will be worth the time and money spent, should I study in one of these schools? Also, my options are not very limited to these schools. I am willing to explore studying like Davao city, if there are any excellent schools, you could help me recommend??? Trimester schools would be very ideal but I can do just a regular set-up,too, should it be an excellent one.

A few more things; I plan to practice nursing in Texas State. Would you know, if after completing BSN, do I have to take a local nursing board exam in the Philippines? And also the NLE? and other more tests?

I know, when I graduate, I will be forever treated as a foreign nurse grad, but knowing the fact that my dream can happen sooner, then its all worth it.

Any inputs, opinions and advise are welcome.Thanks.

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

The main thing here is you are doing all your research which is good.

Regarding whether you need a local license or not will all depend on the state and things change all the time and that should be something you look at nearer the time you complete your training

[Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN]

You could realize your dream in the USA in two years with an ADN. It maybe be as long as 5 years for you to complete the program and another year to get permission to sit for the NCLEX. Best of luck whatever you choose.

[dallasmommyof1]

You mean 5 years to complete the BSN program? I was looking into a second courser program and I thought it would only be about 3 years to complete? Should I study here, I still have few more subjects to take before I could enroll into ADN or BSN here and that doesn't even guarantee a slot, which is not a win-win situation for me. Anyway, I am still weighing my best option and really do appreciate all inputs you could put in. The more ideas the better. Thanks a y'all!

[Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN]

Several posters here thought they could take a short cut being a second courser, but were told once they move back they had to complete the whole program. Last I heard the Philippine nursing program is 5 years. Have you looked into an accelerated BSN program? I thought the education was the same US and the Philippine had the same curriculum there for you would have to take the courses anyway.

[dallasmommyof1]

Well, my understanding was the BSN program in P.I. will take a regular student to finish in 4 years span of time. And I also know that they are planning to extend it to another more year which will make it to a 5-year program (not sure if it had been approved by CHED?) However, it is still one of my options anyway as the cost of education is way much cheaper than over here. I made an appointment once to one of the private universities here and told me that I couldn't qualify grants or financial aid because I had a degree and also their income requirements. And truth of the matter is, it will cost me a lot of money to get a degree in Nursing here than over in P.I. And also they can never guarantee for a slot since they have a big time cut-off for nursing students.

Keep your inputs coming as it will help me a lot in deciding for the best option.Thanks.

[Fiona59]

What does your husband think of all this? I mean, you will be taking his child away to be raised in your culture and those early years are precious in sealing the parent child bond. I take it he waited for your arrival in the US and now you want to leave him for a couple of years?

Why do you want to be a nurse? Why not teach, the hours are more family friendly?

[dallasmommyof1]

Well honestly, my husband and I kinda go back and forth on this. There are days that he supports me and there are days that he's wanting me to stay. And believe me, I don't want our family to be apart neither. I hate the idea of separating him from our daughter, but for the long term purpose that it would help secure my family's future, we will do it. Basically, my husband supports me on this. He plans to visit at least once or twice a year, and do online chat/skype very often, should I go back to P.I. with my daughter. I realize there is always a pros and cons.

Teaching would be a good idea if I was really into it. I mean, I haven't really done further thinking on this. I don't think the demand also is as high as nursing. Don't get me wrong, it would be a good field but I really don't think teaching is one of my strengths. Thanks for the ideas, though. I guess, I could do a more in-depth planning the next couple of days or weeks.

Keep your inputs coming.Thanks a lot to all of you!!

[Fiona59]

Basically, you are looking at nursing as the answer to all your plans for the future. Not an interest in the actual profession only that it's "high demand". You also say that teaching isn't really where your interest lies. Well, a big part of nursing is educating the patient. I've worked on units where that is a huge part of my job. Teach, teach, and hope it sinks in.

How do you think you will deal with shiftwork, working weekends, stat holidays, etc? These really bite into family time.

Nursing is also "high demand" for a reason. People burn out, get injured, find out the job that promised the golden ticket didn't. How much work is really available in your area?

You're young, you have plenty of time to figure out your life. I wouldn't pick nursing because it was in "high demand".

[Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN]

You mention that you are now a US Citizen, why did you go through all the trouble to be a citizen and then not embrace American education and American culture?

I know education is expensive but as a US Citizen you would be able to get loans to help finance your education.

It is not the American way for a couple to be separated for years denying a spouse access to a child ( that is even frowned in divorce) for the goal of a college education.

I have stated here repeatedly, the best nursing education is the education supplied in the country you wish to practice in.

I know it can be hard to get into nursing school, but for the most part is that the US only takes qualified candidates, students who will be successful. That is not true in other countries where there are students who have not passed the local board or the NCLEX.

As an American, I would suggest that you embrace your new mother land, go to school in the country which you just decided to become a citizen. It will make you a better US Nurse, it will keep your family whole, and you will be supporting the local US economy.