What should I do?

[WorkofHeart8]

I'm planning on becoming a CNM but I don't know whether to get my ADN then do the RN-BSN or just go for my BSN. The reason why is because it's so expensive out here in CA that I think it would be better to get my ADN so I can get a good job and support my family. But everyone says to not waste time with the ADN and just go for the BSN. Should I just do my prereq's at a community college and apply to both and see which one(s) I get accepted to?

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

Hello Keshia, I too, hope to someday be a CNM. There's no right or wrong way to get started down that path, different career paths to get to the goal will work for others. The path I've choosen looks something like this:

Year of pre-req's (community college)

2 years in R.N. diploma program

2 years (give or take) in a RN-BSN program

Finally, enroll in CNM program.

By the time I enroll in a CNM program I will have approximately two years of nursing experience. Since most CNM programs I've looked at require at least one year of experience, I liked this path better since I'd never have a year off between my BSN studies and my CNM studies.

[SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN]

An ADN is not a waste of time even in California. I think you should try to finish pre-reqs and apply to ADN and BSN programs as you have suggested and go from there.

By the way, are the people that are telling you an ADN is a waste of your time willing to pay for your education or put food in the stomachs of your kids? If not, stop worrying about their opinion and do what is best for you and your family. Good luck, you have a long road ahead no matter what route you choose.