What path in nursing do I take?

[leamarie10]

I am interested in becoming a nurse. I already have B.S. degree in teaching and I want to get a 2 year RN degree. Since I already have a prior degree would I still go to a two year college and would the length of the program still be 2 years? Is it worth going back to school to become a nurse regarding the job outlook. There has been a freeze for teachers in most states for about 2 years now, so that is why I am asking about the nursing job growth. I would hate to go for 2 years and then have no job when I am finished. Also, does it matter if you get your nursing degree at a Junior College? My husband is in the military and we moved to an area where there are only Community Colleges that offer health programs, so that is why I am asking. I also heard about an accelerated RN-BSN program, but they are only online around me. Would that be worth it too? Is online school worth it?

Any advice would be helpful.

[CNL2B]

Actually, if you go to a 2 year college, it might take you longer than 2 years depending on what their prerequisites are. If you have a BA already that will cover your generals but some programs want you to have some of your sciences done.

You won't qualify for an RN-BSN program because you're not an RN. Those programs only take licensed nurses (with ADNs.) I think what you are asking about perhaps are other programs like a post-baccalaureate BSN. This would be the direct entry into practice degree that would work for you. There are also a growing number of direct-entry MSN degree programs out there - these are also geared toward non-nurses also. You could look at your nearest 4-year colleges/universities for these types of degrees. A lot of schools are going partially online these days so it may be feasible, depending on how close to the school you live, for you to try to attend one of them. ANY entry-into-practice nursing degree is going to have a significant amount of clinical work, however, so clinicals are going to have to be something that you could drive to as well.

This is all really confusing to a prospective student these days -- there are now THREE levels of direct entry into practice, actually FOUR, if you count diploma programs (most of which have been closed.) Your options are: diploma/hospital program, ADN program/community college, traditional BSN program, post-baccalaureate BSN program (also called accelerated BSNs), and direct-entry MSN programs. So, I guess, actually that makes FIVE. It is going to benefit you in your future career to try to build on the education you already have, so I would try for at least the BSN/accelerated BSN if it is at all logistically feasible for you. You will start with a higher rate of pay and have more upwardly mobile opportunities after you get some experience. And yes, most employers prefer RNs with at least a 4-year degree, but almost all hire ADNs, all the time. There just aren't enough nurses to go around, even in this economy.

I would not worry about the job market. This too shall pass. Yes, the economy sucks right now, but nurses job growth has outpaced almost all other jobs out there. We will always be in demand -- there are always going to be sick people out there. New grads are having a little trouble right NOW, but most have positions 6-9 months after graduation that I have seen. That's not horrible when you are looking at a 10% unemployment rate nationwide and people that have been laid off for going on two years. Two or three years from now when you graduate, things could be completely different (and probably will be.)

Hope that helps.