What would you recommend

If your ultimate goal is to be an NP, I would go for your BSN and then MSN. It'll make giving programs easier to get into (there are a lot more MSN programs that I know of that are BSN-MSN than RN to MSN).

A BSN will give you a solid bachelors degree in case you ever do leave nursing, and a solid liberal arts education that will broaden your mind. And you'll get to live the college life and still be an RN afterwards!

If your ultimate goal is to be an NP, I would go for your BSN and then MSN. It'll make giving programs easier to get into (there are a lot more MSN programs that I know of that are BSN-MSN than RN to MSN).

A BSN will give you a solid bachelors degree in case you ever do leave nursing, and a solid liberal arts education that will broaden your mind. And you'll get to live the college life and still be an RN afterwards!

So do you think an RN to BSN would be a waste of time?

I don't think it would be a waste of time per se, but if you are ultimately going to go for an MSN, why wait 2 years on a waiting list for a ADN and then do a BSN which in total could take you 6 years when you can just start the BSN program now and you'd graduate in the same time as you would with an ADN with a "better" degree in the field?

If you're trying to go for your MSN, which path would you recommend.

Getting your ADN, taking the NCLEX-RN and becoming an RN, then go for you're MSN or get your BSN first, then become an RN, and after that going for your MSN?

*** As usual, it depends. My advice would be to enter whatever program allows you to sit the NCLEX fastest. It may be an ADN, unless there is a significant waiting list then it may be a BSN. Waiting list aside I think you would be at a much greater advantage to do ADN first. Heres why.

You can do an ADN in two years and become an RN. While working as an RN you can complete an RN to BSN program in two years. Four years total. Go the ADN rout and at the end of four years you are an RN with a BSN and two years of real RN experience (not to mention two years of RN pay and benifits). You are now ready to enter graduate school with your degree, license and two years of real experience. Go the BSN way and at the end of four years you are a new grad RN with zero real experience. In addition you would not have made the $230,000 or so over two years you would have made going the ADN rout.

Of course a waiting list for the ADN or an ADN program that requires extensive re-reqs would change that considerable in favor of the BSN first. Here in Wisconsin the ADN programs are desinged to be done in two years. Some have extensive waiting lists, a few don't.

Thanks for putting it into perspective guys . Really appreciate it. llg, I think I might do what you did.