What is the stress like working as a NEW RN and while attending an RN to BSN program?

[samaletta]

I will be graduating from an ADN program in May of 07 and found a college with an accelerated RN to BSN program that I would like to attend in the fall after I graduate. However, I am worried about the stresses of being a graduate nurse AND the stresses of college. Has anyone had any experience with this? Did you start a BSN program shortly after graduating while working as a New Nurse? I'd love some input.

Also, I work in a hospital now as a tech. I do not have many friends b/c I work only about 3 days a month and I float to all the floors. I would LOVE to have a mentor or something like that ..... Do you think it would be geeky for me to ask someone that I admire to be sort of a mentor to me? I have so many questions and would love to have advice from an experienced nurse at times.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Most RN to BSN programs are half-time so they know their students are nurses working full-time jobs. It's not easy, but definately doable if you work.

However........here's the big however, if you haven't taken NCLEX by then realize you're going to be studying for NCLEX and taking RN to BSN courses at the same time and that is not very doable in my opinion. I've seen a few people do it and they aren't able to do their best on both and regretted it.

Either take NCLEX before starting or wait a semester until after NCLEX before starting, in my opinion. Otherwise, don't wait because you're a new grad, because you might find yourself working and making money and getting lazy and not wanting to go back and you'll be like me 47 years old 15 years into nursing still wanting a BSN...LOL

Asking someone to be a mentor is definately not geeky.

Good luck to you!

[jjjoy, LPN]

The first few months as a new grad can be really tough and draining. For many, it takes at least 6 month if not a year or more to feel really comfortable with their job. If you take the NCLEX right away and pass it, get a job right out of your program, and that job has good training and doesn't overwork you, then by the time the program starts in the fall, you might be ready for the challenge. It is a risk, though and you might find yourself wanting another 6 months to settle into your job, or find another more suitable job, before taking on so much work (classes, studying) during your off time. Would you be penalized if you get accepted and then decide you want to put off your entry into the program?

[arizonanurse]

I graduated with my ADN in May and started an online RN to BSN program that fall. I was concerned about what you're saying, so I only worked part-time (two days a week). It really wasn't bad at all; looking back, I could have worked three days a week and done just fine. Most RN to BSN programs are geared towards working RNs, so they aren't all that demanding.