Which Direction Should I Go?!?

[D_Inspiring_One]

Good Evening All,

I am currently a pre-nursing student at Rowan College at Gloucester County. I also hold a B.S. in Psychology and a Ma.Ed in Special Education and currently working as a case manager (not in in the medical field). I plan to enter into a R.N. program within the next year, however, I am hearing that I should just enter a BSN program. The issue is that most BSN programs in my area Nj and PA are 25K and higher per year for traditional students and even higher for second degree candidates. Does any one have insight on this as to if I would still be able to obtain employment in R.N. and enter into a R.N. to BSN program which is significantly cheaper after program completion. Also, my family is thinking of moving to the west coast (Ca, Az, Wa or Or), any insights as to obtaining employment as an R.N. in those areas.

Thanks In Advance,

Denise

[windsurfer8, BSN, RN]

"hearing"...from who? "Most"...which ones? If you are going to get an ADN then you need to for one thing talk with hospitals where you want to work and see if they are hiring ADN nurses. Second you need to actually talk to ALL schools where you can do an ABSN and find out the actual cost.

No one here can tell you if you will get employment with an ADN because no one here knows what hospitals you would apply to. Also there are other points for getting employment as well such as your work experience, background checks, letters of rec, interview, etc. Does that make sense? Just check with places you want to work and see what they require to apply.

[Farawyn]

I would do the BSN. I just went back now. Your psychology degree and the MA don't really mean much except you can snag your math and core requirements from them. If you just have to take nursing classes and the A&P, Micro and Biochem it may be easier. I would speak to schools in your area and see what your options for a BSN are. Good luck.

[D_Inspiring_One]

@Windsurfer8, I have been speaking to some nurses that I know that live here in NJ where I am currently living. The problem is that the BSN programs are just so expensive here. So that is why I was thinking to go the R.N. route, but then what would be the point if I cannot get a job. I hear what you are saying and I will most definitely check with local hospitals and the like to see what they are hiring. It makes total sense. Some places that I saw online were saying RN consideration, but BSN preferred. When I look at other states, such as NC, they will take an ADN, if they obtain their BSN within 5 years. So like to you said, will start reaching out to places.

Thanks Again,

D

[D_Inspiring_One]

@Farawyn, I have looked at all of the schools in my area and they are all 25K and higher for BSN and/ or Second Degree programs. My BS degree was pre-med, so I have a concentration in Biology as well, but that does not matter at this point because its been over 10 years so, that is why I went back for Pre-Nursing Studies. I am thinking I may just wait finish out all the pre-requisites and possibly save up for the BSN. It's only 2 years for me anyway, plus I was looking for an evening program, which is another issues all in itself.

D

[BiotoBSNtoFNP]

I have lived in your area. You should get your BSN. I did Drexel ACE's program and It certainly was expensive! However jobs for new grads in the area are hard to find and most hospitals only hire BSN prepared nurses. If you are open to working in other settings besides the hospital, than the ADN then bridge could be considered.

[D_Inspiring_One]

@BiotoBSN, that is the issue, I looked at Drexel and it was like doing my undergraduate studies all over again money wise! I don't plan on staying in NJ at all, just plan on going to school here since I am here now, finish school and then transition our family to another state as mentioned previously. I plan to enroll in a RN-BSN completion following like something like UT- Arlington. I may have to look at alternative settings in the meantime.