Why are people criticizing my choice to get an ASN?

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Hello, just hoping someone can put this into perspective for me, or maybe just offer some input or support.

I just got accepted into my local community college's nursing program. I live in a very large city so I know that an ASN will not be enough to get me a nursing job. The counselors at my school are very upfront about this, and I plan on attending an RN-BSN program immediately afterwards.

While I was taking my prerequisite classes, I spoke to other pre-nursing students and it feels like everyone else is moving on to the big, expensive (!!!) BSN programs in the area. I just absolutely can't afford those programs right now. I am 22, single, and completely independent from any parental support. However, FAFSA still considers me a "dependent" because of my age which blocks me from getting financial aid, so I am paying for school out of pocket. By the time I graduate with my ASN, I will be 24 and will no longer be considered a dependent, so I will receive aid to help fund my RN-BSN at a big school.

In the long run I am looking at spending around $14k for my ASN, and then around $35k (or less, depending on where I go) for my RN-BSN, which brings me to a grand total of about $49k. If I went straight for the BSN at a big school, it would cost me at LEAST $70k. I'd also have some pre-reqs to complete before applying which would be another couple thousand. That is a HUGE savings! :uhoh3: It will also take about the same amount of time.

My school's program is pretty good and competitive. The licensing exam pass rate is high and many students successfully complete their RN-BSN after graduation.

Sorry for ranting, but I am very confident in my decision and think that it is a smart choice to make... so why do people look down at me for it? Trust me, I'd love to go to a big name school, but it wouldn't benefit me if I have to drop out after a year due to finances.

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No matter what you do, some people will look down at you, whether it's because they just don't understand or don't want to. All you have to remember is that it is your choice, your life, and it doesn't matter what people -- people who like to look down on others -- think. In response, "This is the option/path/whatever that is going to work best for me. The end result will be a great career and I'm looking forward to starting my journey."

Hard to argue with that!

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

Remember to factor in, when considering split programs, the time lost between programs. If the BSN program is $25k more but you lose a year of making $60k the it changes the financials.

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I have gotten the same feed back but backwards. I am going for the BSN and have had many other pre nursing students ask why not go for the ADN first. No matter what, do what you want to do. That's great you got into your program AND plan on eventually getting your BSN. You obviously have goals & want to further your education.

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Remember to factor in, when considering split programs, the time lost between programs. If the BSN program is $25k more but you lose a year of making $60k the it changes the financials.

That's assuming she would even find a job right away. I've seen posts on here from ADN and BSN students who still can't find a job after a year or more. Not all nurses start at 60K either. Around here they start at around 45K, and that's before taxes and assuming they work full time, which most hospitals around here won't hire nurses for full time positions.

To the OP: You'd have people look down on your if you went straight for the BSN as well. Don't sweat it. Some people are just closed minded and think what is a good choice for them is obviously the best choice for everyone else. I actually knew a girl in your situation who did go to the big BSN school that was 20K a year and she had to drop out her last year because she just had no more money and couldn't take out anymore loans. People say "just take out loans" but not everyone can just keep taking out loans, and it's not always the best choice because nothing is guaranteed no matter what degree you graduate with.

Don't rule out nursing homes. I don't know where you live, but it seems like from what I've heard even the big cities are still hiring ADNs in nursing homes. It might not be your ideal job, but it's still experience and you'd still be using your license while going for your BSN. Or look at more rural hospitals too if it's not too far of a drive. If it at all possible try to get a job as a CNA, secretary, receptionist, etc at a hospital while in school. I've seen ADNs get hired at hospitals that highly preferred BSNs because they already worked there. Good luck!

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BostonFNP - I did not consider that, but it is certainly something to think about. I know that working as a nurse might not happen until I have a BSN, but as long as I get the bills paid, I am fine working a lower-paying, non-nursing job until I am able to get the BSN.

zoe - I guess people will always have something to say about the decisions that other people make, no matter what the decision is.

soxgirl - I have many friends who have had to drop out of school because of money issues, too. That terrifies me! I already have some student debt lingering from when I was 18, and I don't want to just keep building it up. I'll definitely keep nursing homes in mind. I am actually interested in geriatrics, so that is already up my alley.

Thanks for everyone's kind words and support.

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You will always encounter jealous people. Especially those who haven't been accepted or have been denied admission.

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Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.

Are your parents willing to provide you financial information? If so, your application will be complete, and you may qualify for aid even if they don't actually contribute a penny.

Also, see if you qualify for Special Circumstances, or if your college will calculate aid on an incomplete application

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Which one provides the most clinical time for you that to me would be a factor :}...which one provides the knowledge of bedside one on one hands on care ? Not the monetary gain although in today's economy realistically I know it's a factor. :}

When your instructor is no longer standing beside you which one will prepare you the best to care for the patient that is in front of you and trust you because your the nurse. :}

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Shucks, you should hear the flack I am getting for doing the LPN program first then the LPN-BSN bridge. I just have to remember that is what will work best for my family and budget. (LPN program $8,000, LPN-BSN bridge $28,000)

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Are your parents willing to provide you financial information? If so, your application will be complete, and you may qualify for aid even if they don't actually contribute a penny.

Also, see if you qualify for Special Circumstances, or if your college will calculate aid on an incomplete application

My father is deceased, but I do have my mother's income information so my form is complete. This year, I qualify for a small loan but that doesn't cover even a fraction of my college costs.

It's just a pain. I don't qualify for any dependency overrides because they're for situations such as child abuse and potential homelessness. Neither of these things are the case; my mom just does not help me financially in any way. I live several hours away from her, yet according to FAFSA I am still living in her house! Very frustrating.

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Im a Nursing student I got accepted into a diploma LPN program, dont let anyone discourage you on how you obtain your degree. My wife has an ASN and makes 70 a year in the O.R. there is work out there without running up you tution bill.

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