Why are people criticizing my choice to get an ASN?

Published

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.

Specializes in ER trauma, ICU - trauma, neuro surgical.

The level of education in an academic arena will always have a holier-than-thou aspect. It happens between bachelors and masters, and between masters and doctorates. The ones that will talk down usually use their own education level as a standard. If they have a BSN, then everyone should have a BSN and not an ADN, and if you have your ADN, then everyone should have an ADN and not an LPN.

You are going to get out of school and get paid. When you go back, your BSN will be paid for by tuition reimbursement. You will be able to take classes on your own time while making money. My ADN didn't cost that much and I used tuition reimbursement while making a nice salary. When I finished with my BSN, I had zero student debt. Every paycheck stayed in my bank account. Even though RN to BSN takes longer, it is great financial move. Almost a steal. Do what's good for you. Trust me, when you get your BSN, there will be someone that thinks your BSN should be a masters. Graduate with your ADN and enjoy your first paycheck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Well this is what I did. May not be for you, but it is something to think about I suppose. Join the military in a healthcare specialty. I did the Army as an Infantryman, if i could have done this part over, I would been a medic. A 3 year commitment ( trust me, it goes by a lot faster than it sounds) gets you the full GI Bill benefit. Now not only is your ADN paid for, but you will also get a monthly living allowance, normally in the ballpark of $1000, depending where you live. After i got out and while i was knocking off prereqs on the waitlist, I got my CNA. Being a veteran pretty much guarantees being hired at a local VA hospital. Once you have your ADN, you are again able to get hired in as a Nurse at the VA, even if it might be a specialty you aren't crazy about, at least you can now apply to other positions in the hospital. Now onto the BSN. You should still have some time left on the GI Bill, at least to cover the first semester. The VA will pay for about 3 years of schooling, which should cover the rest of the BSN and get you started on an MSN, if you should so choose. In the end, your ADN was not only paid for but you were actually paid to go to school. Zero loans. Your BSN was also paid for. Zero loans. Also, through all of this, you still qualify for Pell Grants.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

hodgieRN - Thank you!! I could not agree more about the "holier-than-thou" aspect. That's very encouraging to hear.

rcassell77- Unfortunately I am not eligible to join the military due to some medical issues. I was very close to joining the Navy at one point, but am not able to.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Congratulations on your acceptance into nursing school! The associates degree programs are an important pathway into nursing, and they are widely utilized. It's true that increasing complexity of health care and recent research on the relationship between nursing education and patient outcomes have created a professional shift in favor of more advanced education. You are clearly aware of those implications and have a good plan for moving forward!

I do want to clarify a point made by HodgieRN above, though. Complete tuition reimbursement for BSN education by employers is still the exception rather than the rule. Many have some tuition support, but it may be a relatively small amount of money. Still, as you have wisely noted, you will be able to work at a higher wage while you continue coursework for your baccalaureate or other degree.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

If you are not listed as dependent on your mother's tax return, you should not be classified as dependent for FAFSA. If she is still claiming you (to pay lower taxes) you need to make this stop. Probably too late for this year, but make sure it is corrected for next yr. It's just not fair if she is not helping support you.

I agree with PPs - you gotta do what you gotta do. Begin the journey using whatever means you have. Only you can decide what is best for your own situation.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
If you are not listed as dependent on your mother's tax return, you should not be classified as dependent for FAFSA. If she is still claiming you (to pay lower taxes) you need to make this stop. Probably too late for this year, but make sure it is corrected for next yr. It's just not fair if she is not helping support you.

I agree with PPs - you gotta do what you gotta do. Begin the journey using whatever means you have. Only you can decide what is best for your own situation.

She is not claiming me and has not for several years, but FAFSA still classifies me as a dependent. The exception to the rule are pretty extreme. I'd have to be homeless, abused by my parents, etc. This is not even remotely close to my situation; I just happen to be an adult. I know a few people who have had this issue as well.

The kicker is: I could live with my mom and have her support me 100%, but I would be considered independent if I were married. Soooo frustrating.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment