work right away or continue with school?

[Dawn Vylet]

I'm unsure what to do and was hoping for some advice. I recently graduated with an ADN. I would like to continue on for my BSN degree someday. My question is do I work right away and go to school part time or continue with school and start working this summer? I am in a fortunate position in that I don't "have" to work right away. However, the extra money would be nice. I am receiving education benefits that are "use or lose" and run out at the end of next year. Do I use them and take a full load of classes now and put off working? I need 8 classes to get into a BSN program. I'm afraid if I start working and take one class at a time I will get discouraged by how long it will take to complete all of them (8 semesters instead of 2-3). I guess my question is what would you do. Once you start working, do you feel like taking classes, is it overwhelming going to school and being a brand new nurse? Any advice is welcome. Thanks.

[Katie5]

Stay positive.I understand that everyone means well- but believe that YOU are different. The job WILL come.

And knowing that think,What do YOU want to do?

[anon456, BSN, RN]

Many hospitals will pay for RN to BSN . . . just putting that out there, too. I have heard that the bridge program is easier than going for a BSN straight away. The classes are designed for people who are working full time, and there are no exams, just papers and such.

[diprifan]

I graduated in August with an ADN, and got licensed in September. I'm so glad that I decided to knock out 4 of the 8 remaining prerequisites (12 semester hours) for the RN-BSN program this fall semester. I'm not going to lie, it was difficult to study for the NCLEX and for new course work. But it took three months to get a job; what would I have done in the meantime? But I'm just getting into the swing of things at work and finals are this week. Thank God I have an understanding manager, clinical coordinator, and preceptor. In the spring semester I am taking the last 4 prerequisites and applying to the RN-BSN program, and working... It's definitely doable.

Nick.