2 yr ADN versus MSN

[Womanonajourney1983]

I was planning to complete a BSN as a second degree student. I had begun working on the pre-requisites and was notified on the 2nd day of class I was notified that I have no financial aid resources left to cover the expenses. I was awarded a scholarship through the school of nursing but it was not enough to cover even one class! I already hold two degrees, a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and a Master of Social Work (MSW). Employment opportunities are pretty much no existent in my neck of the woods. Moreover, health care & patient advocacy are passions of mine and I feel that nursing would allow me more opportunities to fulfill those passions. Anyway, I am looking for insight/advice about whether or not I should pursue a 2 yr Associate's Degree Program or an entry level MSN/CNL (Clinical nurse leader) program for students without BSNs, the first year is full-time & the equivalent of a BSN that allows for students to sit for the NCLEX-RN & become a Registered Nurse. I understand that the CNL is a generalist role & that most graduates start out as staff nurses. Having health care but no nursing experiencing I know that I want to pursue advanced educator but am not sure as to which area. Ultimately I want a DSN and to be a clinical faculty member--in the interim I may want to be an advanced practice nurse (Nurse Practitioner/Nurse Executive). Anyone been in a similar situation? What did you choose? All advice/opinions welcome! Thanks for the help in advance!

Woman on A Journey

[LVN-RNhopeful]

I have a B.S. in Biology and I chose to go the ADN route. I wanted to pursue the fastest route to becoming an RN so that I could start working faster. My next step is grad school, but I'm not sure what I want to specialize in. I plan to work as an RN while I figure things out and research my options. I say if financing your education is an issue, pick whichever route is going to get you a paycheck faster. That's just my two cents.

[aquizzle]

I have a B.S. in Biology and I chose to go the ADN route. I wanted to pursue the fastest route to becoming an RN so that I could start working faster. My next step is grad school, but I'm not sure what I want to specialize in. I plan to work as an RN while I figure things out and research my options. I say if financing your education is an issue, pick whichever route is going to get you a paycheck faster. That's just my two cents.

Yes that's what i'm thinking with the ADN too, but a lot of the direct entry programs let you sit for the NCLEX after about a year of intense full-time coursework, so you can begin working a little sooner than the ADN if you pass. Then as you work, you have the option of finishing the Master's portion part time.

[Moogie]

I'm trying to make that same decision too. I have a B.S. in chemistry but can't afford the Accelerated BSN programs and I'm not sure I can afford the direct entry msn programs either. If I go the ADN route, there are schools in my area that allow an RN with a BS in another field to go right into an MSN program without requiring a BSN. Plus I have a 3 month old right now and can't afford daycare so i need an option that will allow me lots of flexibility and the adn does that for me. I think I'll apply to both and make my decision when I see my options. If you can afford it and you have the time, you should go the MSN route; as an RN would be extra time and coursework. Good luck!

I wish there were more flexible options for you but you are absolutely right; if you have kids and can't afford daycare, it's VERY tough to do ANY sort of educational program---but far more stressful when you have other responsibilities. The biggest plus of the ADN is that, in many cases, it does provide more flexibility than other options.

When I did my ADN, there was little flexibility as we had a regular class schedule M-F like most other programs. Evening classes were very rare; but this was thirty some years ago and one should hope that a community college would be a little more flexible now in order to meet the varying needs of non-traditional students.

Do check out if there are programs that have online classes, which also allow flexibility. I really wish you the best in your journey and hope you can achieve your goals in whatever way works best for you!!!

[aquizzle]

I wish there were more flexible options for you but you are absolutely right; if you have kids and can't afford daycare, it's VERY tough to do ANY sort of educational program---but far more stressful when you have other responsibilities. The biggest plus of the ADN is that, in many cases, it does provide more flexibility than other options.

When I did my ADN, there was little flexibility as we had a regular class schedule M-F like most other programs. Evening classes were very rare; but this was thirty some years ago and one should hope that a community college would be a little more flexible now in order to meet the varying needs of non-traditional students.

Do check out if there are programs that have online classes, which also allow flexibility. I really wish you the best in your journey and hope you can achieve your goals in whatever way works best for you!!!

Thanks!:)