Nursing

Anyone change careers to become Nurse? I'm seriously considering this. I have Bachelors Degree in a science field so I'm wondering if I'm better off doing another Bachelors Program, or first doing an Associates, getting a job, and then continuing education for Nursing.

Any advice would be really helpful.

Re: Nursing

Stonybrook has a 12 month Bs to BSN program for people like you with a BS n science but not nursing. Here is the site:
http://www.nursing.stonybrook.edu/nursingwprod.nsf/onsite12Month
Good Luck!

Re: Nursing

I was in the same position as you. I have a bachelors in Health Science. I just finished all my pre-requisites for nursing programs and I am waiting to hear back from a few schools that I applied to. There are a few of them that have accelerated programs for those with bachelors degrees, they are about a year long and you will leave with a a BSN. Considering you have the bachelors already, I would do that. You just need to complete your Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, Micro, if you don't already have. FM if you have questions.

Re: Nursing

a few years ago, i would have said to go for the Associates and then you could always consider going back for the BSN after youre already working, but there have been many changes in the last 2 years.

Most hospitals won't hire you without a BSN (look at the job postings for your local hospitals- some say that theyll hire you, but you have 5 years to complete your BSN, but in reality, theyre not really hiring Associates nurses (even with your BS in another area). Many hospitals are trying to obtain magnet status, and to do so, they need to have a minimum % of their nurses to hold a Bachelors. If you have the option to do an accelerated program, i would do that!

Re: Nursing

I would absolutely do the accelertated BS to BSN if I were you. Just be prepared for them to own you for that year, you can't work.

I am currently entering my last semester for an associates degree, and the job market is bleak, so its not a route I would recommend (but I didn't have a bachelors to begin with)..

Good Luck!

Re: Nursing

Nursing positions are very competitive nowadays but also seem to be hiring often. I recently read that there maybe a NYS law that requires all nurses to have a BSN- nothing has passed as of yet but there are talks of it. The greater education you acquire, the better opportunities you have.

Its definitely a rewarding career, and benefits.

Re: Nursing

Do not go for the Associates anymore. Most hospitals are hiring bachelors now.

Go for the accelerated program to bachelor degree since you already have a bachelor degree.