Hello. and welcome. Go straight for the BSN. are you still with the police department? You may be able to get them to pay for your educations. There are many scholarships and loans out there.

Hello!

I did the big career change thing, too, and just this semester (summer) started the nursing program after spending the previous two semesters getting my pre-reqs finished. My program is an accelerated 2nd-degree BSN program. AND, here's the cool part ... I just got a scholarship that pays all of my tuition, books, fees, equipment,  and provides a living stipened each semester. The scholarship is actually a work/loan and is through an area health system that owns ~ 15 hospitals. Basically, when I finish school I will work for them for at least 3 years, or opt to pay back the scholarship. This totally works for me since I was hoping to work for them anyway. I can't tell you how much of a relief this scholarship is - it means I can quit one of my jobs and focus more on school, and with an accelerated program, that's very important.

You may be able to find a similar situation with a health care system or hospital in your area. Check around and see what nursing scholarships are available in your area.

 Go straight for the BSN!  I began as a diploma nurse 30 years ago after I completing college with a degree in Biology. I practiced as an OR nurse for over 21 years before becoming an Informatics nurse specialist. I now use my clinical expertise and technological skills to help nurses document their care via computerization. I obtained my masters degree in Education and am certified in the OR and Nursing Informatics. One great career with many paths to fulfill your dreams.

 I would go for the BSN. If you already have a bachelors, you can do an accelerated program (though it would be difficult to work too).

I think you need to go for which ever you can handle economically.  if you go for your ADN, then the facility you work for will help you pay for your BSN, which you can then take your time, with a few courses a semester until you're done.

Hello Kickboxer!

I was very excited to see your post---I am also a police officer and considering a change to nursing.  I would love to find a work/loan program such as yours.  Can you provide any more info. about how you found such a program, or where to begin looking?  Do you think a program like yours would be available in a smaller metro. area?  I live south of Pittsburgh, too far to commute to the big city, with only two major hospitals in the area here, Washington and Canonsburg.

Any info. you can provide will be greatly appreciated!  Unfortunately, I am half way through an unrelated Master's program and in considerable debt for it, so a work/loan program would  be my only realistic option to make the change into nursing.

Thanks!

I got some awesome news yesterday.  As a Westchester County officer I can take classes for free at the community college!!  I received 21 credits from the community college because of the police academy, so I'm considered a returning student.  All I have to pay are the fees and for my books.  I'm going to register for the fall so I can start taking my requirements (I missed the deadline for Fall 2008 nursing program).  I also found a hospital close to home that gives out unlimited scholarships to 2nd year nursing students....they pay for tuition, fees and books.  (That's my ticket to my BSN.)  You are commited to work for them for two years after graduation....sounds good to me!!!  Thanks everybody for your sound advice...I'm so glad I listened and explored my options.

Camp280,

I waited 14 years to become a cop and am disappointed with the politics and cliques that come with the job.  I think my outlook on life and people has changed so much that I need a job that allows me to be a nurturer and more involved with people.  Look to your community colleges and hospitals.  Your local community college could have the same program as the one I've found.  Don't be discouraged about money.  I'm using my current position to get what I want...you should do the same.  Keep me posted and be safe out there!!!

Hi! Sorry for the late reply but I just found your question and I'd like to share my experiences, if it's not too late. I started off as a nurse in '75, then had a career change in "82 and became a Cop. It's a long story, but I now do both. If you want to do nursing, I'd say, "Give it a go!". Take Care - Peter