If you just want to be an RN, you could just go to an ADN program. However, you will still just have an AA-RN. From my research, the only real reason to do an ABSN is if you want to move into nursing management, or if you want to do advanced practice nursing eventually. I'm in a similar situation as you, and I have chosen to do the ABSN (and I'm also applying to an entry-level MSN program which is for people with degrees in non-nursing fields who want to be nurse practitioners).

Ok, thanks Katherine. You confirmed what most people have told me. I've looked into the entry-level MSN programs as well, but not sure if I am ready to make the financial and time committment for a Master's level program. I have no experience in nursing and my gut tells me to get some experience to make sure Nursing is for me. What is the best way to get experience? Right now, I would only be qualified to be a receptionist at a medical facility. I'm not sure if this would give me an accurate view of nursing. I'm thinking I should pursue this type of work anyway. But, my goal has always been to obtain a graduate degree, no matter which field I pursue. Good luck to you in applying for the MSN programs!

Ok, gindragon, so you see the value in a BSN vs. a BS and an ADN. (since you already have the BS)....has anyone advised you that you do not need two Bachelor's degrees, and to just go for the ADN? Some have suggested that to me.

Reading all of this really had me thinking and maybe one of you could help me. I have been a nurses aide for over 20 years but had to take the class over again in Jan. of 2005 because I was never certified. Well, I passed the class again but still am not certified because I did not have the money for the certification. Since then I have been working In-Home-Care, well really since 2003 and have been going to school online and received my AA in Healthcare in June of this year. Now I have always wanted to become an LVN and I saw on another website that you need like 52 hours of basic patient care, psycology, physiology, anatomy, and pharmacology. I have more then enough hours but I need the other classes and I do not know how to draw blood or give injections. I have taken all the prerequesites but as I have stated, these are the only classes I need. Would I still have to take LVN courses full time or could I transfer into a college with the transcripts I have and just take the remaining classes ? And then I was to start classes again for BS in long term healthcare, would I need these classes? Someone please help.

Hi
scorpio and etrainer. I could be wrong here, but I think the 52hrs, A&P, psych etc are part of the LPN/LVN program. I have moved quite a bit, so have taken classes at 6 different colleges, an LPN progam and medic program. I found It difficult to transfer credits, especially out of state. You do not need an LPN prior to an ADN or BSN progam. With 20 years experience, you certainly do not need the extra clinical time that LPN programs offer. You cannot transfer credits unless you take university classes. You may think you have had A&P, but LPN A&P is a very abribviated version of college A&P. I would most definately reccomend to make sure any school you go to is NLN accedited, especially ask about this if it is an on-line program. In my experience the campus schools offer a better education, of course it really comes down to what a person is willing and able to put into it.
Look on NLN site there are lots of scholorships right now, also local hospitals often have school for time trades.
I am sorry that the place you work would not cover the cost for CNA your certification-terrible.
I was an LPN from 88-93. I was able to test out of 1st semester of ADN school. As far as jobs I receive no "expereice" time for when I was an LPN (ie my pay scale starts as a new grad in 1993 when I got my ADN), at my current jobs I receive no extra pay for my BSN (vs ADN). When I graduated with an ADN I had been a nurse for 5 years, IV certified working surg, I was consitered a new grad and had to take a cut in pay.
i agree with you okiesu in part about the letters do not make a manager. Also you have been nursing for quite a while so have a lot of experience. Going to school has never been wasted time (except maybe stats..just kidding). Going to school helps ya remember how much you don;t know. I think it is improtant to know what your employees or students are expected to. With the feds or in education a higher degree is needed for specific jobs. I think as long as we have a nursing shortage a BSN is not and will not be needed for nursing managment postitions. Like okiesu I have met many managers that have BS or BA in related areas.

okiesu said:

Well I feel I need to offer some input to this. I received my ADN in 1983 and have had no problems with management positions in the hospital when I worked there. I opted to obtain my BS in management and ethics in 2000 and most places are more interested in the skills and qualifications I have more than the fact that my degree is in mgmt rather than nursing. I think it requires people skiills and the ability to handle situations to be a good manager. A jerk can have a BSN or MSN for that matter and make a lousy manager. Looking at the letters after someones name does not a manager make.