Question:
I'm
working on prereqs prior to applying to a two year degree
program. I basically only have micro and developmental
psych before I have to await for acceptance. My question
is whether or not this is a viable avenue toward becoming
an RN. Am I wasting my time or are there positions out
there for applicants with this type of degree. I'm male
and 30 years old with no prior healthcare experience.
Answer:
At the bedside, providing patient care, there is no penalty
for having an associates or even a diplomate of nursing.
All that matters is the license. If you decided to stay
in nursing, you can get your bachelors later. Since you've
already completed most of your pre-req's where you are,
hang in there and go for your ADN. There is lots of work
out there for two-three year nurses, what matters is you
having a valid nursing license.
You can always go back to get your BSN, and hopefully
you'll find a hospital willing to pony up tuition reimbursement
for the costs. You'll need your BSN to move up off the
"floor", and I'd go back sooner rather than
later, before marriage and children complicate things.
If you have the time and money to go
for four years, I would consider it. At the least I would
make sure your school has a 2+2 program so you can transfer
all your associate degree stuff to the BSN. This is keeping
options open. You will have an RN after two years and be
able to get work as a nurse with no problems. The question
then becomes can you afford to wait the extra two years
to be gainfully employed as a RN. If not, then head for
the 2-year school.
