happypamama Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 I have a BA (in history, obtained 19 years ago) and am considering becoming an RN. Anyone done something like this? Would I need to start completely over with a full BSN? I know nothing about how it all works. Would it depend on where I wanted to work? (Potentially, teaching hospital's NICU, lactation, or L&D.) Would being 40-50 instead of 20-30 be a huge negative in terms of getting a job? Can any of the classes be done online? What else should I know/consider? Just considering where my post-homeschooling career might be. My recent experience has had a huge impact, and I'm exploring how I might be for other families what some nurses were for me. This would be for a few years down the line; my current youngest is only three, and we still may try for a rainbow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 For your goals, I'd go with the bsn. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingersmom Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 Many hospitals will only hire a nurse with a BSN. In the last two states I have lived in this has been the case. Our community college no longer offers a nursing degree. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 Our local college has a special BSN program for those who already have a college degree in another area. I don't know much about it but do know a couple of people who have gone that route. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crimson Wife Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 I looked into direct-entry MSN programs before deciding on speech & language pathology and discovered that I would need to re-take all my science prereqs since they were more than 7 years old. I contacted programs to inquire about validating the old classes via GRE subject tests in biology, chemistry, & physics (which I could study for on my own), but was told no. It's really stupid because I do have the classes on my transcript (they're just old) and high test scores would prove that I had re-learned the material. I think it would have been interesting to do developmental pediatrics like the N.P. who treats my daughter but I didn't want it badly enough to spend thousands retaking science courses just to be eligible to apply to grad school. I'd rather learn something new (like the Communicative Disorders courses I need for grad school in SLP). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G5052 Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 The shorter degrees will put you in a nursing home or a doctor's office here. If your goal is a hospital or larger clinic with some specialization, you need a BSN. The 4-year in our area has a very clear transition program for those who already have degrees. You may have to retake some science because many schools require more recent science credits. As an example, a friend of mine with a teaching degree had to retake her 15-year-old biology. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arnold Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 I'm currently in an accelerated second degree BSN program. My first degree is in business and this nursing program is 12 months. Do the BSN as many places are now requiring it. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katy Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 (edited) Yes, there are bridge programs that can save you significant time and money. If you had amazing undergrad resume, there are even grad schools with bridge programs that first get you an RN and then an MSN. I know that Yale's school of nursing had one, I knew someone who went there after not getting into medical school. I've heard there are others but never looked into it. ETA: Yale still has this program. No clue how selective it is: http://nursing.yale.edu/academics/graduate-entry-prespecialty-nursing-gepn Edited February 27, 2017 by Katy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sassenach Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 Check out your local university programs. We have several state schools (and private, but $$$) that have programs specifically for people who have their bachelor's in a different field and want to go into nursing. My friend is applying to a program that is a bachelor's to MSN, 3-year program. He is completing a few science pre-requisites at the local CC, but should be able to apply in the fall. If I already had a bachelor's, that's definitely the way I would go. I'm currently slogging through pre-reqs to apply to nursing school, but I don't have any degree, so I'm taking the entry level route. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted February 28, 2017 Share Posted February 28, 2017 I'm currently in an accelerated second degree BSN program. My first degree is in business and this nursing program is 12 months. Do the BSN as many places are now requiring it. A couple of universities in our area offer such programs. They are highly competitive. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happypamama Posted February 28, 2017 Author Share Posted February 28, 2017 Yes, there are bridge programs that can save you significant time and money. If you had amazing undergrad resume, there are even grad schools with bridge programs that first get you an RN and then an MSN. I know that Yale's school of nursing had one, I knew someone who went there after not getting into medical school. I've heard there are others but never looked into it. ETA: Yale still has this program. No clue how selective it is: http://nursing.yale.edu/academics/graduate-entry-prespecialty-nursing-gepn Well, I don't know. What counts as an amazing undergrad resume? I would most likely apply to the university where I got my BA, with the intent of then working at their teaching hospital. I did graduate close to the top from their honors program, but I'm not really sure that's stellar enough to matter this far down the line. They do offer a 16 month intensive bridge program for people with BAs! That's pretty cool. There are a few prerequisites I'd need to take before entering and a few suggested but not required classes. DH and I are interested in how the time frame works and whether I could possibly do a few of those online in the next couple of years until I'm ready to jump in. I'd definitely do the BSN. The question is whether I'd have to do a full four year program or not. A bridge program might be perfect! Thanks Hive!! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted February 28, 2017 Share Posted February 28, 2017 Well, I don't know. What counts as an amazing undergrad resume? I would most likely apply to the university where I got my BA, with the intent of then working at their teaching hospital. I did graduate close to the top from their honors program, but I'm not really sure that's stellar enough to matter this far down the line. They do offer a 16 month intensive bridge program for people with BAs! That's pretty cool. There are a few prerequisites I'd need to take before entering and a few suggested but not required classes. DH and I are interested in how the time frame works and whether I could possibly do a few of those online in the next couple of years until I'm ready to jump in. I'd definitely do the BSN. The question is whether I'd have to do a full four year program or not. A bridge program might be perfect! Thanks Hive!! I think the university would consider you an ideal candidate. You have actual real world experience with the types of situations the NICU families will be facing, and as heartbreaking as things ended for your own family, you are the perfect choice to help others because you'll know how they are feeling and will know how to help guide them through what will probably be the scariest time in their lives. My dh's liver transplant surgeons have spoken with my ds17 several times about how they think he should pursue a career as a transplant surgeon because they said that he has life experience that very few people have -- he would be a transplant surgeon whose father is a transplant recipient, so he would know what things are like from the family's perspective. I feel like it would be the same for you. Who could be better to work with families in the NICU than you? I certainly can't think of anyone. You're such a kind person and once you get your degree, I think you would be incredible. I think you should make an appointment to meet with someone in the admissions department of the university so you can explain your situation and your goals. I think they will be thrilled to have you. And while you're there, you can also ask about scholarship opportunities. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
displace Posted February 28, 2017 Share Posted February 28, 2017 If you wanted something faster, Lactation consultants do not need to be nurses. I don't know what hiring hospitals use though. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happypamama Posted February 28, 2017 Author Share Posted February 28, 2017 I think the university would consider you an ideal candidate. You have actual real world experience with the types of situations the NICU families will be facing, and as heartbreaking as things ended for your own family, you are the perfect choice to help others because you'll know how they are feeling and will know how to help guide them through what will probably be the scariest time in their lives. My dh's liver transplant surgeons have spoken with my ds17 several times about how they think he should pursue a career as a transplant surgeon because they said that he has life experience that very few people have -- he would be a transplant surgeon whose father is a transplant recipient, so he would know what things are like from the family's perspective. I feel like it would be the same for you. Who could be better to work with families in the NICU than you? I certainly can't think of anyone. You're such a kind person and once you get your degree, I think you would be incredible. I think you should make an appointment to meet with someone in the admissions department of the university so you can explain your situation and your goals. I think they will be thrilled to have you. And while you're there, you can also ask about scholarship opportunities. Those are such nice things you say -- thank you! And yes, wow, your son would be in a great place to become a transplant surgeon! Many people can do the techniques but bedside manner and empathy count so much. Your son would be in a great spot to offer that to families. I think I am going to see if I can take one of the prerequisite courses or the "suggested but not required" courses online over the summer or fall. Ease into things a bit. Maybe see about becoming a volunteer at the nicu to see if I can even handle being up there. It is interesting to think about going back to school at some point. I loved undergrad fine but had no desire to go on to grad school then and haven't missed not having a Master's Degree. Maybe I'd actually be good at studying now, and truth be told, I'm an information junkie. I kind of love having new spheres where I actually know something. I know a ton more about preeclampsia and prematurity than I ever thought I needed to know -- maybe I can put that to good use and actually learn even more. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happypamama Posted February 28, 2017 Author Share Posted February 28, 2017 If you wanted something faster, Lactation consultants do not need to be nurses. I don't know what hiring hospitals use though. I have thought about that. I'd want to be a full IBCLC (and that's what our nicu has on staff), and I know that takes a lot of time to get as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted February 28, 2017 Share Posted February 28, 2017 Those are such nice things you say -- thank you! And yes, wow, your son would be in a great place to become a transplant surgeon! Many people can do the techniques but bedside manner and empathy count so much. Your son would be in a great spot to offer that to families. I think I am going to see if I can take one of the prerequisite courses or the "suggested but not required" courses online over the summer or fall. Ease into things a bit. Maybe see about becoming a volunteer at the nicu to see if I can even handle being up there. It is interesting to think about going back to school at some point. I loved undergrad fine but had no desire to go on to grad school then and haven't missed not having a Master's Degree. Maybe I'd actually be good at studying now, and truth be told, I'm an information junkie. I kind of love having new spheres where I actually know something. I know a ton more about preeclampsia and prematurity than I ever thought I needed to know -- maybe I can put that to good use and actually learn even more. I really like your idea of volunteering at the NICU to see how it goes. You might feel incredibly fulfilled, or it might be too heartbreaking to remember your own experiences there -- and I worry that you will keep re-living those emotions every time another family loses a baby. :( Volunteering would be a good way to find out if nursing is what you really want to do, without incurring the expense of taking courses you may not need if you decide to go in a different direction. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lawyer&Mom Posted February 28, 2017 Share Posted February 28, 2017 I think this is a great area for you to explore. Honestly, I'm not sure I'd could to go back to the NICU, and I brought home a healthy baby... but the work they do is so fascinating. Intellectually, I'd love to know more. Please let us know what you discover! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happypamama Posted February 28, 2017 Author Share Posted February 28, 2017 I think this is a great area for you to explore. Honestly, I'm not sure I'd could to go back to the NICU, and I brought home a healthy baby... but the work they do is so fascinating. Intellectually, I'd love to know more. Please let us know what you discover! Right? From an intellectual standpoint, it was amazing to watch, and they are pushing the limits more every day. Nate probably had more of a chance than he would have had even fifteen years ago when his sister was born. Who wouldn't want to be a small part of those miracles?! Would it be healing and helpful to be a part of helping other babies, or would it be too painful and lead to jealousy? I'm not sure I could stand beside the bed that was his as a nurse and not lose it. But all in good time. My feelings are too raw, and my nicu story doesn't have an epilogue yet. I'm just exploring possible options and timeframes. It's pretty cool to know that I wouldn't have to start completely from scratch with all the General ed requirements. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crimson Wife Posted March 1, 2017 Share Posted March 1, 2017 One avenue to explore is medical social work. EdX has a "micromaster's" in SW from University of Michigan that is relatively inexpensive and shortens the master's degree by 1 full year. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happypamama Posted March 1, 2017 Author Share Posted March 1, 2017 One avenue to explore is medical social work. EdX has a "micromaster's" in SW from University of Michigan that is relatively inexpensive and shortens the master's degree by 1 full year. Hey, that's pretty cool too -- I didn't know there was that sort of thing! I could see myself doing that too. The social worker and similar people (like the child life specialist) at the nicu really did a lot to ease the stress of being there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crimson Wife Posted March 1, 2017 Share Posted March 1, 2017 Hey, that's pretty cool too -- I didn't know there was that sort of thing! I could see myself doing that too. The social worker and similar people (like the child life specialist) at the nicu really did a lot to ease the stress of being there. Many (most?) child life specialists have MSW degrees. I really liked the one we worked with to help my daughter through her cochlear implant surgery last year. If I cannot get accepted to grad school in SLP (it's very competitive), I would consider doing the EdX micromaster's and then a MSW with the goal of working as part of a cochlear implant center. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arnold Posted March 1, 2017 Share Posted March 1, 2017 A couple of universities in our area offer such programs. They are highly competitive. Yes they are competitive. I applied to 3 local universities and was accepted by all 3 - I had a 4.0 in my prerequisites. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crimson Wife Posted March 1, 2017 Share Posted March 1, 2017 I got curious last night and looked up the requirements to become a Child Life Specialist. They are changing in stages between 2019-2025. So if that is an avenue you'd like to explore, you may want to get started on it sooner rather than waiting. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mumto2 Posted March 1, 2017 Share Posted March 1, 2017 I just wanted to say one of my mom's closest childhood friends became an RN in her 50's with no previous degrees. She simply always wanted to be a nurse and finally had the opportunity. She loved it and worked for a few years in their hometown. My mom heard that she was a great nurse! She would be in her mid nineties if still alive. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeaConquest Posted March 1, 2017 Share Posted March 1, 2017 (edited) I'm 42, and knocking out pre-reqs at the local CCs. I plan to apply to the BSN program at SDSU in the fall. I went to an advising session last month. They told me that they get 1000 applications for 40 transfer spots (2nd bachelor's are transfer students). The average admit has a 3.9 gpa overall and a 4.0 in nursing prereqs. It will be 4 or 5 semesters, with my previous BA, if I can get in. Nursing here is extremely competitive. There is certainly no nursing shortage in desirable urban areas. I'm volunteering in the ER at UCSD, and am contemplating becoming a psych NP or midwife. Good luck! Edited March 1, 2017 by SeaConquest 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happypamama Posted March 2, 2017 Author Share Posted March 2, 2017 I'm 42, and knocking out pre-reqs at the local CCs. I plan to apply to the BSN program at SDSU in the fall. I went to an advising session last month. They told me that they get 1000 applications for 40 transfer spots (2nd bachelor's are transfer students). The average admit has a 3.9 gpa overall and a 4.0 in nursing prereqs. It will be 4 or 5 semesters, with my previous BA, if I can get in. Nursing here is extremely competitive. There is certainly no nursing shortage in desirable urban areas. I'm volunteering in the ER at UCSD, and am contemplating becoming a psych NP or midwife. Good luck! Very cool, and good luck to you! Hearing that nursing is competitive is nerve wracking if you're considering applying, but it makes me feel good about the nurses who cared for my son and me because it sounds like they truly are the cream of the crop. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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