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Is it a good idea to go to school and just get an AS in nursing and then go back to get a bachelors or is it better to go straight to college and get your bachelors and then find a job as a nurse.
I'm asking cause I'm still pretty shaky on exactly what I want to do because I want to be financially stable both now and in the future and need help deciding which option is the better one for me. #nursing
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Jeanne’s Answer
Hi Sarah, Bachelor degree IS the most common demand on most Nursing job descriptions and slowly but surely many states are trying to demand Bachelor degree as a requirement for all RN positions. Look around at different job sites and job descriptions for RN's and pay close attention to what they say and require. Some areas of Nursing still base ability to do certain jobs based on good old fashioned experience, ie. Hospice and Home Care but that's only after you have earned your wings. That being said , you may still work for now with an Associates and an RN license but the tide is definitely changing. Financial necessity may drive your decision ultimately but if you can go straight through to Bachelor Degree, go for it! If you start out with a Bachelor Degree you will also have the option of BSN to MSN bridge programs that are everywhere now which will save some time and money. Ultimately, you may find that "life" get's in the way and a family, children, husband, mortgage will complicate returning later for your Bachelors. Check with your State Board of Nursing for your State's particular regulations and keep current with what's going on in the profession. Read, network, talk to recruiters and keep putting yourself out there. Most of all Sarah, make sure Nursing is your true calling and passion because in the end, regardless of requirements, you will gain your true and most valuable knowledge on the job. Best of luck! Jeanne Frobose, RN Associate degree vs. Bachelor degree Nursing School Nursing
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Rochelle’s Answer
Okay, well even though I am in Pennsylvania here is an article I just read recently when it came to Nursing and your Bachelors...if it starts here eventually it could trickle into other states... You might wanna consider your Bachelors in Nursing first because there is a NEW requirement in place.
http://lancasteronline.com/insider/lgh-nurses-worry-new-bachelor-s-degree-requirement-forcing-them/article_af9b165c-843e-11e7-83c1-2f0164c402a2.html
http://lancasteronline.com/insider/lgh-nurses-worry-new-bachelor-s-degree-requirement-forcing-them/article_af9b165c-843e-11e7-83c1-2f0164c402a2.html
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Shaneita J.’s Answer
Hi Sarah, I think financial stability is very important. But as the nursing industry is rapidly changing and pushing for applicants to start of with bachelors degrees if you could struggle just for a little while I would say go for your bachelors and usually after one year of clinical experience you usually can get hired at a hospital as a nurse aide. I hope this helped!