Question For Nurses

[soprano]

Aggie Ama, I'm not completely sure which university or community college you are thinking about, but if it's the big university here in Austin, your decision might already be made for you - it's difficult to get in as a transfer student. Not as hard as it used to be, but not easy, either. When I decided to go back to school last year, I was told by the admissions office in no uncertain terms that I should head over to the community college to establish my math and science credentials before I even considered applying to the big university. I have a previous bachelor's in another field; if you already have a degree, you are required to apply as a transfer student.

I have a friend who is in the associate's program at the community college. I'm sure that she would be willing to chat and give you the low-down on the program there; PM me with your email if you want me to hook you up.

[BikingNurse]

Here it doesn't pay any more to have a BSN unless you are looking at mgmt. And no, the hosp won't pay you to go get your BSN. Not here atleast. and not any where else I've worked. ( I did agency for 4 years.)
If it's something that you think would make you happy, do it. Sounds like you already made up your mind. Good Luck! it's worth it!

[XMcShiftersonX]

And no, the hosp won't pay you to go get your BSN. Not here atleast. and not any where else I've worked. ( I did agency for 4 years.)

TG has a certain amount of education money that each employee gets annually. Since I have my BSN, I get like $500/year. I know it doesn't sound like much, but we also have various education repayment options available at different times. For example, when I started, I got $6,000 of school loan repayment money in return for 2 years of service with TG (paid out in 4 equal payments over those two years and taxed). I also applied for the NELRP (a federal program) in Feb, and can get up to 60% of my loans paid back over 3 years if I'm approved. The work programs don't put much of a dent in my $75,000 school debt, but it's better than nothing!

[neo93]

When I went back to school to become a nurse (I already had a bachelor's in Spanish), I did the BSN route - but only because the program at the university I attended had a two years of prereqs - two years of nursing type program. Since I had already completed all your prereqs, it wouldn't take me any longer to do the BSN than to do the associate's degree. I got a scholarship to the BSN program, and that really helped me make up my mind LOL. Some states do require BSN entry into practice, so you should check that out before making your final decision.

I work in Atlanta, and it is getting harder for new grads to find a job in an area they like. Work is out there, but you might not be in the area you want.

Good luck!

[Aggie_Ama]

Aggie Ama, I'm not completely sure which university or community college you are thinking about, but if it's the big university here in Austin, your decision might already be made for you - it's difficult to get in as a transfer student. Not as hard as it used to be, but not easy, either. When I decided to go back to school last year, I was told by the admissions office in no uncertain terms that I should head over to the community college to establish my math and science credentials before I even considered applying to the big university. I have a previous bachelor's in another field; if you already have a degree, you are required to apply as a transfer student.

I have a friend who is in the associate's program at the community college. I'm sure that she would be willing to chat and give you the low-down on the program there; PM me with your email if you want me to hook you up.

Actually the university is Texas State, I know UT is horrendously impossible to even think about going to. Plus downtown is a nightmare for me logistically and I ruled UT out before even thinking about it. It has nothing to do with it being UT and me being A&M alumni it is my knowledge that it is one of the hardest schools to get in as a transfer. I also turned down my acceptance to UT straight out of high school, the reasons I didn't like the campus haven't changed with age.

I am out of the ACC District and they community college is not nearly as cost effective a choice if you are paying 3x as much per credit hour. But I have a friend in the program and the flexibility is good with my need to keep working. It is a tough choice.