Second Degree Nursing Programs? (slightly long)

[Jean S. Barto]

Hello all--

I'm a new lurker on the newsgroup, and I'm doing research mostly on the
internet regarding *Second Degree* Nursing Programs--those programs for
folks like me who already have a BA/BS in something else, which may or may
not be science or health related.

I've found a lot of variation in the prerequisites required by various
schools--for example, Pace University in NYS and NYC takes folks with
minimal (or a bit more) of the prerequisites, into a program that prepares
the student for a BSN/MSN in 3 years. Other programs (does not matter
whether they are BSN or Master's programs) require more science and other
prerequisites, for a 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 year program after entering. I have no
idea at all how the program at Pace is rated, but at least on paper it seems
that the program is geared to and open to folks who are later in life career
changers like me.

I'm leaning towards applying to Pace for the program I mentioned above, and
then also to U VA for their BSN Second Degree program--their prerequisites
also are fewer than some of the other schools I researched. I also live in
VA now and would be eligible for in state tuition.

Both of the above programs would require a move, with all the issues/stress
of relocating. I'm also pretty sure that both these programs are highly
competitive entry-wise--and my overall GPA for *everything* (Bachelors and
Graduate courses taken years ago) is a 3.5 or so at best--so it's very
possible I wouldn't get favorably considered because of a mediocre GPA, even
with my life experience, etc taken into consideration. I basically goofed
off as an undergraduate (2.65 Bachelor's GPA) and did much better at some
grad courses taken later on. For that reason I'm not too concerned about
getting through the academics, etc once I've been accepted--my hurdle will
be selling myself during the application process so I'm accepted into one or
both of these programs.

My *fallback* option is the local nursing (RN) program at Riverside
Hospital in Newport News, VA, where I live now. The *plus* to this program
is that I would get to see how I would like nursing as a career without
moving, and it would get me back into the workforce more quickly than the
Pace program (but surprisingly, in about the same length of time as the BSN
program at U VA). The minuses to a program like this are limited
opportunities for advancement, etc, and the need (again) for further
schooling. Since I'm already 48 years old, I'd just as soon get the bulk of
the *nursing preparation* schooling out of the way now.

Lastly, is there age discrimination on folks entering these *second degree*
programs? Of course, the programs themselves will say they consider older
applicants equally, but it would be helpful for me to hear the real truth
before I go much further in my decision/application process. For example,
an *older student* in a second degree program may actually mean to the
admissions committee someone from their late 20's to around age 35--and that
someone like myself who is pushing 50 is pissing up a rope!

Thanks in advance for your advice, etc--

Jean in VA

[Jesse Kesler]

Jean

my advice to you is to find a BSN/MSN program to attend close to home. The two
year programs are lying to students pretty much because by the time you take
all the prereguisites its really a 3 to 3 1/2 year program anyway. And they
are getting so competitive that often they will not even look at your
application unless you have all the prereq's done. You mention the U of VA
with fewer prereq's and in state tuition. That may be a good option. Less
expensive for sure. As for age being an issue - The average nurse is 44-45,
The average ICU nurse is 47, average age for nursing instructor 51. Do I need
to go on? Yes, you will run into a few who will think your age is a barrier -
but it is only one if you want it to be. When I went to get my 3 year 2 year
degree I had a fellow student who was over 55. As for the competiveness factor
and your GPA the best thing to do is to get a nursing admissions counselor to
evaluate your transcript. The cost varies but out here in the west WSU did
mine for about $50 (which was the cost of applying to the school) and the cost
of official transcripts from my other colleges. The nursing counselor should
be able to tell you exactly whether or not you would be a candidate to
attend/apply at thier school, what other classes you will need, and even help
you set up a class schedule. I hope this helps and wish you the best of luck.

[Gandalf]

I don't have a lot to add, but I know that Vanderbilt has such a
program. You might want to check it out.

As for myself, I had a degree in engineering. I considered the
program at Vanderbilt, but I needed to stay local. After going
through two years of hell to get a BSN, I firmly believe that I would
have been unprepared for going for an advanced degree from the start.
More than that, I found that I needed a lot of clinical experience. I
didn't get this from school - but from actually working in the
hospital as I was going through school.

There's good money in it if you maintain a 3.0 GPA in your nursing
curriculum. I want to clarify, however, that I firmly believe all
nurses are underpaid relative to the work performed and the
responsibility placed upon them.

I don't think there is much age discrimination, but there is
definitely gender discrimination in nursing schools.