Nursing degree ... help

Yes, the online courses w/ labs are a great option for some people. I've never tried one, however I know that Jennifer (aka Cookderosa) has taken a couple through Ocean County CC.

Actually, I'm not confused. You just misquoted me (so maybe you're confused once again!). LOL In my previous post, I answered in the affirmative to the following question that I posed: "So, is it true that there are no 100% online nursing degrees (leading to initial RN licensure)?" I even emphasized 100%!

I am not a nurse, however, I can tell you that in my industry (pharmaceuticals), an RN who obtains his or her BSN definitely has a lot more options to move up in the corporation (including to management positions). I believe you are referring to hospitals, which of course is one area that nurses work in, but it's certainly not the only one! And I would wager that not every hospital operates in the same way. Finally, as you well know, there are other factors besides what degree a person may or may not have that influence the hiring decisions of current (promotion) and future employers (new job).

 

Jennifer (me) has taken 5 at Ocean and is enrolled at New England University's College of Medicine for this semester *science classes, not med school. I'm happy to chit chat about the pros/cons of online labs. In a nutshell, you have to ask your school first- some schools specifically forbid it....or so I've heard through the nursing and premed forums.

 

NYU nursing flatout forbids it
they won't even accept online nutrition, developmental psycholgy or stats

on the other hand, Columbia University nursing doesn't even require labs
they accpet Excelsior Micro and A&P exams

 

Huh? You clearly meant that the claim that there was no 100% online nursing program was NOT true. And you were clearly wrong.

 

Instead of starting a new thread I found one that wasn't too old to dredge up. I am considering adding a nursing degree into the mix of what I already have to strengthen the medical component to public health. I know about the online options for prereqs, but would taking the LPN route fulfill the same requirements?

In researching the infectious disease field, I've found that most jobs are looking for someone with at least an RN, so I've been considering this as an added option to have a complete package. Any ideas? :naughty:

 

(((((((((clapping))))))))))
Really? Cool.
Yes, rock out your prereqs and apply to your local community college on the first day the ap cycle opens. Nursing admission is fierce- mainly because there are not enough teachers to meet the demand. Expect a 10% ish acceptance rate or in some places, a wait list. Wait lists here can be 1-2 YEARS. It's not faster or cheaper to do LPN to RN, though multiple paths exist.

FASTEST: an accelerated BSN. Degree in a non-nursing field (big 3) followed by an 18 month hold onto your hat BSN program.
CHEAPEST: community college diploma or associate degree program.

Alternate: 1 year LPN community college program then into an RN program. Every program I looked at never awarded more than 1 semester credit for completion of an LPN. Not a great ROI time or money-wise. But...it coudl get you into an online nursing program like EC, though I'd say it's too risky if you ask me. That degree isn't accepted in every state- including mine (IL).

 

Thanks Jennifer I'm glad you weighed in. I have several B&M options here, and I know a few people so entry into one of the programs here should be easy as long as I knock out the grades. I have another 2 grad courses starting Monday, but I might schedule a class or 2 and test the waters. I managed 2 hard A's last semester so I can handle the burden, but I'm not sure I want the stress...

The accelerated BSN is the path I was looking to take since I have a BS already, and all I'm lacking is the nursing prereqs. I've really found my niche with infectious disease, so I know this is something I want to add to my CV, and hopefully be the end of my schooling. Thanks!

 

If you already work in Infectious dz, why not go for certification?

http://www.cbic.org/pdf/CBIC_handbook.pdf

"Eligibility Requirements
Candidates not meeting the education requirement may
submit an Eligibility Waiver Application (see Waiver
Process). All documentation must be provided in English.
Any necessary translation will be the candidate’s responsibility.
Practice Requirement
Actual current practice in the field of infection prevention
and control is required for initial certification. However,
there is no minimum time requirement for practice in order
to be eligible to take the certification exam. The exam is
written for a person who has actively practiced in the field
for two years. Considering that, candidates should assess
their own level of skills and understanding in deciding
when to sit for the exam.
Self-employed individuals may be required to submit
documentation of the following should they be selected for
a random audit:
1. names of clients,
2. complete addresses of clients,
3. dates of service,
4. types of service, and
5. number of hours of service.
Practice must have included at least five of the seven components
of the infection prevention and control activities
(see 2. Definition of Infection Prevention and Control
Practice).
Any candidate who does not provide documentation of
requirements will be declared ineligible.
Education Requirement
First-time candidates, candidates who have not successfully
passed the examination, and lapsed recertifiers
must meet A or B.
A. Have a current license or registration certification as
a medical technologist or clinical laboratory scientist,
physician or registered nurse,
or
B. Have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree."

 

I'm not in the field yet. In my grad program it's a major component of public health, and I absolutely love the field. In my searching for future career moves, I am seeing most jobs requiring at least an RN to apply. So my plan is to add the RN into my plan and go from there. Also getting the RN can't hurt as it always gives me other options in the medical field.

Once I get the RN, I'll definitely consider your link. Thanks!