[Blake]

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this, but I am in need of some advice. I am currently a college junior studying International Relations. However, last summer I worked as a NA at a hospital just to pay some bills. It turns out that I absolutely loved the job. So, due to my own soul-searching and the encouragement of some of my coworkers, I have decided to pursue a career in healthcare.

Since I am so far along in my current major, I think that it will be a better idea to finish out my BS degree and then look into a second career program to pick up my BSN. My first question is if anyone knows of any good schools with programs for second career that are not accelerated? I am getting married and would like to try and work while going to school, but all the programs I have found suggest that I will be too swamped to try and hold down a job too.

Sorry for such a long post, but I have a few more things I was wondering about.
I would like to work overseas once I have my BSN and some experience. I am not sure where, but I would like to look into working in a third world country long term. It seems to me that in such a situation going to medical school becomes a much more viable option. What I mean is, I could see myself getting to a point where I cannot help someone because I do not have the training or knowledge needed to do so. So I guess my question is can one go from a BSN to med school and if so, wht things do I need to be working on to make that possible (science classes, math, certain hospital experience, etc.)?

Sorry for such a long post. I am a meticulous future planner and I guess I just want some food for thought from those with more experience than myself. Thanks for any help and suggestions that you can offer.

Blake

[faviola]

Many people have been able to put themselves through nursing school while they work. Universities are now beginning to offer BSN classes online and you are not required to go to school full time.
As far as going from BSN to med school..i'm not too sure how you would go about that..but you might want to look into becoming a Nurse Practioner.

[Acephalic]

I would recomend getting your RN ASAP because it will provide you the flexability to further your education. As a RN you can work nights and weekends and depending on what type of nursing you go into you might even be able to study while you work. It is a very good idea to get the RN and then build on it as you see fit. The basic RN generally has many more jobs that are flexable and pay well when you compare them to the limited jobs as a Nurse Practioner.

Good Luck,

Nate

[stillearning]

Google the phrase "BSN Second Degree" -- you will find schools all over the US which offer accelerated programs for persons who already have their first career figured out.

Here, in Minnesota, our U of M offers accelerated BSNs to those with another bachelor's degree -- and these grads are excelling in the workplace and in the estimation of employers here (much to the surprise of some!).

Finish your degree. Look at accelerated options. Watch for on-line course-work that would also make relocating less of an issue.

You are the very kind of worker we need -- someone who absolutely loves the job and wants to make a contribution! I'm pulling for you!

--p