do you think it is better to do a diploma or a degree for adult nursing, once qualified?
213516
I thought there were no more diploma programs for R.N.s\n\nIf you can attend a diploma program, you will be a better nurse after graduation.  Studies have shown that it take college educated nurses at least a year to acquire the same "on-floor" experience that a diploma nurse has.  This is because diploma program students spend far more time working in the hospital during their training than college  students do.  Many nurses who graduate a college program  have only done a procedure one time! (Now this might have changed as it has been years since I have had to deal with any new nursing grads). Diploma nurses have done it so often that they can't count the times.\n\nAs a head nurse, I have worked with both straight out of school.  I would take the diploma nurse anytime!  I usually had to supervise a college nurse on her procedures (as a  new grad) as she hadn't done them often enough to feel comfortable doing them alone.\n\nNow, if you are more concerned with a degree and money, then by all means get the college education.  If you are not concerned with the difference in pay, go to a diploma school.
177986
You can become a LPN or LVN at a community college.  I think it requires a 1 year certificate now in all states.  RN need 2 year for diploma, and 4 year for bachelors degree.  You can become a CNA (nursing assistant) with training, and you usually do the grimy work that the nurses don't want to do, such as removing soil from patients and feeding.
183853
Actually, the best thing would be to become a CNA or certified nursing assistant. Sometimes hospitals will take you and certify you there. You could also try being a PCA or personal care attendant. If you are interesting in going into nursing I would encourage you to get some hands on patient experience since it is usually a lot different than people expect. Stocking shelves is a lot different than draining urine from a catheter bag...you get what I mean? You might be better off getting a job at a Long Term Care facility or nursing home, they usually need more help than the hospitals. Go to your locate hospitals website and contact human resources.
11853
It depends on the field you are going into.  But more then likely it is better to go straight for your Master.  It used to be just your Bachleors but now everyone has a degree but everyone doesn't have a masters.
139859
It is a good investment.  You generally make much more over your lifetime with a degree than without one.  The difference in what you would make with compared to without is far greater than the cost of the schooling.
303799
A degree is practically essential. Most "professional" jobs require it.\n\nYou can substitute experience, to some degree, for education, but not as an equal exchange. 4 years of college is roughly equivalent to 10 years direct on-the-job experience in many fields, so your time is better spent earning that degree, whenever possible.
216926
Pehaps, you can enter pharmaceutical sales although I think you should use your nursing degree.  Nursing school is a lot of work and you should reap the benefits of that education.
79638
At 22 I am back in the same job I had when I was 16 having done the whole university thing, so for some people it is not worth it (debt-wise).  \n\nIf you can find a job or career that requries a degree then it is definately worth while, having a target makes it sensible but if university is just to delay having to get a job, then it won't really help you.\n\nI learnt a lot more outside of lectures than I did in my lectures, life skills etc. so it is still a valuble experience, but at the moment, my degree is not helping me to get a job. That said, I'm more of a working-class student, so maybe an apprenticeship would have been a better idea.
276495
If you have the opportunity to get a true high school diploma, I would suggest that 1st.  it is usually looked upon in a much better light.  however if it is not an option, a G.E.D. is definitely better than nothing.
168210
A couple of quick ideas from this old RN.  How about administration in Hospitals or Nursing homes.  It should be a prerequisite for all those at the top of such organizations to have your background.  I would check with your state requirements for certification process for either of the above and go for it.  How about managing a "non-profit" having to do with the homeless situation in our country or the "battered or abused".  See--I still think like a nurse.  They say that nurses are "born" ,not just educated to do.  Ask yourself--which am I and go for it.  You have enough "book-learning"  dear.  Good luck
191082
The aging of the baby boom should mean that all sectors of the health care industry should do well.  You asked about three specific branches.\n\nNursing is a reasonable choice, if you see the whole picture.  You can complete the entry-level nursing program in 1 year (this leads to a Licenced Vocational Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse certificate.)  The next step up, and where you really should focus your energy, is the Registered Nurse level.  For most RNs, it takes a year of prerequisites and two years of nursing courses at a community college to get the degree.  From there, you can do another two years and get your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and aspire to nursing leadership positions.  Graduate level nursing degrees include Nurse Practitioner which allows you to do most of the things a family practice doctor does or getting your Master of Science in Nursing and teaching Nursing (a particularly in-demand field right now.)\n\nNursing is an extremely cyclical profession though.  Because a majority of nurses are women (yes, there are many men entering the field, but the numbers don't lie), there are a significant number of nurses out of the profession at any given time (raising families etc.)  As long as the economy is good and their significant other (read: husbands) are making good money, the nurses can stay out of the workforce.  But when the economy turns sour, many of these nurses go back to work and the market tightens.  \n\nOne more thing -- my cousin is a hospital pharmacist and she loves it.  She was able to get into pharmacy school with only 2 years of college under her belt.  Then she went to Midwestern's 3-year pharm.d. program in Glendale, AZ.  Heck, she was almost able to perscribe medicine before she was old enough to drink!  She makes about $90k, works regular hours and has call two times a month.  She is also a top professional (unlike nurses who report to doctors) in her own right.  If she wanted to work retail (which she is adament that she doesn't), she could pull in $120k.)
15284
the university should be accredited...geta degree in the field that you want to pursue a career in...stay away from "buy your degree" schools like online or night only schools...like that university of phoenix..or any "business" school...i wouldn't hire anyone with that on their resume...;)
388987
hi first of all, the person intending to study any diploma or degree whould have the dedication and should be efficient in improving their skills and applying them in real world, not many people who made it big in their lives have had many degrees or diplomas from any top universities, \nbut i agree that its important to choose the best universities to study, you should do some search on internet to find out about the universities, most important thing to keep in mind is what you are looking for and what the university is offering, both should match.\ngood luck
159769
Online courses generally are good for those continuing education credits required to look like you're actually involved in, ahem, professional development.  I'd be cautious about pursuing a totally online degree for a serious career move/change.  I'd say the best people to ask about reliable and accredited programs are the ones who'll be doing the hiring after you're done. If you don't have any particular place to hire on in mind, ask the government offices hiring your type of expertise which online diplomas they recognize, and value more.
527545
With the nursing shortage here, it will not matter which college you attend, just as long as you have the nursing degree and the credentials to be a nurse here. In some states you can become a licensed nurse by having just a 2 year degree in nursing and you can be an LPN with just a diploma.  In addition to the degrees most states require that you sit for your nursing board exams, which vary by state.  I would figure out which state I would want to work in and check out their nursing requirements to see what type of education I would need to become a nurse.
140041
Absolutely!!!\n\nI am an adult student (30 years old).  I enjoy my classes much more at this age than I think I would have had I gone when I was younger.  Things make more sense when you have had life experience.  I'm currently taking an economics class and I'm loving it.  It's actually explaining things I've heard about on the news.  I'm actually starting to understand how the world of commerce works.\n\nHigh school for me was bogged down by parental expectations and peer pressure.  I absolutely hated high school but love the college experience.  This is about me and what I can accomplish, it's not for anyone else but me!  \n\nIf you do decide to start going to school begin slowly.  The first class should be something that really interests you.  Even if you can't decide what degree you might pursue take something that you've always wanted to learn about.  If for no other reason than it gives you more knowledge. Knowledge is power :)\n\nI highly recommend the experience, not to mention the degree will be helpful!  I'm not saying it's easy, but it is well worth it!\n\np.s. If you are a working mom, it's still doable, it just takes a little longer and a lot of patience.
265389
The best degree is nursing.  There is a shortage of nurses throughout the world.  You can work anywhere as a nurse, and get paid a good salary.