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[quote=Anonymous]Advanced practice nurse here (nurse anesthetist). There are several different paths to becoming an RN. You can get an associate’s degree from a community college or a 4 year bachelor’s degree. Both will position you to take the licensing exam (NCLEX). A bachelor’s degree may give you a slight edge in getting a job (some hospitals/health systems prefer BSN-prepared nurses, although the job requirements and compensation are pretty much identical), although most places are still so short-staffed, I can’t imagine they would care.

If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another discipline, you can do an accelerated BSN program (locally, Georgetown, UMD, and Hopkins offer this; other places too probably). That usually only takes 14-16 months, but must be done full-time and is pricey if it’s a private school or you’re not in-state. I took this route, worked as an ICU nurse for several years, then returned to school for my master’s degree to become a CRNA. 
The only route I wouldn’t recommend is going into a direct-entry master’s program that positions you to become a nurse practitioner after having had minimal experience as a bedside nurse. I think that experience working as an RN on a hospital floor is invaluable in developing assessment and critical thinking skills. 
Whatever route you choose, good luck! The world needs great nurses 😊[/quote]

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