RN to MSNthen toNP or BSN to NP?

[mph55]

My daughter will be graduating from a diploma nursing program inAugust(yeah!) she wants to continue on to be an NP. My question--- should she go to an RN to MSN bridge program, then to NP school---or get her BSN and then go to NP school?

She wants to do the RN to BSN, I'm not convinced this is the best way.

Also how long should she practice before applying to a school? I look forward to your answers!

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

While the RN-BSN will undoubtedly cost more in the long run as opposed to going straight to a RN-MSN program, there are benefits to doing a RN-BSN first. If you live in an area where BSN's tend to be necessary to get hiredin your daughter may have a hard time getting a job with her diploma. Also, if your daughter isn't sure what sort of NP she wants to be, then working as an RN while doing an RN-BSN program will give her time to get experience while she narrows down her field.

Also, there is no point in doing an RN-MSN program and then later NP school. It would make more sense to do an RN-MSN, with the MSN in an NP specialty, this way your daughter does not pay for two master's degrees.

Bottom line there is no right answer for everyone. It is ultimately your daughter's decision to make.

[elkpark]

How come you're asking the questions and not your daughter? If she's old and mature enough to go to nursing school, she's old and mature enough to be doing her own research and making her own decisions.