Furthering my education...

Specialties CNS

Published

I just wanted some advise from fellow RNs in what I should do. I am a recent grad from a community college and obtained my Associates in nursing, passed my NCLEX (yeah) and will start as a med/surg nurse this month. I also have a B.A. in Spanish that I got from a university back in 1999. I would like to work in med/surg for about two years and then go to ICU or Cardiac care as well as further my education. I'm not sure it I should get my B.S.N or, because I have a B.A. already, get a M.S.N as a clinical nurse specialist. There are many programs out there that I can choose from, however, I'm having touble deciding if I should get another Baccal. or get a Master's. What is your advise?

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Specializes in Emergency Dept, Cardiac Cath Lab.

Having another Bachelor's Degree may not be a bad idea. There are some hospitals that will not hire you without one. Other hospitals are beginning to phase out hiring new nurses with only an Associate Degree or Diploma. There are a lot of schools that have a BSN-MSN accelerated program. That might be your best bet if you plan to obtain a Master's down the line eventually. Also you may change your mind after working a while that you may not want your CNS, and instead, your NP, or Administrative Degree, Education Degree, etc. Congrats on passing your boards. Good luck!

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.
Having another Bachelor's Degree may not be a bad idea. There are some hospitals that will not hire you without one. Other hospitals are beginning to phase out hiring new nurses with only an Associate Degree or Diploma. There are a lot of schools that have a BSN-MSN accelerated program. That might be your best bet if you plan to obtain a Master's down the line eventually. Also you may change your mind after working a while that you may not want your CNS, and instead, your NP, or Administrative Degree, Education Degree, etc. Congrats on passing your boards. Good luck!

I also agree that a BSN-MSN combined program would probably be your best option. They are becoming increasingly common.

Also I agee (most heartily) that you should get a little experience as a nurse before you commit yourself to a specialty at the Master's level. There are so many options out there ... and few nursing students have explored them thoroughly before graduating from their entry-level program. Many people change their minds about their career plans after they actually experience being a nurse and discover what aspects of practice interest them most and which advanced roles might best suit their particular interests and talents.

Give yourself a little time to discover your preferences and talents before you make a big expensive commitment. You can do that while you are taking your BSN courses -- and using some of your BSN projects to furher clarify your nursing interests and talents.

llg

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I echo llg's thoughts. I think you should also consider what is available in your area. For instance, my background is ER and trauma. However, there are no hospitals in my area that hire APNs - they prefer PA's. So...I knew going into this that I might have to go for something else and that is what I ended up doing. Just research your market.

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