[llg]

Originally Posted by ♪♫ in my ♥

I am a career changer, too. I have given some thought to becoming an NP, a Clinical Nurse Specialist, or perhaps a CRNA. On the other hand, I also need to earn some money. The local CRNA program requires 2 years (I think -- perhaps it's only 1 year, though) of critical care experience. I'm also concerned that, as a graduate of a direct-entry NP program, I might have difficulty competing for jobs with other new NPs who come with years of bedside experience.

Given all of that, the path that I've chosen is to pursue a Direct Entry MSN in a Clinical Nurse Leader. It's an 18-month program after which I intend to work in a critical care environment for a few years to really learn to be a nurse. Once I feel I've got sufficient experience to be an outstanding NP, Clnical Nurse Specialist, or CRNA (and have save some money), I'll decide which route I really want to pursue (if any) and then go from there.

That sounds like a good plan to me. I wish you the best of luck with it.

[mybrowneyedgirl]

Don't give up. I am in my 3rd semester at a community college taking my prereqs. I graduated from U of M and transferred my classes to the community college. They did not care about my GPA at all. I have gotten all A's at the new college so my GPA is a 4.0. (they don't start off with your previous GPA) Can you take some prereqs at a community college and just be sure they transfer to the university you prefer? My plan is to get my associates, take the state exam to become an RN and then pursue my bachelors after I have a job in a hospital and the hospital can pay for it.

Don't give up on your dream. It is possible. When I first started college, I bought a keychain that says "do or do not. there is no try" That is my motivation that I WILL become a nurse - there is no other option.

Good luck!!

[crr277]

I keep telling myself that some things take more time than others. I spent 2 years taking pre-req classes at a technical college and university (there was a semester I was enrolled at both schools at the same time while working full-time!) I finally finished and I'll be starting my hospital diploma program next week. I want to get a Master's, but I don't know what my speciality will be, so I chose this route. Even though I already have a BBA, I wanted the hospital diploma due to the amount of individual attention the school gives its students as well as the heavy clinical aspect. Also, the school is paying for my tuition. After I finish, I'll go straight for the BSN as well. The same hospital will pay for that. Hopefully by then, I'll know what speciality to study for my Master's.

[xxgreenfirexx]

So you can just go into a nursing program with a BS? And then go into a RN to BSN? I'm confused!

Originally Posted by MarathonGirl

Hi - well first of all, each person is probably going to give you a different opinion

I am in a similar situation - I have a bachelors in engineering and want to be an NP.

My path is: I've spent the last 2 years taking my prerequisites and this month I apply to a 3-year direct entry program. After 15 months it gives me a BSRN and then after two more years I have my masters.

However, other people will probably tell you other pathways you could pursue. I think the only way to really know is to research, research, research and read as much as you can.

Good luck!

[♪♫ in my ♥]

Originally Posted by xxgreenfirexx

So you can just go into a nursing program with a BS? And then go into a RN to BSN? I'm confused!

With a BA/BS in any given subject you can:

1. Get into an ADN program and earn your Associates degree and be qualified to sit for the NCLEX exam to earn your RN license
2. Get into 2nd Bachelor's program and earn your BSN and be qualified to sit for the NCLEX exam to earn your RN license
3. Get into a Direct Entry Master's program and earn your MSN and be qualified to sit for the NCLEX exam to earn your RN license
4. Complete a hospital-based Diploma program and be qualified to sit for the NCLEX exam to earn your RN license

With any degree you can then seek to earn additional degrees (RN -> BSN, RN -> MSN, BSN -> MSN, PhD, DNP, etc)

To practice, you must get your RN license. To get your license you must complete an approved (by your state's nursing board) program and pass the NCLEX.

[xxgreenfirexx]

OK, not to beat this subject into the ground, but I am still a little confused. I would choose this option you listed: "Get into a Direct Entry Master's program and earn your MSN and be qualified to sit for the NCLEX exam to earn your RN license."
Now, how can I go about doing that? How can I "be qualified to sit for the NCLEX exam to earn your RN license," if I do not already have an ADN in nursing?
Also, I would need to do this online. Do you, or anyone else, know of a school where I could go for my RN, while doing a MSN, skipping the ADN? As I've said, I already have most of my gen eds, I just need a few prereq's such as A & P and Chem.

Originally Posted by ♪♫ in my ♥

With a BS in any given subject you can:

1. Get into an ADN program and earn your Associates degree and be qualified to sit for the NCLEX exam to earn your RN license
2. Get into 2nd Bachelor's program and earn your BSN and be qualified to sit for the NCLEX exam to earn your RN license
3. Get into a Direct Entry Master's program and earn your MSN and be qualified to sit for the NCLEX exam to earn your RN license
4. Complete a hospital-based Diploma program and be qualified to sit for the NCLEX exam to earn your RN license

With any degree you can then seek to earn additional degrees (RN -> BSN, RN -> MSN, BSN -> MSN, PhD, DNP, etc)

To practice, you must get your RN license. To get your license you must complete an approved (by your state's nursing board) program and pass the NCLEX.

[♪♫ in my ♥]

Originally Posted by xxgreenfirexx

OK, not to beat this subject into the ground, but I am still a little confused. I would choose this option you listed: "Get into a Direct Entry Master's program and earn your MSN and be qualified to sit for the NCLEX exam to earn your RN license."
Now, how can I go about doing that? How can I "be qualified to sit for the NCLEX exam to earn your RN license," if I do not already have an ADN in nursing?
Also, I would need to do this online. Do you, or anyone else, know of a school where I could go for my RN, while doing a MSN, skipping the ADN? As I've said, I already have most of my gen eds, I just need a few prereq's such as A & P and Chem.

The Direct Entry MSN programs are for people who hold a BA/BS in a non-nursing field. With completion of the program, the graduates earn a Master's of Science in Nursing and are qualified to sit for the NCLEX.

As to "...how can I go about doing that," it's a matter of finding a university that has such a program and gaining admittance.

There is no such thing as a purely online program whereby somebody can qualify to sit for the NCLEX. The reason is that one must gain a sufficient number of hours and qualifying experiences in a clinical setting in order to qualify to take the licensing exam.