Accelerated BSN or CNL?

[cprescott]

I'm 37 and decided to pursue medicine as a new career after years of working for international health NGOs (Doctors without Borders, Handicap International, etc.) in communications. I am now taking pre-req classes at George Mason University in Fairfax VA. Despite not having taken any science courses since high school, I am doing extremely well in my courses. Now I'm trying to figure out the best educational pathway to allow me to advance in a health career quickly. My end goal would be to become a NP or DNP with either a focus in emergency medicine or public health and get a job in a leadership position. One of the first decisions I must make is whether to apply to an accelerated BSN program, or go into a 2-year CNL master's program, which is what most other schools in this area now offer instead of accelerated BSNs. The masters programs are more appealing to me as an older student, but I don't know if that will put me at any advantage over BSNs. Ultimately I would have to go back for my NP or DNP anyways. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

[verene, MSN]

I think the ABSN program would make more sense. The CNL seems like it would be a much better fit for someone who has nursing experience and is looking to move up the leadership ladder or take on more of a leadership role in their workplace. I don't see much of an advantage to obtaining a graduate degree you can't really use as a new grad nurse. You'll be hired as a new grad nurse with the same pay scale and learning expectations as a new grad BSN, not as a clinical practice leader or other leadership position because those require experience. I think if that is a degree you want to pursue you'd more likely get more out of it after having had some experience.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

if your goal is nursing leadership, NP is not the right graduate degree choice because it is focused on clinical practice, not administration... two entirely different skill sets. A better choice is MSN in administration/leadership or dual MSN/MBA (a generic MBA is not an acceptable substitute). An MSN is required for nurse leadership positions. It is not uncommon for nurse executives to have doctoral degrees, particularly in larger organizations.

IMO, the entry-level CNL is a nonsense degree. How in the world can anyone "lead" an area in which they have not achieved basic competence? Entry-level MSNs compete for exactly the same entry-level jobs that are open to other new grads... they have to undergo the very same transition to practice phases. This usually comes as a shock because schools have not provided them with an accurate picture of the employment process.

Healthcare accreditors stipulate that clinical leaders MUST have evidence of competence in their areas. Credentials are necessary but not sufficient. For nursing, this means that directors have specialty certifications &/or years of experience in the areas for which they are responsible. It is just not possible for a newbie to jump line and skip to the top because the primary responsibility of a nurse leader is to ensure the quality & safety of clinical services, including the competency of subordinates.