Help! ADN to MSN advice.

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I am enrolled to start an ADN program and already have a bs in another non nursing field. I have few science prerequisites completed so that is why I have chosen the ADN with taking those along with my nursing courses due to time sake. I am debating on a BSN but would prefer an MSN or FNP not exactly sure yet which one. What are some affordable online asn or adn to fnp or adn to msn programs. What is the time frame for going this route? Will not having a BSN hinder me from getting into programs or jobs?

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I'm just graduating with an ADN, and am really not into the bsn. I am also looking at ADN to MSN programs, I'll be curious if there is any advice on this thread. Thanks for asking.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

At this time, there are many areas of the country in which opportunities for ADNs are restricted to non-acute settings .. especially in major metropolitan areas. You need to investigate the employment situation in your area - keeping in mind that the time lapse may result in even more change before you will be entering the job market.

An FNP (or any type of NP) is essentially an area of focus for an MSN education. So no matter what your goal is, the educational requirement will be an MSN. It is not possible to move from ADN to a clinical MSN without some clinical practicums to learn advanced skills. Most traditional schools have incorporated distance and online learning options into their graduate & post-graduate curricula.

I believe that most ADN-MSN programs contain some streamlining that allows you to eliminate some of the BSN coursework... by taking a higher level course instead. For example, rather than taking intro-level statistics, you may be required to take 'research methods' that actually incorporates the lower level knowledge. This makes for a more rigorous academic challenge. If you're not academically talented, it could be more difficult and stressful. Since you already have a BS, you are probably eligible for an ABSN, depending upon your current cumulative GPA. The combined time requirement for ABSN --> MSN would probably be less than ADN --> MSN. Keep in mind that some NP programs will require specific types of experience as a practicing RN - and those jobs may not be open to non-BSN grads.

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First...these days, you really do need a BSN. Hospitals want Magnet status! And it shows you have 'critical thinking' skills. Now, that being said, I am a diploma nurse... worked my way through a BSN and MSN. Nursing is the best career choice I've ever made. There are so many different opportunities in nursing... If you have the option to do ADN to MSN or FNP - DO IT!! Do it now! Just get it done.

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Thank you for the advice. I figure everyone has to start somewhere.

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As SurgMag95 stated...nowadays local hospitals are requiring you to have your BSN if you graduate with an ADN. Typically, they give you so many years to complete your BSN and they will let you know this upon being hired. It is also helpful to have the BSN under your belt because the BSN will set the foundation for your advanced level degree courses (MSN-NP). Considering the fact that you already have a Bachelor's Degree in another major you should of checked out Bellarmine University & Spalding University's Accelerated Nursing Program. You could of received your BSN in as little as 18 months. With the price of Galen's tuition you could have a BSN instead of a ADN plus upon graduation sit for your NCLEX to become a RN. Either way, further your education it will be worth it.

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Thank you, I am still looking into other options as well. The more money I can save the better. Unfortunately, my prerequisites still need to be taken for a&p 1 bc it is 7 years since I took the course and I need to take a&p 2 and micro. With that being said, I am looking to and additional 1-11/2 years for pre reqs depending on the program.

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I was where u at a year ago. Skip the BSN head to MSN. You will bE OK with your ADN.

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

Some advice I received from HR personnel at a few hospitals I was interested in applying to (yes, I called and spoke to the nursing recruiter about their general hiring practices). I was told by one - a major hospital system - that they say BSN preferred, but actively hire ADNs especially those from the local program that they have a proven track record with. The other hospitals' HR depts I spoke with that were in a different state said they also state "BSN preferred" but do hire ADNs with exceptional records, previous skills that are an asset to the program, and previous non-nursing degrees as that shows that you have the aptitude and the drive they desire in their employees.

Bottom line. Pick up the phone and make some uncomfortable phone calls to the hospitals you are interested in.

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

Not sure where you are located but there are a few online options for RN-MSN FNP programs. Message me if interested in what I've found

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