I have a BS in Psychology then an ASN can I go for MSN in Leadership or a DNP?

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  1. What degree would you persue with a bachelors in another field?

    • 1
      BSN
    • 1
      MSN
    • 0
      DNP
    • 0
      NONE stay RN

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I am currently in a position where I work nights at a factory as an OHN. I have a lot of down time (20-30 hrs/week) where I am not doing anything. I am looking into going back to school. Here is my life at 35. My wife and I (yes I am a man) have a 3 year old and a 1 year old. We are remodeling an old farm house which will hopefully be done this summer after 3 years of work. We also have a rental house which is being managed for us. Life has been anything but dull since I graduated with my ASN in 2008 (BS Psychology was in 2001). In fact, I got engaged on February 21st 2009 and took the NCLEX-RN on February 24th! Yeah, three days apart. No stress there at all and obviously I passed both tests!

My question is I have all this free time at work where I am just basically surfing the internet and I can be using the time so much better in furthering my education. I am just not sure how to do that. I need an online school. I don't want to work bedside nursing forever. I have already been in health care for 18 years. I would like to get into leadership in nursing. I am just not sure what to pursue. I have been looking at a lot of MSN in Leadership and Management programs. Are there any programs out there that, with my given educational background, I could go onto DNP in Leadership? I don't really see a benefit in obtaining another BS degree so I am considering at least a masters. I am so confused and have been perseverating on this for quit sometime. Does anyone have any advice reguarding these issues or what I should do? Thanks.

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Specializes in Neurology.

most places will not look at a Bachelours in another field as a Bachelours of science IN nursing aka BSN yes you can go on to get your masters in healthcare im sure but im not sure you can get an MSN without the BSN .. not 100 though

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

The designation of "DNP" refers to education for clinical specialties - all of which require clinical practicum for advanced practice. If you are seeking a doctorate in nursing administration/leadership, it will be a PhD. You are correct in assuming that the next level up would be an MSN. There are quite a few ADN-MSN programs; most of them simply incorporate a BSN during the process.

There are many 'online' programs.... with a great deal of variation in reputation ranging from out-and-out diploma mills to well-respected programs (hopefully, that was sufficiently diplomatic). The best programs have a practicum - in which you obtain exposure to a management role.... they are not 100% on line.

Obtaining an advanced degree is "necessary but not sufficient" for a move into leadership. There are no shortcuts because organizations always look for management/leadership experience as a qualification for these types of jobs. So, you'll need to gain some concrete experience in this realm in order to move up the career ladder.

I am also a home renovation addict - so I know how all-consuming this task can be. Best of luck to you!

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