Advice Needed; what do you think?

[EMEddie]

Hello everyone; I simply need an input from you guys: This is my situation:

A) I am currently an RN {ASN} with the goal of becoming an MSN/FNP. Before going to Nursing School, I was at X university working on my Public Health Degree. When I got accepted into the nursing program, I left my university and went to the community college to complete my Nursing. I have one class left to complete my B.S. in Public Health; this class is Epidemiology, all of my upper division college majors and G.E. have been taken.

B) I have a friend, whom went with me to nursing school; he has a Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology. We are both pretty good friends, we went to nursing school together, we got hired on the same floor at the same time in the same hospital; we both later transferred to ICU at the same time as well.

A few months ago, he decided to go and talk to my university "X" and ask about their MSN/FNP program. They have a requirement to have a BSN degree to be accepted to this program, my friend doesn't have it, he only has a B.S. in Kinesiology and an ASN. Somehow, The Chair of the Nursing Department and the Director of the MSN program told him that they will work with him so he can obtain his BSN degree by obtaining three classes: Community Health Nursing, Health Assessment and Leadership, these classes will be offered during this summer, he will take them and then he will be able to start the MSN/FNP program in the fall.

When my friend told me this; I was very excited for him and I also thought I could go to the university and talk to them.

I sent an email to the same persons my friend met with and I told them that I am one class away from completing my B.S. in Public Health Degree and that all of our background is pretty much the same. I asked to meet with them because I was very interested in also given this opportunity his is being given and take those "3" BSN classes and complete my BSN degree and then I would take that remaining class in Public Health and as well, I would finish that degree and have a double major. These two people told me I couldn't do this, they said that if I was interested in obtaining a BSN, I had to do their RN to BSN program, which is 3 semesters. I explained to them that if my friend is being given that opportunity, why cant I? I understand that he will be starting the MSN/FNP program and if I CANT do that at this time, its fine, but I feel that I deserve to be given this opportunity to complete those three classes he is being given to complete his BSN degree.

Still, they said I couldn't, they only said that My friend was a different situation. I became very upset and sad because I feel this is unfair and I am not given this equal opportunity. Later on a second meeting, one of these persons said I could not take Community Health Nursing in the summer because the requirement for this class is "Research". As part of my Public Health Degree, we didnt take Research, but did a research/senior project which involved a lot of the research modalities. The ironic thing is that my friend didnt take a research class either, he did a senior project, yet he is being given the chance to take this class in the summer, yet I am not.

I met with the intern Dean of the Department of Health/Nursing, I explained my concerns and still, even though she was more helpful and listened more; she still thinks I cant take those classes in the summer, again, she said that my friend was a different situation.

The different situation and only difference is that he has completed his Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology already; in my case, I am one class away from completing my B.S. in Public Health. I am not asking to be enrolled in the MSN program, but the opportunity to take those 3 BSN classes and be able to get my BSN degree just like he is.

I told the Dean today that I feel my academic background is comparable to his or even more because of my several classes in Community Health {4 of them}, Human Disease, Health Behavior, etc.

What do you guys think I should do? I feel so frustrated and upset....

Thanks in advance.

[delawaremalenurse]

I think you've been given your answer and you don't wan to accept it. The school cannot discuss your friend's situation...that would be a FERPA violation. You are obviously not "in the same situation" since you have been told what you need to do and it's different from your friend.

My advice...stop pestering the school and indirectly involving your friend. You're not doing yourself or him any favors and I guarantee that by now, with all the waves you've been making, he wishes he never mentioned it to you...

Take the advice of the school officials and progress as they've indicated if you're truly interested in their program....stop looking for the easy way out and the quick fix of just "3 classes"

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

When you're in an RN to MSN/FNP program, you take quite a few classes that are classes people getting their BSNs have to take to get their BSNs. Some say it's like taking the courses for the BSN but not getting the BSN--it's just expected you take the courses along the way toward the MSN/FNP. You can't compare getting a BSN by taking a couple of courses to being allowed to take some courses in prep for the RN to MSN/FNP program. It's apples to oranges.

[positive_thinker]

Question...I am planning on going back for my MSN in education. However, I absolutely love my job right now. I am an RN in a cardiothoracic OR. Upon finishing my MSN, can I continue my job now and teach classes/clinical on the side?