Accepted to both RN & masters in Nursing...what to choose??? HELP!

Nursing Students Post Graduate

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I was accepted to both a 2 year RN program at a community college &

a 2 year bridge program MSN (have a bachelors degree in Econ already)

any reasons to choose one over the other? both are great programs, and getting a Masters in 2 years is tempting, but how is job prospects after and salary compare for thse?

I like the quick ness of getting the masters overwith, but the RN program is only 8,000, and the MSN is 60,000!!!!

HELP...any advice appreciated :)

Specializes in Ortho, Med surg and L&D.
Depends on...

...Program B is geared more towards students interested in being an advanced practice nurse. So the first 15 months are spent preparing for the NCLEX. The remaining portion is completed part-time as they suggest you work part time to build clinical hours. The drawback to this program is that after the 15 months I will only have a certificate of professional nursing.

My concern with Program B is that if I have to stop before I get my master's, I will only have a certicate and no degree.

Hello miss print,

This is why I am so very grateful that my program B, didn't accept me! Had I gone that route I would currently be four months away from sitting for the NCLEX-RN and at least 4-5 years away from earning the MSN....Instead, I am just a little over six months away from graduating with the MSN-generalist entry and sitting for NCLEX. :) This way I can work clinically and then "later" go for the "post-master's certificate" while I am working and earning both experience and a salary!

Everyone has different needs and the program A worked best for me.

Gen

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After personally doing what I thought was a lot of research about direct entry master's programs I am a little confused. Most of the programs I have looked at offer either a MSN witha concentration in x or a generalist MSN. Can any one explain to me what a generalist MSN prepares you for? Can you practice as a generalist MSN and in what? Is it better to go this route and then get a certificate in a concentration you know you enjoy after working for a while?

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The generalist MSN would make you the clinical equivilant of any new BSN, ADN or diploma RN grad.

HOWEVER....

After a few years of bedside experience, if you choose to expand your nursing practice you will have one distinct advantage, graduate training.

Instead of having to carve out family and personal time to go back to finish an ASN or BSN, then an MSN, you will be 'done'. Spending the money and time up front might prove more lucrative to both the pocket book and the career.

Like Gen has mentioned, you can always get a 'post-master's certificate' at a later date.

As long as the direct-entry generalist MSN does not forsake new grad training in I think it is a valid option.

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p.s.

The MSN generalist also makes sliding into a managment position much easier. With the new CNL exam and designation I think it will become a lot more common.

AACN - Clinical Nurse Leader

Gennaver, are you going to take the CNL?

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Specializes in Ortho, Med surg and L&D.
p.s.

The MSN generalist also makes sliding into a managment position much easier. With the new CNL exam and designation I think it will become a lot more common.

AACN - Clinical Nurse Leader

Gennaver, are you going to take the CNL?

Hello sunnyjohn,

There are a plethora of opportunities!

Right now I am looking at combining clinical experience while continueing to study, (not feeling immediate pressure to nail down in what though).

I figure that the hands-on-clinical portion requires time and attention so whichever I take, most likely online or for short courses after work hours, will be a supportive course load.

First I am waiting to hear if I am accpted into the Active Duty Army Nurse Corps. If so, that will be a minimum of six years active duty, per my bonus package.

Which course I choose will be based on where I work.

If accepted to the Army Nurse Corps I anticipate online courses due to moving around and schedules at whichever hospital or medical center I will be at.

It really is a good place to be. Had I gone for the two year program rather than the masters I would not be eligible for Active duty.

How is your program going and are your post master's plans nailed down yet?

Gen

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Keep in mind that some states require a BSN to practice. Getting an RN for $8K sounds economical to me. Just get hired by a place that would fund continuing education and let them pay for your BSN and MSN.

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