Post BSN decision

Nursing Students Post Graduate

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I'm currently a BSN student and am planning on graduating in May (hooray!). I've always had a plan for after I graduate. My original plan was to get a job first, hopefully in pediatrics, OB or a similar field, then get my master's in a few years. I want the experience and the time to decide what exactly I'd like to specialize in. I know there's a sixth sense that good nurses develop, so I need time to get this sense before I would advance in my education. Not only that, but there's a financial advantage because hopefully by then I would have a little more money, and some hospitals in my area will give tuition assistance.

This all makes sense to me. However, I was talking to my sister who has now made me doubt my plan, because she says I should go to grad school right away. She made some great points, that the job market isn't great right now, so the extra education would help me get a job. Also, that I wouldn't be able to concentrate on school if I have a full time job, and I should get school done while I'm still focused. Who knows where my life will be in a few years, so I should get it done before I get married, have kids and so on. Her perspective is a little different because she has her master's in engineering, so she kind of knows but doesn't quite get that nursing is a little different.

So my question is, with the job market and everything, which would be the best decision for my career path? I need advice from a nursing perspective. Thanks everyone!

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If your goal is a graduate degree to be an advanced practice nurse (NP, CNS, CRNA or CNM), then you will likely need to have RN practice under your belt before entering a clinical graduate program. The non-clinical MSN degrees (informatics, administration, public health, clinical nurse leader, education) may not require clinical practice as a RN.

Nursing and Education are different from most other disciplines in that these areas expect graduate students to have practice before further education.

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Jeyre 1847,

For over 40 years nursing has been attempting to achieve the same degree of professionalism as other professions. I'm all for furthering your education, and advanced degrees. However, as UVA Grad stated, it's good to have experience before you go on, and before you decide which road to take. I truly hate to see any young person enter this profession without thinking about "going on." Look at what you're interested in, get a sense of what you're comfortable with, and what you're good at. But, don't stop here - I agree with your sister as far as getting that Masters, but unfortunately in nursing it's a bit different. Maybe in your nursing future you'll see some uniformity in nursing education and see that we really can achieve that professional status that brings us up to par with others.

There are so many options for Masters in nursing - brick & mortar, or online. I really believe that in nursing you need to start at the bedside and go from there.

Oh my, I didn't mean to get carried away like that...

I also wanted to ask UVA grad - how can public health and clinical nurse leader be non-clinical??

Take care, get your feet wet, you'll see what you'll like.

mathilda

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

How much does your sister know about higher education in nursing and/or the development of nursing expertise? Unless she is an expert in the development of advnanced nursing skill and knowledge ... don't let her well-meaning opinions sway you too much. Your original plan was a great one. Stick with it.

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jeyre,

While I can't speak from the field of nursing, I can tell you about my experience going straight to grad school for molecular genetics.

I did go straight through and felt that other students who had worked for a while and come back to grad school were much more intrinsically motivated. In retrospect, I might have been someone who would have benefited from a break. As you pointed out, in nursing, getting some work experience first will help you truly connect with a specialty area.

Handling graduate school and marriage is an individual thing - it's worked just fine for both me, and my sister. Planning a wedding while in school will certainly up your stress level - but it can be done.

In my case, I am looking at entering nursing now. I have been out of school and working in another field, still married, and also have 2 girls. However, I've spent my application year putting myself and my family through a tough schedule (with me working and volunteering) and managed to pull straight A's in my pre-req's. Yes it will be a different experience with a family, but I am lucky that they are all so committed to my success.

The program I am looking at is full time only, but my understanding is that many graduate programs offer a part time option.

Good luck with your decision!

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Thanks for the advice everyone! I just wanted some opinions from people who know more about grad school and nursing. I appreciate the help! :up:

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