New RN, looking ahead; MPH? - page 2

Since you already have an MPH and you want to choose between ASN vs BSN I would go BSN because you have probably covered many of the courses you would need in that program.

Also, with an mph you could still start your own program that can benefit maternal/child health or adolescent health. I'm sure that your mph has prepared you better than you may think.

Hey MissM472,

I would definitely go for the BSN. Not only will a BSN make you a stronger candidate on paper (I would assume although I myself do not work in PH), there are TONS or accelerated, aleternate entry BSN programs out there for people who already hold bachelors in other fields. For example, my first degree was in liberal arts (not even a science!), and I figured out that it would actually take me less time AND money to get my BSN than my ADN. Isn't that crazy!? Plus, most of the nurses I know with associates are now back in school to get their BSN's. I realize that you're already over-educated, but I still vote for getting your BSN.

BSN -many states require BSN to work in public health. I live in CA -BSN required and a Public Health Nurse Cert from the BRN to work as public health nurse. I am currently work as public health nurse and am in school for my MSN with a focus in public health.

I would definitely recommend that you go for the BSN, mainly because you already have a bachelor's degree, and it's even in biology. With a BS in Biology, I believe you may have already completed the required biology classes for a BSN (for example - General Bio, Anatomy and Phys.1 & 2, Microbiology...). You may have even taken some chemistry, which is usually needed in BSN programs. You have completed general education courses as well. There may be a couple of courses you did not take through your BS in Biology (for example, Nutrition), but my guess is that you can probably concentrate mainly on the actually nursing courses if you go back to school for a BSN. Now, one benefit of getting an ADN is that it is usually a less expensive route since credits at a university/college tend to cost more than those at a 2-year institute such as community college. On that note, you would become a registered nurse while paying less. On the other hand, there are universities with considerably low tuition rates, as well as those that offer accelerated BSN programs if you already have a bachelor's degree in a different field. So, with all this said, you can decide which route is best for you. I recommend the BSN only because you have a BS in Biology which would knock out some of the courses you will have to take for your BSN. But if finances are a concern, community colleges can also provide very good RN programs that will prepare you to be a competent registered nurse. Hope that helps

RN-MS here who works as a PHN mainly in the disease control and prevention area of public health. I do some surveillance, disease investigations, outbreak response, TB case management/program oversight, & immunizations. If I wasn't drowning in student loan debt, I would go for the MPH with a focus in epidemiology-without hesitation. If I could go back, I probably would skip nursing school (Yikes! Did I type that out loud?). I would love to be an epi.

Thank you OP for this thread and thank you mariebailey for your comment. I am a BSN and thinking of going MPH Too. I am older and love public health and do not think I could do a MSN right now. Yes OP do tell more as you find out. I am interested.

Hello,
I am currently in nursing school and will be graduating in May of 2013. I have several areas of interest within the nursing field, but I have found my true passion is public health. However, I am kind of stuck in a rut-- I want to pursue public health right after graduation and passing boards, but I am slightly scared that by not receiving the typical 'unit' experience may hinder my ability to move around some day (budget cuts, job loss, marketability, etc). Does anyone have advice as to the best approach? I am going to start applying in January to MPH programs around me to possible begin that next fall. How is going to school full time and working full time? Is it do-able?

Also, how does one receive their certification as a public health nurse? I keep researching, but feel that I am not running into the correct site/link to read more into it.

Lastly, is there any advice one maybe CEU's and/or free courses to take in specialty areas of MPH? I am interested in all specialty areas (epidemiology, infectious, policy, environmental, etc), but I am not sure which one I personally want to pursue.

Thank you very much!