BSN vs Direct Entry/MSN

[paratroopa]

Hello All,

First I did a quick search and didn't see this topic covered, if it has been and I reposted I apologize.

I'm interested in switching to Nursing. I have a BS in CJ, an MS in Finance, and an MBA. I no longer want to sit in an office or behind a desk. I'm also in EMT school which has opened my eyes towards what I want to do.

Since my goal is becoming an RN I'm not sure which is the fastest way to satisfying the requirements to sit for the certification exam. I'll need the same number of pre-requisites regardless of program since none of my previous degrees included them.

Asides from having another MS degree or another BS degree I curious if an RN gets paid the same regardless of degrees. I'm hoping that one day down the road my MBA would help to get me promoted as well.

Thanks in advance and once again sorry if this has been covered elsewhere.

Mike:bowingpur

[CrufflerJJ, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Hello All,

First I did a quick search and didn't see this topic covered, if it has been and I reposted I apologize.

I'm interested in switching to Nursing. I have a BS in CJ, an MS in Finance, and an MBA. I no longer want to sit in an office or behind a desk. I'm also in EMT school which has opened my eyes towards what I want to do.

Since my goal is becoming an RN I'm not sure which is the fastest way to satisfying the requirements to sit for the certification exam. I'll need the same number of pre-requisites regardless of program since none of my previous degrees included them.

Asides from having another MS degree or another BS degree I curious if an RN gets paid the same regardless of degrees. I'm hoping that one day down the road my MBA would help to get me promoted as well.

Thanks in advance and once again sorry if this has been covered elsewhere.

Mike:bowingpur

Mike -

You should look into any accelerated programs that might be available in your area. These are designed for students with a prior degree (not necessarily in a medical related subject). There are accel programs for ADN, BSN, and also some direct entry MSN programs. I did an accel BSN, and it took 5 quarters.

Some hospitals pay ADN & BSN nurses the same, while others offer slightly higher pay to BSN nurses.

By the way (wondering because of your "paratroopa" name), you aren't one of those folks who jump out of perfectly good aircraft, are you? I've only jumped twice (static line), but my dad retired from a SF reserve unit & was still jumping when he retired at 60 years of age!

Good luck!

[Moogie]

:yeahthat:

Definitely look into an accelerated program. I'd strongly suggest getting the BSN because it gives you more flexibility in your career than an ADN. I'm not a big fan of entry-level MSN programs because it seems confusing that a MSN is considered an advanced practice degree---yet in some programs it's entry level. I don't know how the entry level MSNs are employed---with your background in business and an MBA, someone might decide you're "overqualified" for bedside care and put you behind the desk, right where you say you don't want to be.

But---do what's right for you, your time and your budget. I think you will do well in nursing.

[UVA Grad Nursing]

Para:

Given your background, I'd encourage you to look at the Clinical Nurse Leader program. It is a new "role" in nursing that looks to prepare individuals to be microsystems leaders in care at the point of care. You may find that the CNL would build upon your MBA -- with special attention on QI, QA, informatics, and systems change by caregivers. Several schools offer Direct Entry CNL programs (UCLA, Rush, Virginia, Maryland) which look for people who want to affect change.

CNLs are differnet from managers --- managers coordinate resources; CNLs coordinate care.