ABSN/Direct Entry MSN Advice

[Spartanguy625]

Hi,

I'm currently a senior in college with one semester left in a degree called: Interdisciplinary Studies- Health and Society.

Recently I've realized I wanted to go into nursing. I did an EMT program a few years ago and did clinicals with many nurses. I also worked with nurses at an Alzheimer's and Dementia unit. Sadly now I'm realizing nursing when I'm almost done with my Bachelors.

I've been looking into Accelerated BSN programs and Direct-Entry MSN programs.

I was curious if anyone had any advice that was in a similar situation and what they chose.

I'd like to eventually down the line be a Nurse Practitioner (and teachers/friends in nursing programs have told me about the changes occurring soon with needing a Doctorate for NP).

Any advice/stories would be great.

Thanks!

[rainkissedleaves]

You already have some experiences and that is a great start! Continue volunteering and or shadow a NP if possible so that you have a clear picture of the job you're getting yourself into.

I'm doing the same thing. I have a bachelors in Physiology and am currently applying for NP programs (direct entry) for mental health/psychiatry .

[tadams22]

I applied to pediatrics, but eventually would like to work in a pediatric ward of a hospital (not primary care). Looking more closely at the MGH website though, it seems that their pediatric program is more primary care, even with all their hospital associations... Is anyone else in the same boat or have any suggestions? Not many schools (except UPENN, where I didn't get in) have specific pediatric acute care NP programs so I applied for pediatrics for some and acute care for some... Any thoughts would be appreciated!