ABSN or ELMSN?

[wilhi4, MSN, RN]

Hi all,

I'm a little overwhelmed and any advice would be great! I graduated with my BA in psychology in 2014 and I'm taking my last pre-req for nursing school this fall. My original plan was to do an accelerated BSN program but over the past few months I've been researching more into Entry Level MSN programs. My ultimate goal is to become an NP but I really do want to work as an ER RN for a while (I'd guess for at least 5 years). All the ELMSN programs I've looked into are CNL programs. I've read on multiple threads that ELMSN students often have a hard time finding jobs? I find this a little confusing seeing as you ultimately have the same experience as BSN grad, am I wrong? Anyway, a lot of the ABSN programs are the same length/cost as ELMSN programs so to me it seems like a no-brainer to go for the higher degree since I want to become an NP down the line anyway. I've also heard that it's difficult to obtain financial aid/loans for a 2nd bachelor degree which would be another reason I'd go for the ELMSN. Any input would be much appreciated.

[Sweetmemi, BSN, MSN]

I was in the same boat as you! (Got my BA in Sociology though). I'm applying to both ABSN and ELMSN programs. Ultimately I want to be an NP, and it would be easier and cost efficient to go to a program that will allow me to have a MSN. However, not all ELMSN programs have a NP option. You will graduate as a CNL, but if you want to be a NP, you have to attend another Master's program (there are a few schools that have the option to be an NP through the ELMSN).

After talking to a few counselors and my friends mom (who's an NP), Im not in a huge rush. Whether I attend a ABSN program or ELMSN, I will still have to go back to school to have the NP option. Nursing schools are competitive all around so I would apply around and see where you get accepted to.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

CNL is a bogus "major" because it does not make the ELMSN any more qualified than other new grads for entry-level nursing jobs. In the US, pre-licensure education is designed to produce nurse generalists. Our clinical specialization credentials are associated with post-licensure (nationally recognized) specialty certifications &/or MSN (specialty) degrees. Hiring managers in my organization actively avoid ELMSNs because they have not been a good fit with our new grad transition programs.

If your ultimate goal is NP (don't know how you can be very certain, since you don't know what nursing practice is yet) you'd probably have to start over with grad nursing courses because clinical courses are unique to the school & unlikely to transfer. FYI, there are a lot of advanced education options in Nursing..... much more than NP.