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Discussion

Accelerated programs

So I currently have an MPH in Epi and currently working as a clinical epidemiological researcher at a hospital. I really feel that there is no advancement unless I get a clinical degree and also I would want to understand the clinical aspect of research better. Majority of people I work with have an MD and there are a few APRNs, whom have better job security than I do, because of their clinical degree and the fact they treat patients.

I am trying to figure out which program is best for me, either the accelerated MSN program or accelerated BSN program. Do people who go through accelerated MSN programs really get an APRN job right out of school? Or do they get an RN job first and work their way up the ranks?

I have been mainly researching on chronic illnesses (cancer, HIV, diabetes) and am interested in this area. I have been doing some work in reproductive/women health. I am thinking if I decide to do the MSN, would specializing ANP would be best for that?

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    • Expert

    although in most cases it doesn't make sense to get a bsn if you can get a msn in about the same time for the same money, where i work the people that graduate with their msn and no nursing experience start out as new grads on the floor and often with considerable prejudice from coworkers related to having their masters and yet no experience as a nurse. one recruiter that i know said she won't touch them because she knows they will work a year on the floor and leave although my present hospital seems quite enamored by anyone with extra alphabet soup behind their name regardless of their practical use, or lack there of, as a team member on the floor. :(

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    • Author

    Thanks Jules. That is my main concern. The MSN is 3 years vs BSn will be 1 year. and of course MSn would cost more money.

    I have tons of clinical research exp, and i know if i get an MSN I would need nursing experience.. and do you think it's typical that recruiters won't touch the people with an MSN with no nursing exp? What the recruiter said is kinda true... I can imagine that a ANP would not want to work in an entry lvl RN position for a long period of time, perhaps for a year or two as most to get their foot in the door.

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    • Expert

    No clue as to most places but if your university is affiliated with a hospital it is likely they will either embrace new grad MSNs or at least be required to hire a fair amount as part of their agreement. Imo if you can get your BSN in a year and be working as a nurse for the next couple of years as you get your MSN that would be ideal. Good luck!

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    If you are interested in pure research, an NP is not the route you want to go... this is a hands-on, patient care degree. You have to have nursing competency & experience to even be accepted into an NP program. NP education is specialty-based, and most programs don't admit anyone without experience in that specific area. After all, NPs are able to provide care INDEPENDENTLY -- it would be beyond belief anyone to fulfill this role without requisite experience. There are other types of MSN degrees - without a clinical focus. Maybe you should consider one of these?

    Your credentials are impressive... have you considered that the problem is not you - it's the environment? Why do you feel that there is no advancement without a clinical degree? Is it because those jobs require patient contact/intervention or simply due to prejudice that has nothing to do with the job? If it is the latter, I doubt whether people like that would change their snobby attitudes simply because you became new grad nurse. It may even make things worse because tacit clinical prejudices would kick in. Health care has a definite pecking order, and new grad nurses are pretty much at the bottom of the heap - LOL. At least your current background exempts you from this.

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    • Expert
    You have to have nursing competency & experience to even be accepted into an NP program. NP education is specialty-based, and most programs don't admit anyone without experience in that specific area. After all, NPs are able to provide care INDEPENDENTLY -- it would be beyond belief anyone to fulfill this role without requisite experience.

    I agree with you 100% but know for a fact that it is happening and there are new grad NPs graduating without ever working in the speciality where they will now be writing prescriptions. :confused:

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