Accepted to both RN & masters in Nursing...what to choose??? HELP!

Trauma Columnist · Jul 20, 2006

Depends on many factors:

1. Your age...if younger would go the two year BSN route, get some experience, then go on. If older, would go direct-entry MSN. What specialty is the MSN? FNP, ACNP, CNS, education, management?

2. Look at the prospects in your area. Do they hire mid-level practitioners (if that is what the direct-entry MSN offers) or are there too many already.

3. Do you have any experience in nursing or health care?

4. Do you know what area of nursing you want to go into? If not, a BSN might be the better route.

Good luck and congrats on being accepted to BOTH programs.

surfergirl · Jul 20, 2006

I am only 28, and I have health care experience. i'm living in Nor Cal and there is a demand for both, but I cant see salary rates for either...so I dont see what the difference is. I like the prestige of getting a masters, but economically the RN program is a good value.

Trauma Columnist · Jul 20, 2006

I agree economically, a BSN looks better. Look into how your mid-level providers are employed in your area. Also - what concentration is it? That might make a difference.

miss print · Jul 20, 2006

Depends on...

The structure of the programs.

**For the community college route will you have to work and attend school? Is that something you want to do?

**For the MSN route do you have to attend full-time can you afford to do so?

Future goals:

**Are you confident of the area you want to work in or the type of nurse you want to be?

**Do you want to work in research or adminstration

If you attend the Master's program you will easily make the $60K back

What does your gut tell you?

I'm in the process of making a similiar decision so I'm interested in hearing other responses/advice.....

I am trying to decide between 2 nursing programs. Both programs are "graduate-entry" so geared for people who have a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing.

Program A is 16 months in length and I would graduate with a general Master's in Nursing and Healthcare. I would be an RN with an MS or MSN (just not a nurse practitioner)

Program B is geared more towards students interested in being an advanced practice nurse. So the first 15 months are spent preparing for the NCLEX. The remaining portion is completed part-time as they suggest you work part time to build clinical hours. The drawback to this program is that after the 15 months I will only have a certificate of professional nursing.

My concern with Program B is that if I have to stop before I get my master's, I will only have a certicate and no degree.

jpena · Oct 25, 2006

im interested to know wat u ended up choosing..the RN or the MSN..im still trying to decide what programs to apply too since i already have a BS in Bio...im thinking of the ELMSN or direct entry MSN but am unsure.

westcoastgirl · Nov 20, 2006

I was accepted into both a BSN and a a direct entry MSN program, and I was only a few years older than you. Everyone I talked to, from nursing faculty to staff RN where I volunteered (quite a few were ADN grads from way back) told me to go for the MSN. I listened to their advice. evaluated my long term goals and went straight for my MSN.

llg, PhD, RN · Nov 20, 2006

I would definitely choose the MSN entry option unless there was a strong reason not to. You'll be so much further ahead in your career in the long run. If you go the ADN route, you'll have to spend at least 4 more years in school to reach the MSN level.

You can get the hands on nursing experience after you graduate. Don't expect to find the perfect advanced practice job as a new grad. Be willing to spend a year or two in an entry level job and you'll be ready for that "MSN-level" job and already have the education you'll need to get it.

llg

dfurbee · Nov 29, 2006

I would choose the MSN entry.

Clarence Nightingale · Nov 29, 2006

I had a similar choice and chose the MSN program. I haven't regretted it yet. I'm in the middle of the program but it's awesome. Accelerated pace but as an MSN you get to do so much more than an ADN.

sunnyjohn · Nov 29, 2006

I would definitely choose the MSN entry option unless there was a strong reason not to. You'll be so much further ahead in your career in the long run. If you go the ADN route, you'll have to spend at least 4 more years in school to reach the MSN level.
You can get the hands on nursing experience after you graduate. Don't expect to find the perfect advanced practice job as a new grad. Be willing to spend a year or two in an entry level job and you'll be ready for that "MSN-level" job and already have the education you'll need to get it.
llg

Take the MSN...As long as you are willing to put in your time in a good internship as a new grad RN and spend a few years gaining experience in an entry level job.

It will put you so much further ahead career wise.

Gennaver, MSN · Nov 30, 2006

I was accepted to both a 2 year RN program at a community college &
a 2 year bridge program MSN (have a bachelors degree in Econ already)
any reasons to choose one over the other? both are great programs, and getting a Masters in 2 years is tempting, but how is job prospects after and salary compare for thse?
I like the quick ness of getting the masters overwith, but the RN program is only 8,000, and the MSN is 60,000!!!!
HELP...any advice appreciated :)

Hello,

I was in similar shoes in Autumn of 2005, (just over a year ago). I chose to go full speed ahead with the Masters.

I figured that for the same amount of time, for a little more money (now versus later) that the grad tuition costs that it would be worth it.

Oh sure, when I graduate I will still be a spanking brand new clinical nurse who needs preceptorship just as I would if it were the associate's degree but...it is in the future, (even as near as one or two years away) where I think the masters will have more weight.

Why limit yourself? Also, Why take that junior college seat away from another student nurse who is in need too? You have the opportunity to go to the master's program, the nurse who will get your seat at the junior college if you vacate it, will most likely NOT have the opportunity to go to your master's program.

I say, open the seat up for another nurse and to further your education where you are able.

Good luck,

Gen-two quarter away from MSN generalist entry degree!!