Advice needed:go for an RN or straight for a MSN?

Nurses New Nurse

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Hey all...this is my situation. I just started taking my pre-requisits for a RN nursing program at my local community college and I'm wondering if I should continue on that route, or just pursue a higer degree in nursing. I have a BA in an unrelated field, and I've been researching some Master's programs for those with degrees other than nursing that includes the RN . I have no nursing experience at all. Do you think I should just get the RN first and then go back for my master's? or just do it all now since job prospects are so poor? Is anyone else in the same boat? Thanks in advance!

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I am in a similar situation. For me the answer depended on a few things, how long do I want to spend in school? I have little kids and don't want to spend their whole childhood stressed out about school if I get my ADN and then a masters later that takes even longer. What is the cost difference? If money is a big deal some employers will pay for you to further your education (or at least a portion of it) after you are hired. Others even have on site masters programs. Most importantly for me was what do I hope to do with my degree? If I want to be a staff nurse in the hospital and nothing else then it might be a good idea to save the extra $40,000-$50,000 and just get my ADN. On the other hand if I want to have more specialized training (and I do) and have other goals for the longterm like being an NP (I do), then I should go ahead and get my masters. If I choose I can work as an RN first for a time before working as an NP, I can also get experience as a nurse tech while in school. In my area there are different philosophies in different schools, my first choice school encourages students who have passed the NCLEX to work as an RN while finishing the masters part of their program which takes another year and a half to two years depending on your concentration. Good luck, I know it is a tough choice. I have gone back and forth and finally decided that I will do my best, apply to my top choices but be prepared to apply to back up schools if my first choices don't pan out.

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Thank you for your response! It is such a difficult decision. So far, everyone that I have talked to in the field has advised me to at least get a BSN, which is not what I want to hear considering that I JUST got my BA this past spring! My ultimate dream is to become a NP though, so I"ve decided to just take the necessary pre-requisits for now, and see if they are good enough to apply for an entry level masters.

If I may ask, what state are you in?

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I would try and get a job in the medical field somewhere and get your feet wet and stay working there at least part time in school. If you have no experience at all once you finish nursing school you are more than likely to be stuck without a job.

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I am in WA we have a lot of schools around here but they are still pretty competitive. I don't know exact numbers but I hear with the "economy" (I hate to say that) that applicantions have risen markedly. What about you?

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I'm in Southern California, and we have a lot of programs here as well, but they all mostly seem to be impacted, at least the state schools. I haven't really researched that much about the private universities, but i suppose i should. My counselor told me today that the average gpa for the EL-MSN programs is a 3.9. uuuugh!

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Specializes in Orthopaedics, Med/Surg Acute Care.

My suggestion is to earn at least your ASN and while working in the field (READ: bedside nursing) go back and earn your MSN. There are ASN to MSN programs out there. But you really should get RN experience before you get your MSN. I know personally I would not want to work under a manager or director without floor nursing experience.

This just my opinion.

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Thank you. That is a valid point!

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