Amount of RN experience prior to starting MSN program

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I am currently a senior in a BSN program in Atlanta, GA. I am very interested and motivated to continue my education to move up the career ladder. I will graduate in December of this year with a BSN degree. For those of you in a MSN program, how many years of RN experience would you suggest prior to working on an MSN degree?

Thanks in advance for your help!!

Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I used to think that nursing experience wasn't necessary, but when I look back at how much I've learned in the past 1.5 years (specific clinical information as well as big-picture stuff), I see the value of experience.

A lot of people can't appreciate the value of experience until they learn (through experience) how instructive it can be.

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This question is also on the NP page -- about 400 responses or so. You should go through that thread.

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One of the other students in my BSN program went straight into an MSN program without working as an RN first. She also had no other experience in health care, was not a CNA. Experience certainly wasn't part of the criteria for her to be accepted into the MSN program. There are programs that go through to the MSN from the beginning that do not require experience. I think that the individual should have a clear picture of their own goals if they want to do this. In some instances it would make sense while in others it might not. JMO

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Thank you everyone for your responses. Definitely gives me alot to think about. I currently live in Atlanta and have a full ride scholarship from a local hospital in order to complete my BSN program. I never had prior clinical experience before starting nursing school. I will owe the hospital in atlanta two years to pay back for my scholarship. However, eventually I want to move to a rural area of the country, particularly out west. I was thinking of pursuing a FNP because it is broad enough to encompass the entire life cycle. I figure if I work in a rural area I will be less likely to work in a specialized area and more likely to work in a generalist capacity. However, upon graduating with my BSN I am hoping to work in the ICU or ER to get the critical care experience. I am possibly considering med/surg for 6 months or so after graduation, again for the generalist experience. I definitely am fully aware that I too would want someone who has experience if I were to go to an NP for care. At the same time, I am 32 and need to get the MSN under my belt soon since I am not a "spring chicken".

Thanks!

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The advice I've received by practicing NP's is to obtain as much hospital bedside experience as possible....

Does LTC experience count?

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Again, that depends on your goals: adult care, geriatrics - you would probably be fine with that. However, if looking at ACNP or FNP - might want to consider getting some hospital experience to ensure this is correct route. Good luck.

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Specializes in Psych, DOU.

this is very subjective. Im now in my 3rd semester of my MSN program, and I started graduate studies within 4 months after getting licensed as an RN. I've heard that many programs have a minimum requirement before getting accepted.

And I think that this minimum is a great idea, so that ppl do not get into something haphazardly. A year or two just might be enough to explore, and see whether you want to pursue something greater.

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Specializes in ER/OR.

In a perfect world, the more experience as an RN, the better. It certainly couldn't hurt you! I'll have about a year and 8 months before I start my graduate studies. Many PA's have no healthcare experience when they start, and they seem to do ok. I think its a very personal decision that has many factors at play.

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Specializes in Emergency, Cardiac, PAT/SPU, Urgent Care.
In a perfect world, the more experience as an RN, the better. It certainly couldn't hurt you! I'll have about a year and 8 months before I start my graduate studies. Many PA's have no healthcare experience when they start, and they seem to do ok. I think its a very personal decision that has many factors at play.

Actually, I believe there are PA programs (maybe not all) that require a few hundred hours of health care experience as a prerequisite to matriculation; plus, we need to keep in mind that PA programs typically require more clinical hours during their programs than NP programs.

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Specializes in Emergency, Cardiac, PAT/SPU, Urgent Care.

Unfortunately, I came back too late to edit my previous post, but I just wanted to add that I am not trying to turn this into the typical NP vs. PA debate, especially since both are wonderful and are very much needed.

I also wanted to add (even though I think others may have posted this already) that some potential employers do like to see that new NPs have had several years of RN experience prior to becoming an NP; in addition to the type of NP clinical rotation sites one has experienced. Also, I think it makes potential NP preceptors feel a little more at ease knowing that their potential student has had RN clinical experience.

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