BA with RN license and yrs of experience - BSN or MSN?

Nursing Students ADN/BSN

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Here is my debate: I am a Critical Care nurse with 5+ yrs of experience, and I have a Bachelor degree in non-related field.

I want to try something else besides the Critical Care, and though my experience is valuable, I am asked about Bachelors in Nursing

I did consider doing Masters in Nursing Management last year, but I am not sure I want to do that at the moment

Now I am thinking about this BSN and increasing my chances of getting a job wanted...

Should I at all think about pursuing BSN? I was thinking that with BA achievement, BSN should not be that long. But then should I at all waste my time and money if eventually I will go for MSN? (in the next 5-10 years, I think)

What is your experience, thoughts or two cents?

Specializes in Pediatrics/Developmental Pediatrics/Research/psych.

I'm not sure what the market is like where you are, but is there really career growth opportunity with a BSN? If you are already working for 5 years as a critical care nurse and already have a BA in another area, I would think that it would be logical to do an MSN. Of importance is the fact that a second bachelors often makes it more difficult to get grants, scholarships, and loans whereas an MSN is the "logical career progression".

Obviously, this is just my opinion as an RN in a BSN program. Good luck and keep us posted!

Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

I think generic MSN makes more sense. If you decide to specialize later than you can always go back.

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Let's not forget about the online RN-to-MSN degree programs that award the BSN degree along the way once you have completed the necessary requirements. It is like knocking out two birds with one stone.

I was in your position and I opted for Excelsior College's MSN program. I'm not getting a BSN and I'm totally fine with that. You have to examine your career goals and decide what's right for you.

I am in a similar position as you. I thought you needed a BSN to pursue the MSN...

I have a BA in Psych and an MS Ed. I wish I could find a "guidance counselor" in nursing to help me figure out the best route!

Lol

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