BSN or entry Level MSN?

zoe92 · Aug 6, 2012

Assuming you already have your bachelors, I would recommend trying to go for the masters. You will definitely be considered for higher paying jobs.

hellosun · Aug 6, 2012

I'm in the same boat! I have been trying to figure it out for months, accelerated BSN or Direct Entry. For me, I think that getting a BSN first would help me to get experience working as an RN to figure out what I want to eventually specialize in. A lot of the Direct Entry programs in my area want you to apply already knowing what you want to specialize in, which I think is kind of silly. But at the same time, Direct Entry programs are a sure way to become a nurse practitioner or MSN and are probably more of a fast track to a "higher" position than RN. I honestly think I will apply to both kinds of programs this fall and just see where I get in, what is more affordable, what sounds like it would be better for me, etc...

Good luck! =)

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Aug 6, 2012

Assuming you already have your bachelors, I would recommend trying to go for the masters. You will definitely be considered for higher paying jobs.

Sorry to rain on your parade, but this is not accurate. A new grad is a new grad. Period. Entry level salaries will be the same. There is no additional clinical expertise associated with entry level MSN.

In my area of the country, hiring managers are avoiding entry-level MSNs based on negative past experiences... not a good fit & expectations tend not to be realistic in terms of salary and hierarchy. Actually, ABSNs are pretty much in the same boat unless they have moved over from another clinical discipline. Programs to not provide sufficient clinical exposure to ensure professional acculturation and a decent skill base.

Be sure to investigate the employment/hiring situation in your area of the country before investing major $ that will not pay off.