BSN or MSN with BS in Another Subject

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I am a new RN as of August working at a local regional hospital. I completed a BS in Business Administration and Management 20 years ago (20 years work experience in business), before earning my ASN degree. I am interested in furthering my nursing education (good for my brain and also required at some hospitals), but am not sure if I should get my BSN and stop there, or if there is a good reason I should skip the BSN and bridge to an MSN program. A friend of mine who is a nurse said the only reason she can see for an MSN is if I wanted to be in management eventually. I am 52 years old... and although I love learning, I really just want to be done with full time school as soon as I can so I can spend more time with my family. I love working directly with patients, and really do NOT see myself wanting to be a manager (been there, done that with my business degree). I do realize that because of my age I might eventually tire of working 12 hour shifts at a hospital. I want to work as long as possible, though, because I have finally found my passion! I am interested in hospice and home health also, which would give me more "sitting time" between patients as I get older. I will be moving to Southern California in a few years when my husband retires, so most of my nursing will be done there. Any input you have as far as BSN vs. MSN would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!

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Getting the MSN and becoming an NP will allow you more autonomy in practice. You will be also able to prescribe meds and NP's are paid better. I think your friend was thinking of a particular specialty that NP's can get which focuses on healthcare management. Most NP specialties are clinically focused.

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"As of May 2012, all registered nurses and clinical nurse specialists, who generally have graduate degrees, earned an average salary of nearly $67,930 per year, according to the BLS."

"According to the BLS, nurse midwives made an average of $91,070 as of May 2012, while nurse practitioners and nurse anesthetists earned $91,450 and $154,390, respectively."

The Advantages of a BSN Vs. an MSN | The Classroom | Synonym

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