BSN or MSN with only RN diploma?

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Hi,

I just got my RN diploma from an RN-to-NP direct entry program. To make a long story short, I decided that I no longer want to be a provider as an NP, and to pursue my longtime dream of being a medical illustrator. For the next few years I will work and save up to pay for medical illustration school.

My question is, within the next about 12 months I can either get a BSN from any online program, or get my MSN from the same school I went to (good reputation) that is a nurse generalist MSN-ie not an NP.

Which is the best option for making a high income quickly? If it makes a difference, I live in Oregon. 

Thanks, I appreciate your thoughts.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Most MSN level positions require 3-5 years or more of acute care experience. You will do better to get a BSN, as you will find few jobs open to you as an MSN without any real nursing experience to speak of.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

High income quickly and new grad/ inexperienced RN are mutually exclusive. 

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Specializes in ER, HH, CTICU, corrections, cardiology, hospice.

BSN

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Specializes in ICU/CCU/Oncology/CSU/Managed Care/ Case Management.

Get your BSN first. I learned alot in my BSN program coming from a ADN program. I am currently in my MSN program and I can see how the BSN prepared me for the MSN. Good luck!

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On 1/12/2021 at 9:24 AM, meanmaryjean said:

High income quickly and new grad/ inexperienced RN are mutually exclusive. 

I am not looking to make 80k right away, maybe I wasn't clear when I said 'high income'. I am just trying to do what is the most profitable in the next few years.

On 1/12/2021 at 9:20 AM, Nurse SMS said:

Most MSN level positions require 3-5 years or more of acute care experience. You will do better to get a BSN, as you will find few jobs open to you as an MSN without any real nursing experience to speak of.

This makes a lot of sense and is what I have been thinking, thanks!

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

Maybe I'm not understanding the OP's situation but can one go back to earning a BSN after already obtaining an entry-to-practice MSN albeit one with a Nurse Practitioner focus?  My understanding is that even though these are meant to be NP programs, there is a BSN component to these although a BSN is not granted which explains why they also qualify to have an RN license.  I've met many DE MSN/NP nursing grads who work at the bedside and not as NP's.  Could it be possible for the OP to just work at the bedside now and gain experience that way then go up the ladder?

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In terms of job opportunities, it doesn’t matter. You will be considered a new grad/entry level nurse regardless of whether you get the BSN or MSN. Some healthcare organizations might pay you a slightly higher hourly rate if you have an MSN but it might cost more to complete an MSN program as well. I would go with whichever option is cheaper and seems like a more doable for you. No one in healthcare is going to think you are a more qualified entry level nurse just because you have an MSN on your resume. 

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Specializes in Physiology, CM, consulting, nsg edu, LNC, COB.
18 hours ago, pro-student said:

No one in healthcare is going to think you are a more qualified entry level nurse just because you have an MSN on your resume.

Well, they used to, but that didn’t work out so well in most cases. New grad c minimal pt experience = new grad c minimal pt experience.
If you truly have a choice, though, get the MSN if you intend to work as a nurse to save money for the med illustration course. You’ll be doing the same bedside work as the BSN new grad, but you never know when later on down the road those extra letters will open doors for you, especially if they come from a well-regarded program. Just saying. 
(great medical illustration program at UC Santa Cruz and I think at UW in Seattle... good luck!)

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