BSN or MSN

I think in the long run it'll save you money. Most programs have a few BSN classes added into the mix.

I am planning on an RN to MSN program which isn't really an RN to MSN program. You take some of the MSN classes with the BSN.

I did a direct-entry masters program and I think it was the wise way to go... it didn't help me get my first job but the MSN did help me land at the university hospital that I wanted to work at.

::sigh:: Please don't confuse the letters "MN" with "clinical competence," or, increasingly, with "better job prospects."

Some MN programs are heavily clinically-based, use a thesis/research program model, and prepare you for advanced clinical practice. Some are remote learning, little or no clinical at all, little or no actual research (and no, a twelve-question Survey Monkey to anonymous internet readers does not constitute research even if you can derive statistics from it), and most importantly, do not confer much in the way of increased competence for either clinical or academic career paths. We are finding this increasingly obvious as these programs' graduates wash out or cannot gain admission to further education or clinical roles.

There really are no genuinely useful shortcuts to advanced education. Choose wisely.