bsn or rn-msn

[hopefulprayers1]

Ok so I've made the decision to pursue nursing. I first wanted to pursue surgery but due to previous events in my first year of college things deterred. Anyways, I figured the next best thing to surgery is becoming a surgical/er trauma nurse I've been trying to get the ball rolling and trying to figure out the best path for me. I'm only 20 but i feel like time is running out.

Background:

I was going to go straight for the bsn versus the rn because within those two year for the rn I could be graduating the same time with a bsn instead (pro) BUT I want to go back to get my FNP and ACNP and so far the schools I've looked at requires a year or two before being eligible to apply to their msn program. I don't have 2 years to waste I want to get in there and start my career! (con) I found an rn to msn program that will be 4.5 semesters long and in that time I would graduate with a bsn and msn in FNP.(pro) so at least when I graduate I will be a FNP and would just have to wait a year before going to get my ACNP.

I think the best path would me to get my rn then go for my msn just because it'll save time in the long run and it will allow me to achieve my dreams two years earlier. BUTTT I'm worried in two years when I get my asn employers will want nurses with bsn education . I know right now in my area many employers are just wanting nurses with licenses, just wondering how long that'll last.

Has anyone been in this situation:uhoh3:? What are your thoughts?

[leenak]

I would go for a BSN if I were you. FNP programs are highly competitive and there is no guarantee that you would get into that specific program.

[hopefulprayers1]

Well there's no guarantee that I would get into any program, bsn or rn-msn. All bsn programs around me are highly competitive so not getting in isn't a factor right now. I'm just trying to figure out the best choice for me

I'm also afraid that if I go to bsn and have to wait two years to go back to get my FNP/ACNP I may not feel like going back into school. Right now I just want to be done with school. At least if I go rn-msn, I'll be more than half way to my goal. If i go bsn I'll only be halfway there

[leenak]

Does the RN-MSN program not require RN experience? The only MSN programs I've seen that don't require experience are the direct entry programs where you have a BS/BA in another field.

[dkmamato3]

I'm only 20 but i feel like time is running out

You have all the time in the world ahead of you!! Everyone wants to just "get done" and start their career and while I understand that, right now is the time for you to make sure that you are on the path you truly want. Take the extra time to decide - do some job shadowing and extra research. Do not rush into a program but make sure that it is the right direction. It may seem like time is running out - but truly you have your whole life ahead of you and it is much better to go for what you truly want than settled for second best especially when you are only 20.

Good luck.

[hopefulprayers1]

no, it doesn't require experience

[hopefulprayers1]

lol @dkmamato that made me smile :) thank you, I plan on doing some shadowing next semester. I'm also under consideration for some er tech positions so hopefully they pull through

[myperfectgrade100]

Help with Human Anatomy and Psysiology, Elaine N Marieb, 8th Edition

[leenak]

I'd still be a little nervous about making a decision based on the plan that a single program would accept me. Also, you are young. I'm 36 and if everything goes right, I'll be an RN just before I turn 40. By the time I'm 45, I hope to be a FNP.

If you think the ADN option is better, then go for it. What happens if you don't get into the RN-MSN program? Do you have a backup plan?

[hopefulprayers1]

I wouldnt only apply to that rn-msn program. I plan on researching into more options. I would apply to a few rn-msn programs. Then apply to rn-bsn programs for secondary purposes.

[VIMom]

I debated this same option but for different reasons. I decided to go for my asn, then rn-msn because the asn program takes less time and I could start working sooner as an RN, the program I'm looking at is geared towards non-traditional students so it has a flexible schedule which would allow me to do the rn-msn program while working. It also does not require experience to apply, and I would earn my bsn while working on my msn. Here the pay difference for asn and bsn is not enough to get the bsn first, and ultimately I want my msn, soooo....it was kind of an obvious choice for me. I did, however, talk it over at length with two different counselors at my school before making a decision, and should the situation change my decision might have to be looked at again. I agree that at 20 you have more time than you realize. I understand being in a hurry to achieve a goal but keep in mind that getting there is an experience that you just might miss when its over. Keep an eye on the goal, but try to enjoy the process as well.