BSN vs Masters?

klone, MSN, RN · Aug 4, 2013

I think you need to focus on one thing at a time. You seem to be kind of all over the map, with wanting to do med/surg, and wanting to teach, and wanting to work in the NICU. I would first just focus maybe on working on your BSN and trying to secure a job in m/s in an acute care hospital, and then go from there.

Bringonthenight · Aug 4, 2013

I think you need to focus on one thing at a time. You seem to be kind of all over the map, with wanting to do med/surg, and wanting to teach, and wanting to work in the NICU. I would first just focus maybe on working on your BSN and trying to secure a job in m/s in an acute care hospital, and then go from there.

I agree, focus on your BSN.

KBICU · Aug 4, 2013

I agree with the other posters. I have my BSN and I currently work in a CCU and I am working on my masters. I have been teaching on the side because where I live if your enrolled in a masters program and have been a nurse for at least a year you can teach. Good luck :)

RN&mom · Aug 4, 2013

Thank you. I should have mentioned that yes I only want to teach on the side, not full time. The reason I said teach someday is because I will have to at least be enrolled in a masters program. I also only mentioned my long term goal of working NICU because I do know where I'm headed, and I don't want to be considered over qualified for NICU if I obtained my masters. I can't imagine that would be the case but I was shocked my friend as an ICU nurse with a masters couldn't find a job because everyone told her she was over qualified after her hospital downsized and several RN's lost their jobs... Being a NICU nurse is very important to me (long story), and I want to make sure I take the right path to eventually put me there. Unfortunately when talking to the college I sometimes feel like their answer to everything is more education is always better and I'm just not sure that's true? So thanks everyone I think I'll stick with a BSN for now and see where it takes me...

PMFB-RN, RN · Aug 5, 2013

I have my ASN and work in LTC/SNF facility which I love! But during school I absolutely loved med surg nursing, everything about it I love and I definitely plan to do at some point. I also want to teach someday (not right off) and eventually work in a NICU. My. Question is, do I go for my masters or will I be overqualified for medsurg and have a hard time getting hired? I have heard of this happening with an ICU nurse that has her maters but I was unsure if it was just the masters degree or something else making her "over qualified?" I really just want to get my masters because there are so many things I want to do and I have so many years left but I don't want to be overlooked for jobs because of it... Thoughts please?

*** many, many nurses with masters degrees working at bedside. Hardly makes anyone overqualified.

myelin · Aug 5, 2013

Go for the MSN. With the MSN you will be competitive for bedside positions (and leadership/management positions) as well as have teaching opportunities. With the BSN, your teaching opportunities will be extremely limited. You will have more bang for your buck with the MSN.

NurseKatie08, MSN · Aug 5, 2013

*** many, many nurses with masters degrees working at bedside. Hardly makes anyone overqualified.

This. I have my MSN in Nursing Education and work as a bedside nurse with no intention of changing my position at this point in time. I use my MSN everyday as it changed the way I think. I also am able to teach as my unit's Geriatric Resource RN.

pknurse · Aug 6, 2013

I can tell you the main thing wrong with what you posted is that you are basing your future on someone's anecdote. Call HR at a hospital and ask. Go up to a nurse manager and ask. I agree - concentrate on your BSN and please, please, please, look into the facts.

Ikikaeru · Aug 6, 2013

Theres a lot of good RN to MSN programs out there. I personl have looked into continuing my education as well and will be starting my Masters in December. I believe that its cheaper in the long run to go this route but I believe (from those that Ive talked to) that its a pretty intense program. I think you need to do whats right for you, do you feel that starting a masters level program while trying to start a new job is going be ok for you or to much. Will a BSN be better or maybe just focusing in on getting on a floor you would like to learn from. There are always certifications as well you can obtain that will make you more marketable.

Just my 2 cents but its really a self reflection and finding out what your up for. I did lots of research on this subject and continue to do research.