BSN vs. MSN

Nursing Students School Programs

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Specializes in NICU.

I am a nursing student in my first semester of a two year ABSN program and I was hoping I could reach out to the nursing community for some advice on potentially abandoning the ABSN route and pursuing an MSN instead. Is this bat-*** crazy? Please, if you've had to make a choice between the two programs, I would love any advice or comments you may have. Backstory below if anyone cares:

For as long as I've known I wanted to be a nurse, I knew I wanted to work in labor and delivery. An unforeseen circumstance in my personal life has put me in a position to potentially relocate. I've been looking at other schools I could potentially transfer to and I've found a Master's Entry in Nursing Program that I've met all the requirements for. It's the same amount of schooling, it's less expensive, and MSNs make so much more money starting out. But from what I understand, MSN programs are more specialized and focus on leadership, administration, and education. How would this impact my dream of being a L&D nurse? Is bedside nursing even a thing with an MSN? Another concern I have is that I have no CNA, LVN or any other healthcare experience, so I fear that after graduating with an MSN, I won't be hired for a job because who wants to pay a higher salary to a new graduate with no experience?

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

MSN new grads make no more money than BSN new grads. I'm not sure where you got that idea.

 

You are both new grads. I would stay where you are and get that L&D job after graduation. 

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Specializes in NICU.
7 minutes ago, meanmaryjean said:

MSN new grads make no more money than BSN new grads. I'm not sure where you got that idea.

Leave it to Google - I should've known. Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. I'm leaning towards staying the course with my current program, so your affirmation is helpful.

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On 10/28/2020 at 1:47 PM, meanmaryjean said:

MSN new grads make no more money than BSN new grads. I'm not sure where you got that idea.

 

You are both new grads. I would stay where you are and get that L&D job after graduation. 

Hello! Excuse me, quick question: Would you say that considering the same amount of health care experience for both, do employers for direct patient care jobs prefer those with a BSN over entry MSN (clinical nurse leader for instance) or they see them equally? Thank you!

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Equally. CNL is really only recognized by the VA. An entry-level 'leader' is still a new grad and unqualified to lead much- clinically or otherwise. 

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