I am currently working in the business world as an accountant. I am growing tired of the accounting world and with the economy the way it is, it's making it tough to find a good job or to advance IMO. I am a 27 year old single male so I figured I am still young enough to jump back into school without too many problems. I've been reading up on a program here in Dallas that is a 2 year associates program.
I currently hold a BBA in accounting and an MBA in management accounting. Is this a plus in the nursing profession? To have this business background? Also, would it be wiser to shoot for a BSN instead of an associates? From what I've read online, there doesn't seem to be too big of a difference.
BC, I have looked into those programs as well. I'm just afraid of graduating with an MSN and no job experience? How did that work out for you? How was your MSN program? Did it give you a lot of helpful experience for your first NP job?
You definitely take a risk whenever you change your career and have to start all over again as a newbie. In my case, things worked out very well. I had three job offers before I even graduated, despite not having any RN or NP experience outside of clinicals. Virtually everyone in my program had NP jobs within 1 month of graduating, and none of us had worked as RNs. Ironically, the BSNs who graduated last May have been having a very tough time finding jobs. There just aren't many new grad RN job in my area. I'm so glad I decided to push through full time right to my NP. I don't know if the situation is the same all over the country, so other people may have a different story to tell.
My MSN program was tough. I'd have to say the volume of work was more challenging than the actual difficulty of the work. I worked 20 hours per week during the RN portion of my program (in my old job as a lab tech), but cut that down to 16 hours a week during the NP year. I truly did not do much else besides study and work those two years. It was a rare day that I did not do at least a couple of hours of schoolwork after classes or clinicals. It was stressful, but I never felt that it was more than I could handle. I felt well prepared to work as an NP. I had great clinical placements with preceptors who loved to teach. I did extra clinical hours above and beyond what was required just to get more experience. The beauty of these direct entry programs is that you graduate with both your RN (or BSN) and your MSN, so you can work as either an RN or an NP, which gives you more flexibility.
If I were you- I'd stay with accounting or look at other careers. There is NO nursing shortage or job stability as portrayed through the media and internet.
Most professions are hit hard by the economy. Wait it out in your career.
I've seen so many people sucked in by the "supposed" nursing shortage to come to find out there is none. Look around the board. You will see.
RedRage00
4 Posts
BC, I have looked into those programs as well. I'm just afraid of graduating with an MSN and no job experience? How did that work out for you? How was your MSN program? Did it give you a lot of helpful experience for your first NP job?