I plan on going to RN school, getting my BSN and then MSN (want to get NP) has been on my mind for some time. I am ready to make a change in career.
I am 40 years old, live in Los Angeles and have my MS in Physics. Since I graduated from college I have held engineering positions. I have 15 years of experience in engineering and make decent money, $150k. If I do attend nursing school, I will go part-time in my engineering work.
Reason I want to go into nursing is I like helping people. I understand that I may not get too much time with them. I also wanted to become a doctor but being an NP is the next best thing. Other reasons are job security.
My question is does the school, brick and mortar, really matter in which you attend for BSN? My gut reaction and observation to this question is that the school for BSN doesn't really matter because agencies hire RNs from other countries to fill nursing positions in the USA. Of course those RNs have passed the NCLEX.
Is it necessary to attend a school that offers BSN and MSN if I plan on getting my MSN?
I have read some post on online vs brick and mortar schools. I personally like brick and mortar but having a school that allows me to do both would be nice just in case I cannot make it to class due to business or personal reasons.
A blog I read stated that one should pick a nursing school that has an 85% higher passing rate of the NCLEX. I also saw a website that showed schools with % passing rate. How valid are these %? Does this mean that if I go to a school that has a low passing rate, relate to me passing/failing the exam?
I will warn against entry level masters programs. Many don't offer the BSN which is a requirement for many employers. Also, these fresh, no experience NPs, no nothing about patient care or how a hospital works. They are having difficult times finding jobs as they are often scoffed at by administrators and doctors due to lack of knowledge and lack of experience. You think a doc wants to hire an NP who knows nothing about how to care for his patients? Masters programs clinicals are not like what physicians go through. Which is why most reputable NP programs require you have a year or two of RN experience under your belt.I work on a specialty ICU unit where most of our young nurses are simply there to make it look good on their resume for NP school.
NurseGirl525, ASN, RN
3,663 Posts
I will warn against entry level masters programs. Many don't offer the BSN which is a requirement for many employers. Also, these fresh, no experience NPs, no nothing about patient care or how a hospital works. They are having difficult times finding jobs as they are often scoffed at by administrators and doctors due to lack of knowledge and lack of experience. You think a doc wants to hire an NP who knows nothing about how to care for his patients? Masters programs clinicals are not like what physicians go through. Which is why most reputable NP programs require you have a year or two of RN experience under your belt.I work on a specialty ICU unit where most of our young nurses are simply there to make it look good on their resume for NP school.