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Discussion

Choosing an entry masters in nursing program, CNL vs MSN vs BSN

Hello all! I am very confused as to which path is best for entry to nursing. I have a bachelors in pre-med studies and have applied to a few second degree entry to nursing programs. I am choosing between an accelerated BSN, an accelerated MSN, and an accelerated MSN-CNL entry to nursing program. Graduation from any of the three programs will qualify me to take the NCLEX and enter the nursing field as an RN. My ultimate goal is to get my DNP and work as a nurse practitioner. I am confused on the following:

1. Is it just as easy to move from a BSN (accelerated or traditional) to a DNP program??

2. Is it worthwhile to attain CNL certification if I intend to be an NP? I am concerned that by the time I feel experienced enough as an RN to act in a clinical nurse leader role I will also be ready to begin my DNP program, possibly never using the CNL in my career.

3. Will the clinical leadership aspects to the MSN-CNL program still be helpful in becoming a DNP, or will it essentially be a waste of two extra semesters and money.

4. Will the non CNL focused MSN be more useful in pursuing my DNP degree?

I can explain the programs more fully if anyone needs a better understanding! Please help I hope to hear from as many experienced nurses and students familiar with these roles as possible! Thank you!

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    • Experts

    If you want to be a nurse practitioner, why not just go to a direct-entry NP program? There are scads of them out there. The CNL program will not help you get to your larger goal, and IMO will just be, as you note, extra time and expense that won't really benefit you.

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    • Author

    Elkpark,

    Thanks for the reply, my logic for choosing to do a direct entry RN program was gaining experience as a nurse before taking on the next level responsibilities of an NP, I was not even aware that there were DNP programs available without first being an RN!

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    • Experts

    I, personally, don't know if there are any direct-entry DNP programs (yet), but there are plenty of MSN direct-entry NP programs and tons of DNP-completion programs for MSN-prepared advanced practice nurses.

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    • Author

    Interesting, what do you do currently and how did you get there if I may ask? You seem very resourceful throughout the allnurses forums.

    The one "direct entry" NP program I did come across in my searches was actually a 1 year BSN with saved spot in the masters program, and required a year of RN experience before moving to the graduate portion. It was also extremely expensive. I ended up pursuing my current path and looking to get to the DNP since I can't be sure that MSN-NP route will even be around past 2015!

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    I, personally, don't know if there are any direct-entry DNP programs (yet), but there are plenty of MSN direct-entry NP programs and tons of DNP-completion programs for MSN-prepared advanced practice nurses.

    There's at least one - University of Hawaii has a new "GEPN" program (Graduate Entry Program in Nursing). It's direct entry into DNP or PhD.

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    I would also encourage you to look through the specialties” tab and read some of the posts from current NP students and recent graduates. Many are recent graduates with nursing experience who are having difficulty finding employment. I suspect it depends upon the market in which you plan to seek employment. Many NP programs require some nursing experience or at least that you are working as a floor nurse while in the program. There are many BSN to DNP programs if a terminal degree is what you are seeking. If your goal is to simply become an NP, you can complete the accelerated master's program, and then complete a post-master certificate as an NP.

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    I ended up pursuing my current path and looking to get to the DNP since I can't be sure that MSN-NP route will even be around past 2015!

    Of course it will. Why on earth would it not be?

    I would skip and CNL program. Its a degree looking for a job. We have them in my hospital and they have a title and EXACTLY the same staff RN job as their ADN and BSN peers.

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    • Experts
    There's at least one - University of Hawaii has a new "GEPN" program (Graduate Entry Program in Nursing). It's direct entry into DNP or PhD.

    Thanks for mentioning that. I knew they would be coming (it seems inevitable, given how popular the direct-entry MSN programs are, and the growing interest in DNP preparation for advanced practice), but I hadn't personally heard of any yet.

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    • Author

    Thank you,

    I stated that because I keep seeing and hearing "By 2015, all university NP programs must be converted to DNP" or similar statements. It has been referred to by people I have spoken with in the medical community, and a few colleges I have considered have mentioned it as well. I assumed this was the direction in which education in the field would be moving.

    Are you saying that in your experience the CNL certified RNs don't actively utilize those credentials and practice direct patient care roles the same as other nurses? I have come across other sources suggesting that the daily tasks of a CNL are much different than staff RN's in the respect that they focus on the leadership and improvement aspects of nursing, often overseeing or collaborating with staff RNs. That is how I began questioning the necessity of the CNL for my purposes.

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    • Author

    Thank you!

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    • Author
    Of course it will. Why on earth would it not be?

    I would skip and CNL program. Its a degree looking for a job. We have them in my hospital and they have a title and EXACTLY the same staff RN job as their ADN and BSN peers.

    Thank you,

    I stated that because I keep seeing and hearing "By 2015, all university NP programs must be converted to DNP" or similar statements. It has been referred to by people I have spoken with in the medical community, and a few colleges I have considered have mentioned it as well. I assumed this was the direction in which education in the field would be moving.

    Are you saying that in your experience the CNL certified RNs don't actively utilize those credentials and practice direct patient care roles the same as other nurses? I have come across other sources suggesting that the daily tasks of a CNL are much different than staff RN's in the respect that they focus on the leadership and improvement aspects of nursing, often overseeing or collaborating with staff RNs. That is how I began questioning the necessity of the CNL for my purposes.

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    • Experts
    Are you saying that in your experience the CNL certified RNs don't actively utilize those credentials and practice direct patient care roles the same as other nurses? I have come across other sources suggesting that the daily tasks of a CNL are much different than staff RN's in the respect that they focus on the leadership and improvement aspects of nursing, often overseeing or collaborating with staff RNs. That is how I began questioning the necessity of the CNL for my purposes.

    That is the vision of the people pushing the CNL role and programs. However, v. few organizations are utilizing CNLs. As already noted, to some extent, the role is "a degree in search of a job." IMO, much of what the CNLs are supposed to be able to do is what I would expect any experienced, competent RN to be doing (without a graduate degree or special title). The only healthcare employer I'm aware of that has really, enthusiastically embraced the CNL concept is the VA system, which, last I knew, had committed to having a CNL on every unit in every hospital. Other than that, there doesn't seem to be a great deal of interest in the role. Certainly not in my area. Maybe others are having different experiences in other parts of the country.

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