Confused!!! I already have a degree - should I do a BSN program or an MSN program

Nurses General Nursing

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I'm very confused - I have a degree, am not a nurse but want to be and I'm currently researching schools and programs. The school I'm considering has a BSN program offered for the next year and then they're switching it to an MSN program. Both programs require students to have a previous degree.

I just don't understand why I should get an MSN when I don't have any experience in nursing and don't want to work in management or teaching positions when I graduate. How could I even do that? I won't have a clue what truly being a nurse is like if I just got out of college and have no work experience. Why are schools doing this? Please offer your thoughts and advice! Thanks everyone!

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We have several students in our ADN class that already have a Bachelor degree in something else.

Their reason? They can be working while getting their BSN and have the hospital pay for it in most cases.

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It seems to be an American thing. I just don't understand how they can produce a MSN with no basic experience as a nurse. I'm not saying floor nursing but public health, geriatrics, whatever.

I'm a believer that you must be able to walk before you can run.

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Depends on two things.

1. Cost. Will you pay way more for the MSN? Because, just so you know, entry level nurses make the same money no matter what their degree (including associates degrees). Very few hospitals pay a differential for a higher degree and if they do, it's cents.

2. What are your long term goals? Management positions prefer the MSN. (Don't require it, just prefer it.) However, I can't think of a harder, more thankless than job than NM.

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Specializes in Jack of all trades, and still learning.

I would do the BSN myself. Then if you want to go further you can. One really doesn't know what a job entails until one does it. It would be terrible if you did the MSN only to find out you paid for something that you find is a waste of money. You have already paid for one degree. I would assume that the cost of an MSN would be more than that of a BSN?

Just my :twocents: worth...

What ever you decide, I hope its the right one for you

Best of luck

Jay

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Specializes in Government.

I was in your shoes and chose the BSN route. I've got no regrets but the I never had a need for an MSN...every job I've ever wanted was attainable with a BSN.

My personal opinion is that MSNs are vastly oversold. Most of the ones I know end up in jobs that you could do with a BSN. Education is wonderful, make no mistake. I just didn't end up needing it.

Good luck to you!

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Thank you so much for all your feedback! I agree with all of you!!!

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Specializes in Acute care, Community Med, SANE, ASC.

I also had a B.S. in business when I decided to go into nursing. I went to my community college and obtained an ADN through their online program (having a bachelor's degree in a another area was a requirement of the online program).

One of our local universities also offers the MSN route you are asking about--a 3-year program for folks with bachelor's degrees in other fields. I know 2 people who went through the program and I'm told that many of them graduate and do not work as nurse practitioners because they don't feel ready to do so even though they are educated to that level.

I recommend getting an associate degree of nursing--quickest way to get an RN and, as others have said, pay is essentially and in many cases exactly the same as if you had a BSN. You can always bridge to BSN later if you so desire or there are programs to go from RN to MSN later as well.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Progressive Care.

I've got a BS in microbiology. I opted for the direct entry MSN route because I eventually want to work in research and or management. I chose this route because I am certain I will want an MSN - doing it this way saves a few years of study.

So if you are certain you want an MSN, I would look into direct entry Masters Programs. If you do not know, or you are certain you will not want an MSN for your career goals I would suggest the ADN route at a community college. Friends have told me the instruction they received was first rate and you sure cant beat the price.

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It seems to be an American thing. I just don't understand how they can produce a MSN with no basic experience as a nurse. I'm not saying floor nursing but public health, geriatrics, whatever.

I'm a believer that you must be able to walk before you can run.

I think with all the changes they want to make in nursing this needs to be addressed.

The accelerated BSN program is hard if you don't have any experience. Accelerated is just that.

I would say the BSN based on what you say. Doesn't seem like you need the MSN. Besides there are different areas that you can choose for a MSN, you might want to know what you like before you invest.

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Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.

If you're not already a nurse, then definitely the BSN or ADN. My master's program expects you to already be a nurse, our classes build on your presumed knowledge and experience. It certainly does not teach you to be a nurse, only a better educated one (in a lot of different areas). Not all master's are for practioner, some are education, midwifery, etc. But you need to be able to provide basic nursing care first.

IMO education is never wasted. I don't intend to leave my ER position because I finish my master's; there are perfectly competent ADN RNs in my department (and frankly, I don't know most of the time which are who; only if they can do the job :yeah:). There are at least two other master's degree nurses doing bedside. But I am becoming a better nurse, if not clinically than at least politically!:chuckle

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I went through that same dilemma too. Didn't seem to make sense to go to school for two years to get an ADN, when I could go for the same two years to get a BSN. That is why I choose the BSN route.

However, the BSN programs are disappearing and are/were hard to get in to. In addition, they are very structured, unlike with an ADN program where (at least with some) you can choose when you take classes and maybe not take a full load some semesters (if you needed to). For that reason, I know people with a degree who have choosen the ADN route.

The MSN programs I'm not real sure of. Doesn't make sense to take one extra semester of classes (at least for Metro) and you get an MSN instead of a BSN? Also, I'm not sure what their MSN will really do for you (I think it might just be a general masters degree, not necessarily an official MSN degree - but I don't know that for sure).

Guess it depends on what your priorities are, where you plan on going with your nursing degree and how quickly you want to get in to nursing.

I'm sure that helped muddy the waters for you. :nuke:

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