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

[Toots71506]

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!

[stalsrn]

I had the same problem when I decided to go back to school. I choose the ASN route so I could work for awhile and decide if I truely wanted to be a nurse. So far I love it and have found that I can do the RN to BSN or MSN online and my hospital will help pay for it! I am not sure if I should go for the MSN or BSN as it is only a matter of a couple of semesters since I already have a social work degree and can get credit for all the case management classes I did back then. I know my hospital counts any nursing classes towards our clinical ladder and completed degrees count more hence more of a raise! Good luck to you!

[czyja, MSN, RN]

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).

Master's preparation is usually required to teach nursing. Also, NP's and CNS's are mastered prepared. Thus, if one is interested in teaching or advanced practice direct entry master's programs save time.

At UCSF (my school) the direct entry students study a generalist nursing curriculum 1 calender year, take the NCLEX, then join the incoming masters students (ie those with BSNs) for the masters part of the curriculum. Our master's degrees are the same as those awarded to students with previous nursing experience.

[sophialily]

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.

Such a good point! Most MSN programs want you to choose a specialty right away. How can you possibly do this if you've never set foot in a hospital as a nurse? It is so crazy! Meanwhile, they lock you in at a higher tuition rate only for you to discover you'll be working the floor like every other new graduate until you get the experience you need. Luckily, I learned this before I killed myself trying to get into an accelerated NP program!!!