I am currently in a BSN program expecting to graduate Spring or Summer of 2015. Now that my BSN is starting to wrap up, I am looking into MSN programs.
However, being that I don't have much experience yet, I am confused to which MSN program I should choose (i.e. family nurse practitioner, Adult-gerontology primary care, clinical nurse specialist... etc.). I don't know what all those specialties do and in what setting. Can someone explain the differences?
I think I am pretty sure that I want to be a nurse practitioner in an acute care setting like the hospital. I recently saw a nurse practitioner at the emergency department. What MSN program/degree must I complete to work in a setting like that?
My plan is to finish my BSN, maybe work for about 1/2 to a year (I know this is not enough to gain experience, but I want to finish school ASAP).
Also, if you have any idea, can you tell me how long that MSN program might be?
Thank you everyone for your replies and suggestions. Now I have come across another problem. A professor of mine told me that starting in 2015, NP programs will be at the doctorate level, not masters. Which means that I will need to do extra time: first MSN, then a DNP program. Is this really true? So far I've heard of both yes and no. But there are some straight RN to dnp programs as long as you have a bachelors. Will that get me MSN along the way?
As of this time that is not true. For some reason, there is a push for entry level to be the DNP, but our BON came to our school & said that's not even in the works as far as they're concerned. I think more schools are switching to the DNP but there are still plenty of schools offering the MSN. As an older student I don't plan on pursuing the DNP, but if I were younger I think I probably would. But as of now & probably any time in the near future, it's not required.
It was a goal to switch to DNP being the entry level requirement. But that goal has not been reached universally. I've heard they've pushed back that date by another 10 years (but don't quote me on that cause I'm not sure how accurate it is). Meanwhile- there are still lots of MSN programs offered if you don't want to go straight for the DNP! I think both programs have very similar entry requirements too.
I am only 5 weeks into my 2 year MSN AG-ACNP program...so I don't know a lot. But having researched a ton of schools- I'm pretty familiar with the application process!
What would the best path be if my goal is Ed or ICU? Most schools near me offer FNP. Is the acute care a school path or just a certification?I'm still trying to figure out what's best and how it works.
I think ACNP is the best route if you want to work strictly in the hospital (especially the ICU). But as others have said- in special circumstances, an FNP can also work in hospitals (I've often seen them in the ER).
I think it really depends on what state you live in. Florida doesn't really recognize ACNP as a specialty. Most of our hospitalists are using either adult-gero or just family. Since Family is only one semester longer than adult, unless you KNOW that you never want to work on kids, then I would go for it. Some of the minute clinics require family. I would work as an RN in an ER or ICU while doing the first part of your masters. I can't speak for the CNS, but I don't really think it gives you anything in terms of additional responsibility or job opportunities.
The others are correct in their responses the DNP. It is a goal, but many schools have put it off. I would expand my horizons as far as the ACNP. You may find after a while that you're tired of working weekends, on call, etc. and would prefer an office job.
If you want to work with adults and in the hospital/ acute care settings, do the Adult/geriatric model, otherwise you can do FNP if you want to do outpatient/ primary care
Thank you everyone for your replies and suggestions. Now I have come across another problem. A professor of mine told me that starting in 2015, NP programs will be at the doctorate level, not masters. Which means that I will need to do extra time: first MSN, then a DNP program. Is this really true? So far I've heard of both yes and no. But there are some straight RN to DNP programs as long as you have a bachelors. Will that get me MSN along the way?
I am in California. What have you heard?
Thank you!
I'm always surprised at how many people post here that an instructor at their school told them that they have to get a DNP as of 2015. I don't know if the faculty are just that misinformed, or they are intentionally pushing the school's agend.
There is no requirement for a DNP in 2015. The AACN (American Assoc. of Colleges of Nursing) came up with and started pushing this idea quite a while ago, but the rest of the nursing world has not rushed to jump on the bandwagon. The only advanced practice group that has embraced the mandatory-DNP idea is the CRNAs, and their target date is 2025. While lots of schools have switched, or are in the process of switching, their MSN programs to dnp programs (making this largely a moot point in some parts of the country), none of the other advanced practice certifying organizations have said anything about making the DNP mandatory for certification, and no state has said anything about requiring a DNP for advanced practice licensure (unless something has changed quite recently, and somebody please let me know if it has! :)) There are still plenty of MSN programs around if you look.
However, having said all that, the trend is clearly in the direction of the DNP, and we don't know how things are going to shake out over time. It may be, as time passes and DNP-prepared clinicians become more prevalent, that it may become like the ADN/BSN situation is now; you will still be able to get licensed with an MSN, but you will be less attractive to employers and may have more trouble finding jobs than DNP-prepared people. Only time will tell.
Wow, thank you all for you suggestions! From your suggestions, I am pretty clear that I'll probably go for a MSN program for FNP or ACNP if it is available. I just finished my precetorship in a step-down ICU and LOVED it. Thank you again! It made things a lot more clearer :) Cathy
Wow, thank you all for you suggestions! From your suggestions, I am pretty clear that I'll probably go for a MSN program for FNP or ACNP if it is available. I just finished my precetorship in a step-down ICU and LOVED it. Thank you again! It made things a lot more clearer :) Cathy
cathering, ADN, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP
86 Posts
Thank you everyone for your replies and suggestions. Now I have come across another problem. A professor of mine told me that starting in 2015, NP programs will be at the doctorate level, not masters. Which means that I will need to do extra time: first MSN, then a DNP program. Is this really true? So far I've heard of both yes and no. But there are some straight RN to dnp programs as long as you have a bachelors. Will that get me MSN along the way?
I am in California. What have you heard?
Thank you!