Considering ASN now and RN-MSN later

[Geeitsgina]

I have a B.S. in psychology (I can make soooo many jokes about that right now), with a background in finances. However, I have been contemplating returning to school for my nursing degree. I was considering an accelerated bsn, which will run me about $14k-20K, but the asn sounds like a better way to go since it is cheaper and I can start working sooner as an RN.

My plan is to work in the field for a few years and then pursue a RN to MSN bridge program later. I was seeking advice on whether this is a good pathway towards job placement using that MSN.

Also, I have been considering getting my CNA and working while in school. Even though it doesn't pay much, I figure the exposure may be worth it?

Any advice will be considered helpful. I'd rather make it through school without being thousands of dollars in debt if possible.

Also, the accelerated bsn prog. is through Coppin State University. My math may be off, but it's not an expensive program either way.

[swansonplace]

Hello. I completed the associates program after having a Bachelors in another field. I would consider going straight for the Masters Program. While in the program, I would consider challenging the CNA exam, or working as a graduate nurse if you would like experience.

[Geeitsgina]

Thanks for replying. Im really nervous about being able to get a job. As long as I can work in my field I can deal with anything else. I heard that CNA experience doesnt count, but how else would a newbie get experience. Its not like nursing students have internships. Or do they?

[AccelCNL, MSN, RN]

That is my plan. I got into an ABSN but I just could not afford it at the end of the day.

Nursing students do have internship....they are called externships. Usually one becomes eligible after completing the first clinical class.

[Geeitsgina]

I'll do some research to see whats available near me. D you get paid?

[swansonplace]

Nursing students can work at graduate nurses, cna's after a certain number of classes, internships, externships, some schools will let you challenge the lpn, some have clinics you can work in also, or affilations with hospitals.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Keep in mind that -- in many areas of the country -- only BSN grads are eligible for jobs in hospitals & ADNs work in non-acute care areas. This is not an optimal situation if you're trying to obtain clinical experience needed for admission to an MSN program. Entry-level (pre-licensure) MSNs, aka ELMs, are controversial because although an MSN should denote advanced skills and knowledge, this is absolutely not the case for ELMs; they are only eligible for the same type of generic 'new grad' job as BSNs.

[Stephalump]

I'd say look at your job market. Saving money is great, but if you won't be hirable in acute care (and that's what you're into) after graduation, then that smaller amount of money is still somewhat "wasted."

I'm starting a RN-BSN next May, and I'm allowed to take 10 graduate level courses during that program (6 credits are in leu of required BSN courses, so they don't take up any more time). I don't really feel like I could even begin to commit to a particular masters program without experience, and who knows what experience I'll end up getting over the next few years? But this way I can chip away at the basics and save time later. Just throwing that out there as something to consider if you have an option like that.

[Geeitsgina]

Thanks all of you for your advice. I'm still have some considerations to make. Someone gave me the advice of starting as a cna and trying for a hospital job and checking into their reimbursement programs. If I could get some assistance like that and scholarships I would definitely go for that BSN, since that is my primary goal. My biggest worry is mainly the money piece. As long as I can take care of that, I can deal with everything else.