Continuing on...

[NurseKnight422]

Hello, I am new to this site. I have used it often for random questions and i really like everyones posts so i decided i should try it out! I am a current nursing student, graduating an ASN program in December of 2015. I really am starting to think about continuing on- i know most ppl just do ASN-BSN but what if i know what i want to do but not how to go about it?

I don't want to take the long winded way if i don't have to. I know i want to get my MSN eventually and either be a specialized cardiac nurse or NP ..

Any suggestions on how to go about this the "easy" way- lol yes, i know there is no easy way. I just would rather follow the straightest line (so to speak) in order to achieve the goal. Ive had it suggested that i start in ICU etc... unfortunately most ppl are having a lot of trouble getting jobs with just a ASN especially in a hospital!

Suggestions would be great, i really don't know much about MSN programs or what they consist of i just know i am aiming for an MSN and areas of interest are:

Cardiac

Gyno/ Neonatal

Thanks!!!!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

As a specialized cardiac nurse, you won't need an MSN unless you want to be an advanced practitioner. You can find jobs on units that focus on cardiac patients, whether post-cardiac surgery, CHF, or other cardiac issues.

Different schools offer different MSN tracks. The one I attended offered management, education, and informatics. While it's great to start making plans for the future, you should also focus on the present: finishing school, passing NCLEX, and finding that first job. Then perhaps reevaluate where you want to be in the future- do you still want to go on for an NP degree or will you change what you want to do in the future? Will an MSN suffice or is your area only hiring DNP? What do schools in your area offer?

Life is what happens while you're making plans. People's plans change; I graduated nursing school and even started my MSN in education thinking I wanted to teach in the academic setting. While I did have an enjoyable experience as a temporary adjunct position and am looking for another (hopefully permanent or at least long-term) adjunct position, I discovered that rather than the academic setting, the staff development role is more to my liking- I'm just not ready to leave my clinical position for a full time education position. However, that's my new plan for the future when I'm no longer physical up to the demands of bedside patient care.

[NurseKnight422]

Thanks so much for replying back!! i really appreciate it, i live in CT and it doesnt seem like there are many jobs for ASN grads, were competing with a lot of students in the state who have taken an accelerated program (1 year) plus a bachelors in another subject and now have a BSN. So its tough... I really don't want to start at a nursing home or long term care but i do want to start working and continue on...

So as far as "fast-tracks" do i have to do RN- BSN- MSN or can i just do RN-BSN... I am thinking i do want to become a practitioner eventually. i thought about a PA but decided against it... I just don't want to be a staff nurse i was to specialize and be able to learn on a much higher level then where i am now.

Life sure does change, i now have 2 children and still plan on more... The balance is hard but i really want to do this! I feel very passionate about it. Im not looking for extra money or anything i just am very interested in cardiology and don't really have the time or energy to put into med school! lol :)

Also i may be moving after i complete this program... any suggestions on good places to live for RNs in demand ( must be good for family too!) CT is a little expensive and not the best for jobs!

A change is in the future.... Would NCLEX have to be taken in each state?

Thanks!:)