Current nursing student...but what to do after my BSN?!

[Jay Q]

Hi I am enrolled in the BSN program at the University of South Carolina. I will be graduating soon but I don't know what to do after that. I have been looking at the BSN to DNP program can someone please shed some light as to whether that is worth it. I also was thinking of joining the air force (since I will have a bachelors degree, I will go in an an officer). I was looking into Nurse Anesthetist if I joined the AF. Which route would be better?! I just need to decide what path I want to pursue so I can make sure I have everything in order!

Thank you!!

[priorities2]

If you're in it for the money, CRNA's by far the best route. If you also have job satisfaction in mind, you should learn about the variety of different NP education options (MSN vs DNP, part time vs full time), NP vs CNS, the various specialties, other MSN options like educator or clinical leader, PhDs, etc before pursuing further education, as a graduate degree will narrow down your job options. I recommend talking to people in the field to figure it out.

[Jay Q]

Thank you!

[Fiona59]

How about finding a job and getting some real life experience?

[springchick1, ADN, RN]

You have to have a year of ICU experience before most school will accept you for CRNA. And yes, you will make money doing that but the CRNAs that I know are $100,000 in debt because of school.

[Mandy0728]

You have to have a year of ICU experience before most school will accept you for CRNA. And yes you will make money doing that but the CRNAs that I know are $100,000 in debt because of school.[/quote']

In our state, it's 2 years ICU experience required

[zzbxdo]

You will need icu experience. Unlikely you'll start at the ICU level as a new grad if you go directly. Prioritize those first cause if you do go military it'll still take you several years plus it's roll of the dice if they'll let you do crna. But really, get a job first as its a hurdle in itself nowadays.

[lovenotwar14]

You need some experience before you go any further. Find a job and work. Get a feel for what you like and then decide what speciality you want to pursue.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

EXPERIENCE is a great teacher. This is what you now need if you want to appear employable in the future. Really. Employers are looking for experience, not initials

[priorities2]

Just to play devil's advocate- some people do go directly to graduate school. There are varying opinions. People tend to feel their way is the best. Talk to APRNs, learn about it yourself and search this forum to figure out what's best for you.

[DalekRN]

I'm a year and a half into my first job and the bit of experience I now have has really solidified my education. I would say work first for at least a little bit. I don't think anyone is truly an RN until after slogging through that first year after graduation.

[maddiem]

You can't just go straight into a nursing graduate program. You need to get at least 2 years of experience in a hospital, preferably in the icu. I would get a job at a hospital first before making any decisions about where you want to go with your graduate education. Your interests may change with the more experience you get.