Direct-Entry MSN/MEPN or ADN?

[OlyNP2b]

I'm a pre-nursing student ultimately seeking an advanced degree as a Nurse Practitioner. I have several options to enter into the field, so I'd like to gather the opinion of others.

I have been accepted into a Direct-Entry MSN in the area to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. My only hesitation is that I'd really like to have more time to work as an RN before deciding on an ARNP specialty. My other option is to complete my ADN, then while I'm working as an RN, working on an RN-MN degree either online or at a local college. The tuition difference is quite significant ($65000 vs. $30000), and the ADN-MSN option would take 4 years versus 3 years for a direct-entry program.

What path have you chosen and why? I'd really appreciate the opinions of those who gone either one of these routes. I know I'll be happy either way because I'll be a practicing nurse. I would just like the advice of those already in the trenches. Thanks!

[CNM2B]

Hi! One thing to consider--if you get your ADN and then get a job working in a hospital, there is a good chance they will pay for your MSN. Most hospitals seem to do that! Just one more thing to think about!

[OlyNP2b]

That's definitely a bonus! I also love the idea that I could still finish within the next 5 years and that I'll have more of an idea on a specialty after having the opportunity to work within a hospital. Thanks!

[CNM2B]

That's exactly right. When I started my ADN program, I was sure that I was going to continue on to be an FNP. Then, when I was in nursing school, I fell in love with OB and am now in school to be a CNM. I think I would have been disappointed if I had done grad-entry and become an FNP. That's just my thought!

[Bree124, BSN, RN]

My question would be whether or not you are accepted into an ADN program yet. While you can get into those with lower grades than many of the direct entry MSN programs, they have such long waiting lists that it may be another 1-2 years before you can even start the program (or longer, depending on the program and how long of a list they have).

Also, does your direct entry program allow people to switch specialties if they feel drawn to another area after the beginning of the program?

[micheleh]

Hey,

I am also a pre nursing student; I have applied to several different types of accelerated programs (12 month state school bachelors, dual degree bs/ms programs) and am still waiting to see where (hopefully somewhere!) I will be accepted.

On this topic, I want to ask the nurses out there what they think of younger students who accelerate through a masters degree and become NPs; do you think I will be facing a seriously challenge if I became a 25 year old NP without the many years on the job that my colleagues will have had? I feel that I am ready for it because I have family in the field but I know it will be a shell shock when I get into it.

Thanks so much for any input!

[Bree124, BSN, RN]

Micheleh - you probably don't want to ask that question on here, LOL. It doesn't tend to go over very well. There are several threads that have discussed this, they are pretty easy to find. I believe there is one stickied at the top of this section, in fact.

[micheleh]

LOL i understand.....thanks for the heads up

[OlyNP2b]

Hi Bree,

I have not been accepted into an ADN program yet (will be notified in May). Luckily in my area, the CCs don't have waiting lists because they are based soley on a point-system (Prerequisite GPA). Given I have completed all prereqs with As, I know that I will be accepted.

The program that I have been accepted into has basically said that it is virtually impossible to switch specialties once accepted into the program. I'm still awaiting on acceptance into another direct-entry program. The only NP option they offer is Family Nurse Practitioner, and a variety of CNS options. Do you know if it's relatively easy to get certification in another NP track after you've completed your masters? I like that the FNP track is more generalist, but I wonder if I'll still be able to move into a more specialized track later.

I guess I'll just have to wait and see, at this point I just can't wait until I'm starting a program!

[Bree124, BSN, RN]

I think the time/etc that it would take would depend on what you ultimately end up deciding to do, and how much the program overlaps with the FNP you'd already have.

For instance, something like a CNM/CRNA is going to take a long time still, as you need a lot of classes that you didn't have in the FNP track. But many people get post-master's certification in different specialties, so it's definitely not out of the question.

Good luck deciding what to do! It sounds like you are well-educated about your options. It would be hard to definitively choose a specialty before even beginning school.

[OlyNP2b]

Thanks Bree! Over the past several months I've been wading through my options and I know that I will not have an idea of a specialty until I am actually being trained and ultimately become an RN. I would be very excited to have the challenge of completing a direct-entry program just because of the level of intensity during the RN-licensure portion, but this just doesn't seem reason enough to choose this track. I'll have plenty of options in the future to receive my Master's and obtaining an ADN would be affordable and allow me to absorb more information over the course of the program so that I can find my nursing niche. I know that it will be a challenge regardless of where I begin and I'm excited for the opportunities that will present themselves along the way. Thanks for your helpful advice, it's much appreciated. Take care! :tku: