direct entry msn

NurseWeasel · Apr 17, 2004

Not personally familiar with any programs like this, but I am aware they exist. I just wanted to comment on your concern about employers turning people down for lack of a BSN. My personal thought on the matter is, if they don't ask, don't tell. The fact that you have a masters degree should make the prior degrees you have pretty much irrelevant. Of course if you are asked, you'd need to be prepared to address it. I don't think it will matter, really.

orrnlori, RN · Apr 17, 2004

I can't imagine this making a difference. The MSN trumps the BSN entirely. Are you currently a nurse?

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Apr 17, 2004

I have 2 friends in a Masters program here and they have a BS degree's is unrelated fields (Psychology and something else, can't remember, I think accounting), they both graduated last year and were hired with NO problems at all.

I think it is a *great* idea, don't be nervous about it at all.

They did not have any nursing experience before, but it really doesn't matter, they are doing great and got hired immediatly upon graduation and have been in practice for over a year now.

Marilyn

TopCat1234 · Apr 18, 2004

i have been accepted as an alternate to a direct entry msn program that begins this fall. i attended an info session for a more established program and asked questions of adminstrators of other more established programs.

there is absolutely no reason to fear not having the bsn. the fact that you have an msn is what they are looking for. the direct entry programs turn out quite capable nurses that are highly respected in the nursing communities. thru contacts of my mother (an msn prepared rn) i was able to contact some of the hospitals where one particular program does its clinicals. they have nothing but the highest praise and kudos for the graduates - many of whom are hired from the program as a direct result of their work during clinicals.

i am not afraid at all! and welcome to allnurses!

topcat

waves · Apr 18, 2004

i to am exploring my options with direct entry MSn vs. BSN. there was a warning that not all states will accept an MSN inplace of a BSN for qualifications.

it depends on what you are planning to do with your RN. do you want to be able to go anywhere, say as a travel nurse? or are you pretty settled where you are and just want the security of a several good job options where you are. my guess is that if the program is local and you want to hire out local, you'll be fine.

i did notice that the MSN doesn't have all the science requirements as the BSN at the schools i looked into. because the science is the basics, i;ve 90% decided to go for the BSN.

my previous BA was in Management (with Finance). never took much science in high school or after. but i'm loving the learning...maybe not loving the testing though.

good luck.

soulshine · Apr 18, 2004

thanks for the replies...it makes the decision making process a lot easier... in response to the questions-- i am not currently a nurse (graduated from school in boston last year with a degree in political science-- an interest in child advocacy is what started me thinking about nursing, and i think with a nurse practioner degree i'll be able to operate in that capacity still...) i plan to use my RN for a while after i get it (the program i would go to awards it after the first year) in order to get some good experience before going into the role of NP. the program is at boston college but i'll be heading californiaside as soon as i graduate (a girl needs her sunshine)...thanks again...

TopCat1234 · Apr 18, 2004

hey, i'm just finishing up a bs in finance myself and then (hopefully) starting the msn program in the fall.

come on out to cali! we can use some good nurses! :nurse:

Megsd, BSN, RN · Apr 18, 2004

Gee, I never thought about direct-entry MSN. I'll need to look into some of those.

What programs are you guys considering attending? I grew up in San Diego and am seriously considering heading to CA for my nursing school (I'm in KS right now).

Meghan

soulshine · Apr 18, 2004

Gee, I never thought about direct-entry MSN. I'll need to look into some of those.
What programs are you guys considering attending? I grew up in San Diego and am seriously considering heading to CA for my nursing school (I'm in KS right now).
Meghan

for cali, the choices for direct entry masters are few (as far as i can tell) university of san diego runs a program-- first year is dedicated to obtaining rn licensure and the following two years are spent doing masters level work. drawbacks to the program as far as i could see is that their number of masters specialities is limited, the program isnt that highly ranked... ucsf runs "the" program in the country-- same basic deal as usd but many more options for specialities, ranked 1 or 2 in the country...i found that there were a lot more options back east which is why i might be buying a northface jacket and braving the cold for a couple years.

menetopali · Apr 18, 2004

what other direct entry MSN programs are available? where i am now everybody wants a BSN before you can start an MSN program. are any of the MSN programs distance accessible with local clinicals? (am an RN, have a BA in recreation and parks management).

orrnlori, RN · Apr 18, 2004

what other direct entry MSN programs are available? where i am now everybody wants a BSN before you can start an MSN program. are any of the MSN programs distance accessible with local clinicals? (am an RN, have a BA in recreation and parks management).

University of Wyoming has a MSN program that accepts an RN plus a BA or BS directly into their MSN program.