Direct entry MSN

bigbearnurse, MSN, RN · Jun 13, 2015

I did a direct entry CNL program. I'm not working as a CNL because my hospital does not offer any CNL positions.

Pluses: *getting a masters/not having to get a 2nd bachelors.

Minuses: * A lot of the content (at least in my program) was fluffy/filler leadership classes that didn't really make sense to students without previous nursing experience. There were RNs in my program and they seemed to get more out of the classes than the direct entry students.

* Few hospitals offer CNL positions.

* It's not an advanced practice role, unlike a CNS or NP; also, no one really knows what a CNL is supposed to do. Not even some RNs who are employed as CNLs hospitals. ( I know this for a fact, as I have interviewed many over the telephone). The Veterans Affairs system and the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston are 2 of the few champions of the CNL program.

* A lot of programs are pricey $$$

A lot of ppl in my cohort aren't even using their degree; they are already back in school pursing a nurse practitioner degree. A CNL is really focused on unit safety and quality (decreasing pressure ulcers, falls risks, etc), whereas a CNS takes those improvements hospital-wide.

Bottom line, ask yourself if bedside nursing and quality metrics are truly interesting to you. If yes, seek out students of a program you are interested in and grill them on what they like and what they don't. I will say that having a master's does open doors and will get you noticed, especially if you are coming in as a new grad.