Direct entry MSN?

[Newnursenew]

Hi guys,

I'm an international student and I found nursing programs that are direct entry MSN so your bachelor's degree can be any subject. I have Asperger's and severe OCD and I'd like to know if in your opinion students have to change diapers and clean up poo and vomit even in a direct entry MSN program?

Please don't judge, I tried my best to overcome my OCD but it's impossible to wash my hair and wash myself the way OCD would force me after every single clinical/shift. But I still want to be a nurse so I thought I would just study longer. 
 

[Guest1212520]

Hi there!

I hope I can help you with that! A few years ago I considered ABSN and direct entry MSN programs since I have two other degrees. First, you have to consider the cost of direct entry MSN. I am from NYC and I researched Columbia University DME (direct entry) program. Granted, Columbia is a great school, however, the price tag made me feel nauseous (about $95,000 per year!)

Also, I do not think that direct entry master's is any better than an Accelerated BSN or a regular pathway BSN. Why? Because even if you do go through direct entry masters and manage to survive the nursing school, you will be just an entry level nurse, master's or not. 

Now, about your OCD and chances of cleaning poo and other bodily fluids...You most likely will come face to face with a task such as this. Maybe not every day, but I am sure at least a few times during your nursing school journey. Besides, even if you do manage to get through the nursing school and graduate, and pass the NCLEX, most likely as a new nurse, you will have to do quite a lot of grunt work, which may also be nasty. I call it, pay your dues, before you get to be choosey and decide what specialty in nursing is less poo and more hands-clean. 

I did go to ABSN and it was intense! I also had to care for patients that were bed-ridden and paralyzed, so I had to give them bed baths, clean and change their dipers, and even help nurses manually remove poo from rectum. It did smell, and I did feel nauseous. However, that was part of the training and I managed to survive it. Obviously, I showered afterwards. 

Long story short, consider these questions:

1. Do you have money to cover your direct entry MSN?

2. What is the priority: get through the school as quick as possible, tuition costs, or quality of education you will get?

3. How bad is your OCD? I am sure you will enjoy washing hands frequently to make sure you follow infection control procedures.

On the side note, you should shower every time you come back from a shift. It is just common sense and a matter of hygiene.