Published Dec 17, 2024
SpiritOfFire
6 Posts
Hello everyone!
I usually lurk but I've been reading through a few threads about DE-MSN programs and see that they're not well liked in the nursing community (which is unfortunate in my opinion) but I wanted to get some thoughts on my situation and whether y'all think I should re-consider pursuing an Direct Entry MSN.
I have a Bachelors in another field of study and I will be finishing up my final four pre-reqs in the Spring, I have applied to an AOBSN program and in-person DE-MSN program for the Fall of 25 and I'm waiting for the decisions but in the meantime I'm going back and forth with myself on which one is the best option based off my situation. Here are some of the pros and cons that I've been weighing...
DE-MSN Pros:
In-Person program which I think I would prefer, having that face-to-face interaction suits me better now than it did when I obtained my first bachelors 10+ years ago.
DE-MSN Cons:
AOBSN Pros:
AOBSN Cons:
One last thing I should mention is the NCLEX Pass Rates for the two programs which are DE-MSN at 97% and AOBSN at 93%
I know I've thought up more pros and cons for both programs than I've written above but so far that's the bulk of it, it might seem like I'm leaning towards the MSN program but I truly am at about 50/50 for both and honestly what's stopping me from going full-throttle with the DE-MSN program is the fact that I'm a little concerned that DE-MSN programs are not well liked by nurses in the field and I don't want that to be a reason I'm potentially "written off" as a candidate when applying for jobs (that's assuming that even occurs, which I did read on another website LOL).
Thank you for any opinions or advice y'all may have! 🙂
Michelle Broaddrick
4 Posts
I spent the better part of a year going back and forth on which program to choose. I looked at online programs, in person programs, community colleges, large universities...I looked at ADN, BSN, MSN, literally everything. What it came down to for me was the convenience of an online program, because I still have to work and cost. I ultimately chose the MSN so that I could use graduate loans. My plan is to get my FNP, so that was also a deciding factor.
Michelle Broaddrick said: I spent the better part of a year going back and forth on which program to choose. I looked at online programs, in person programs, community colleges, large universities...I looked at ADN, BSN, MSN, literally everything. What it came down to for me was the convenience of an online program, because I still have to work and cost. I ultimately chose the MSN so that I could use graduate loans. My plan is to get my FNP, so that was also a deciding factor.
YES, that's the same debate I'm having as well. Did you obtain your BSN first then an MSN or was it a Direct Entry - MSN? How did you like the MSN program? Do you feel it was worth the added cost?
SpiritOfFire said: YES, that's the same debate I'm having as well. Did you obtain your BSN first then an MSN or was it a Direct Entry - MSN? How did you like the MSN program? Do you feel it was worth the added cost?
It is a direct entry MSN. My undergrad is in Sports Medicine, however I've been working as a teacher for 22 years. I didn't want to waste any more time getting my bsn first. I did take a medical assisting program and will be taking that certification exam soon, so I can at least get my foot in the door and start working in the medical field. I had to take some prerequisites, so I am not actually starting my core courses until January. But as far as the cost, it really wasn't that much more than the bsn.
Michelle Broaddrick said: It is a direct entry MSN. My undergrad is in Sports Medicine, however I've been working as a teacher for 22 years. I didn't want to waste any more time getting my bsn first. I did take a medical assisting program and will be taking that certification exam soon, so I can at least get my foot in the door and start working in the medical field. I had to take some prerequisites, so I am not actually starting my core courses until January. But as far as the cost, it really wasn't that much more than the bsn.
Sounds like you have a solid plan put together, that is my thinking as well, why go for second BSN when it's a couple of months longer and not much more expensive for an MSN. I'm finishing up my Pre-Reqs in the Spring and will hopefully be starting an upper-division program (hopefully MSN) in the fall.
I did myself the disservice and was reading other threads and websites on peoples opinions of students getting an MSN with no prior bedside experience but the way I see it is I am still going to work as a bedside nurse for a few years until I can pay down some loans and go back for a doctoral program so to me it's no different between having a BBA and BSN vs a BBA and MSN (in my case), at least I won't have put myself in more debt and more time spent on a redundant bachelors. It's good to know there are others like you who are pursuing a direct entry MSN as well.
SpiritOfFire said: Sounds like you have a solid plan put together, that is my thinking as well, why go for second BSN when it's a couple of months longer and not much more expensive for an MSN. I'm finishing up my Pre-Reqs in the Spring and will hopefully be starting an upper-division program (hopefully MSN) in the fall. I did myself the disservice and was reading other threads and websites on peoples opinions of students getting an MSN with no prior bedside experience but the way I see it is I am still going to work as a bedside nurse for a few years until I can pay down some loans and go back for a doctoral program so to me it's no different between having a BBA and BSN vs a BBA and MSN (in my case), at least I won't have put myself in more debt and more time spent on a redundant bachelors. It's good to know there are others like you who are pursuing a direct entry MSN as well.
Right! A second bachelors just didn't make sense for me. At the end of the day, I'll be an RN. Go with your gut and you won't be disappointed 🙂
Michelle Broaddrick said: Right! A second bachelors just didn't make sense for me. At the end of the day, I'll be an RN. Go with your gut and you won't be disappointed 🙂
Absolutely, my big concern was whether or not prospective employers would look down upon a new grad nurse with an MSN but no prior bedside experience but like I said that's my goal after school whether a BSN or MSN is to gain bedside experience. More than likely I'll go the MSN route and like you said just got with my gut 🙂 thank you for your advice and experience!
Lipoma, BSN, RN
306 Posts
SpiritOfFire said: Absolutely, my big concern was whether or not prospective employers would look down upon a new grad nurse with an MSN but no prior bedside experience
Absolutely, my big concern was whether or not prospective employers would look down upon a new grad nurse with an MSN but no prior bedside experience
Nope it does not matter if you get a BSN or MSN. Employers only care about you having your RN license to work as a bedside nurse.
Lipoma said: Nope it does not matter if you get a BSN or MSN. Employers only care about you having your RN license to work as a bedside nurse.
That's a relief, I definitely did myself a disservice by reading others opinions on the matter LOL