what to do- ABSN, BSN, MSN?

[ahumbee]

(I apologize if I've posted in the wrong forum)

I graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison in May of 2010 with bachelor's degrees in Neurobiology and Zoology. However, as an undergrad I had no idea what I wanted to do, and as a result earned only a cumulative gpa of 2.75 due to a lack of direction among other things. I began working at the UW Hospital as a nursing assistant last year (during my last semester at UW) and loved it, and finally figured out what I wanted to do with my life. That semester I pulled off a 3.7, graduated, and started taking pre-nursing classes at the local tech college, where I've gotten a 4.0 in all the pre-req's and have been accepted into the honor society there.

I've already been accepted to a BSN program (but I do still have to apply for clinical), but I'm curious about the option of a direct-entry MSN, since I already have 2 B.S. degrees. I'm very aware of my low gpa in my first B.S., but it is evident by my transcripts that the second I realized I wanted to do nursing, my gpa has been perfect. Any input on likelihood of admission to an MSN program would be greatly appreciated!

[czyja, MSN, RN]

I think the first thing you need to do decide what you want your practice to look like. If you want to work as a staff nurse, then the BSN is the the best option. If you are certain you want to work as an advanced practice nurse, then the direct entry MSN programs would fit the bill.