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Discussion

Do accelerated MSN students work full-time or part-time after they get their RN done?

I applied to a couple of accelerated MSN programs, but this one question stumped me.

After the first accelerated year, if I were to pass the NCLEX-RN and become a Registered Nurse, I know I'd obviously be allowed to work as one. BUT I'd still have to finish the other two years of the program to get the MSN degree.

So for those who've been through Accelerated MSN programs, did you work during your master's component?

And if so, were you able to find a part-time nursing job in order to finish the master's coursework?

Or did you work full time and do the master's stuff?

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    Hi, were you able to find out any information on your question? I am curious of the same thing.

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    • Expert

    I went to grad school (as a traditional, experienced-RN student) at a program that also had direct-entry program for non-nurses, and most of my classmates were direct-entry, non-nurse students.

    None of the direct-entry students I knew worked as an RN during the two years of the MSN/specialty portion of the program. Not only was the program v. rigorous and demanding (I worked prn at the uni medical center throughout my two years of school, but worked v. little when school was in session), but the direct-entry students in my program had no intention of, or interest in, ever working as a "regular" RN -- their only interest in nursing was the advanced practice role they were preparing for in school.

    I'm not making any general, broad statement here, just describing my own, individual experience.

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    Thanks for the response.

    If you don't mind, I have one more question: Would you think the MSN was more beneficial than the Accelerated BSN?

    Thanks so much!

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    I'm in an MSN program, which is right on the heels of my completing the requirements and sitting for NCLEX last Fall. During this year I did some part-time teaching at a local community college, but once I really got into my clinical experiences I stopped working so I could really devote myself to this part of the program. I feel like my future patients deserve me to take this opportunity to really dig into this experience and soak up all the information I can. I see patients in clinic all day then come home at night and research all the things I didn't know about!

    I do have friends who are working and I they have to make huge sacrifices with family/spouse time. I respect that, but I'm really enjoying time with my hubby now that I'm almost finished with school.

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    In response to one of the above statements, do you think the accelerated MSN students thought about the ramifications professionally of not having the basic skill sets down?

    The reason I ask is because I am applying for a direct entry program with zero paid nursing experience BUT I recognize the importance of having the basic skills needed across the board. Though it is my desire to be an advanced practice nurse, I think it is beneficial to work as an RN before working as an NP despite my course of education. Getting the education in 3-4 years is beneficial to me instead of getting my RN now, then going back 10 years down the road.

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    In response to one of the above statements, do you think the accelerated MSN students thought about the ramifications professionally of not having the basic skill sets down?

    The reason I ask is because I am applying for a direct entry program with zero paid nursing experience BUT I recognize the importance of having the basic skills needed across the board. Though it is my desire to be an advanced practice nurse, I think it is beneficial to work as an RN before working as an NP despite my course of education. Getting the education in 3-4 years is beneficial to me instead of getting my RN now, then going back 10 years down the road.

    Just so you know...The topic you bring up in your post re: inexperienced RNs vs. experienced RNs transitioning to the nurse practitioner role almost always seems to start an argument here at allnurses. There are several threads with this topic that you can locate pretty easily if you'd like to read what's already been written.

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    haha. Yeah, I've read some previous posts and it definitely gets viscious. Didn't want to start an argument at all. Just trying to get insight as I move into the field.

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