Does this Path into Nursing sound Sensible?

[Angela.CRNA2B]

My younger sister(20) is deciding on Nursing, she will start classes at a University in 2010 she says she plans to get a BS in HealthCare Management and then transfer to the post-Bac 1 yr. RN program it's a accelerated program run May to May, then apply to the MSN program. which is 27 months. I keep hearing people say WOw thats a great plan she will get through quickly..Is this a sensible choice as in money and time spent. She was asking my opinion but I thought we get some advice on all Nurses! Thanks!

[RNMeg]

It's been my understanding throughout my BSN program that I'm being prepared to take NCLEX. After I'm licensed, my true education to be a nurse will begin.

With that understanding, I'm not sure your sister will learn what she needs to to be an effective advanced practice nurse. You can't be advanced without mastering the basics first, right? And you can't get the basics without working as a licensed nurse for at least a few years (5 to "get it" as one earlier poster said).

[PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN]

If your sister plans on being a nurse and working in a hospital setting, I think it would be a good idea to go forward with her schooling but not expecting to get a job right away as an NP.

It would be a disservice to the patients who she would be directly responsible for and I doubt very much she will find a job as an inexperienced RN and an inexperienced NP.

That being said, a higher education for ANYONE is always the best thing.

[WittleOnesRN]

I have heard a few nurses that did BSN wish they would've done a ASN degree so they could work sooner and get exp quicker for their NP. With nursing school being so competive it might not be a bad option. I know some nurses had to wait 3 years on a waiting list for a ASN. Out plans and the reality of getting into nursing school is always different.

Does she realize NP and RN make about the same amount of money?

[mlk1217]

school is nothing compaired to actual nursing. granted you need it, but she will find her real education will come from her piers on the job and CRAZY unexpected situations you encounter on the job. best of luck

[Angela.CRNA2B]

Thank You everyone for all the comments. This is what I have been trying to get through to her. She really needs to focus on sharpening her Nursing Skills before taking on more responsibility. She was very argumentive about the fact that RN's make as much as a NP. She argues that NP's here make $79,000 a year out of school where a BSN will start at 19.00 an hour. Is this the case or depending on where you live. We are in Missouri and she showed me the pay scale in Advance for NP's and the other survey in RN magazine. Is this the case? I know she wants to have a Nursing career that pays well but she should not rush in. Can anyone clarify the pay between a New RN and a new NP, if she hears it from others she may open her eyes a bit! Thanks Again!

[WittleOnesRN]

I really dont think you can go by what a magazine says. I have seen surveys online re pay scales of nurses and they arent always correct. I have heard many nurses say the pay is about the same for RNs and NP so why bother getting a NP. I do know the pay for RNs with BSN and ASN are the same usually.

The hospital I work in I have only met a couple of NP in the ER and one in the NICU. AND they have to know what they are doing! The NICU NP is responsible for super sick babies and has to make sure the residents write proper orders. I saw our NP call a resident the other night to correct his order. You only get that kind of exp on the floor as a RN.

[Angela.CRNA2B]

I agree. I have explained this to her many times. She is only 20 has not lived much, but she is very smart and I think once she's in the trenches she will understand what we are telling her. I told her that she may find she does not want to be a NP at all after a few years. I worked with the most amazing Travel Nurses at my hospital over the weekend and I think she would would enjoy the Travel path, she's Young, single, no children and it will also open her eyes to all the options Nursing has to offer.

[MagsMom]

I think it is great that she has a "plan." It is important to be supportive and encouraging - you do not have to tell her how it is going to be. Let her figure it out. If she runs into negativity let it be from others. I know several NP in the hospital where I work that did not have much RN experience and they are doing quite well in their jobs. While I agree that experience is invaluable - let your sister, the academic institutions she attends, and her future employers worry about that. I wish her all the best - whether her goals get met as she has planned or if they take a different turn. Kudos for her, at such a young age, for being this driven.

[MedSurgeMess]

Thank You everyone for all the comments. This is what I have been trying to get through to her. She really needs to focus on sharpening her Nursing Skills before taking on more responsibility. She was very argumentive about the fact that RN's make as much as a NP. She argues that NP's here make $79,000 a year out of school where a BSN will start at 19.00 an hour. Is this the case or depending on where you live. We are in Missouri and she showed me the pay scale in Advance for NP's and the other survey in RN magazine. Is this the case? I know she wants to have a Nursing career that pays well but she should not rush in. Can anyone clarify the pay between a New RN and a new NP, if she hears it from others she may open her eyes a bit! Thanks Again!

Without experience, she will most likely not make that kind of money, as many are finding out, having flown through "quickie" programs. Usually those beginner rates are for those who have a minimal level of experience, or they may be a median rate that may run the gamut of all kinds of info.

[mlk1217]

I do think she needs the experience, BUT if I had the resources and the support to get as much education as I wanted, YES I'd do it! MagsMom is right go for it.