Forget 2nd degree BSN, Go Straight to MSN Nursing? Advice needed

[RunawayN]

I am here in need for advice. I have a bachelors in a social science and even though I've been out of school for a while, I am in the process of going back to school for nursing.

I am interested in several Nursing program. One of which is a MSN program that will grant me a nursing masters after three years (but not granting me a BSN). The second are second degree BSN options.

The MSN program is appealing to me but I'm trying to figure out if it's the best choice career wise. During the application process, you have to pick a specialization and since I don't have any experience in those fields , I'm hesitant to make a choice (of course, I am in the process of volunteering in hospitals to get more experience about those areas). Out of 10 options, only 1 of the specializations is something I think I would like to do. At the same time, I'm interested in anesthesiology nursing and/or a little bit of travel nursing and I feel like a MSN would limit me in some way.

Aside from that, I've been considering the other factors:

Cost: Masters is about 60k, BSN can be around 60k at most.

Time: Masters takes 3 years, BSN can take 1-2.5 Years.

Also considering questions like:

Is it too early to get a Masters in nursing when I have no real work experience?

What is the job difference between someone with a MSN and someone with a BSN? My understanding is that a MSN takes more of a leader/manager.

Any advice will be helpful.

[StudentNrseMcFarland]

On another note, I had this same dilemma a while ago and everyone advised me against the direct entry MSN programs because they require a specialty. How can you choose a nursing specialty when you have no prior nursing experience? It wouldnt be easy and even worse you could end up picking a specialty that youll absolutely hate.

/QUOTE]

I agree with starmickey03 and just faced the same dilemma. Since I had absolutely no nursing background, I decided on the ABSN 2nd degree so I could try a little bit of everything. I think I know what I want to do now & what I hate, but everyone who's been through school has told me that will change once I have clinicals. I feel like the BSN will give me more options and that there's plenty of time to go for the MSN later if I want/need to (and I'm an older student!)

Good luck with whatever you choose- I think you'll know what's best for you.

[curlyq28]

Hi OP! I too am looking to apply to entry level MSN programs this Fall and have been reading up since last spring while investigating which programs will best fit my needs.

I've noticed that there are a few kinds of "career changer" MSN programs. As I understand it, the 2 year programs are the entry level masters with NO advanced practice training component. You end up with an entry level MSN and can sit for the NCLEX after two years. Sometimes they also prepare you to take other exams like the "Clinical Nurse Leader" certificate at UCLA's MECN program.

Then there's the 3 year (and up!) programs that train you to sit for the NCLEX after 2 years and then start you working in year 3+ AND taking courses for the advanced practice specialty and the MSN. It also seems like in year 3+ in those programs you can choose full vs. part time study to help accommodate your work schedule.

I hope this helps a bit!

[Abby Normal]

Each state determines how soon you may sit the NCLEX.

Some state's programs let you sit it the summer between your first and second years. I believe all state's board's of nursing list a link for the NCLEX pass rates for each school on their web site, but you may need to ask masters programs for this information specifically, since their students are not technically "graduating". More proof of the variation in programs!

I would check out the Specialties and Postgraduate forums for more information about masters specialties and populations. And, personally, I would not go for a generic MSN -- I would only go for an NP, CNS, nurse anesthetist, midwife -- something that certified me to do another specific job. And really look into them. There are big pros and cons of every job. All of these are considered Advanced Practice Nurses.

I also would relax a little! Prerequisites take a while, use the time to think. Nobody expects you to choose a specialty today and apply tomorrow. It definitely takes awhile to figure out. Volunteering is good for observation, but you don't get to ask a lot of questions, at least I didn't -- nurses don't even have time to pee. Being in school is very good -- everyone is in the same boat and you can trade information. It doesn't mean you have to go to that school for your degree. Your sister should also have a lot of information. Bit by bit it starts to make sense.

[PMFB-RN, RN]

Doesn't matter how they are treated or differential in pay between them. What does a Master's level nurse mean then? Are they not advanced?

*** Some are advanced practice nurses. Nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, CRNAs for example. Unless they completed one of those programs then no they are not advanced by virtue of having an MSN, in particular a direct entry masters. A direct entry masters just provides a basic nursing education like other nursing programs. They have the exact same scope of practice as any other RN. They do not practice at an advanced level or do anything any other RN can't do.