Is a generic direct entry MSN program worth it?

subee, MSN, CRNA · Feb 20, 2008

(this is a cross post, since I would like some working nurses' experiences)
One of the schools I am looking at as a directy-entry generic MSN program. You first get your accelerated BSN then move into the MSN program. Is a generic MSN even worth the extra time and effort? I already have a BS/MS in different fields. I'm trying to decide whether or not just to get my BSN and work for a bit before pursuing a MSN (and hopefully having my employer pay for the MSN.

I don't get those direct MSN programs. How can you know what you want to specialize in until you actually DO it? Teach? Adminisstrate? Research? and which specialty?

I'd hate to have to do a job just because I have a degree in it. Or worse, have to go back to school again.

MemphisTiger · Feb 20, 2008

I don't get those direct MSN programs. How can you know what you want to specialize in until you actually DO it? Teach? Adminisstrate? Research? and which specialty?
I'd hate to have to do a job just because I have a degree in it. Or worse, have to go back to school again.

Thanks for the response, but you don't specialize with this degree. It's just a generic MSN. Hence the name- "generic" msn :)

Miss Mab · Feb 20, 2008

Is it worth it?

I guess that depends.

Doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. You're then guaranteeing that you'll need to return for a post master's certificate in whatever advanced practice or education/admin. role you choose to pursue.

Some of the post grad certificates are two and three FT semesters anyway depending on specialty. I'd rather just wait and then do it up front rather than purposely prolong my schooling. (straight example---1 year FT generic MSN vs. 1 year FT Vanderbilt APN specialty)

Unless you just enjoy the school environment. People have different priorities. Hard to say if it's it 'worth' it. From this working nurse's perspective, no.

ukstudent · Feb 20, 2008

Put it this way. When you graduate with your generic MSN, what will you be qualified to do?

You won't be a NP, a CRNA or a CNS.

So if all you will be qualified to do is floor nursing (along with all the other RN's that will be graduating at the same time including ASN and BSN) you need to find out if it gives you an advantage.

Most hospitals, and you should call the ones in your area, either do not pay any thing or only very little (25 or 50 cents/hr) for any increased education. Even nurses that are NP's, if they work on the floor get paid the same as all the other RN's.

The other thing you need to think about is if getting a MSN would be a disadvantage in getting your first RN job. I'm not in management but if I was, my thinking would be that you would only stay for a year and then probably leave. I might not want to spend all that time and money to train you, just for you to leave after getting that all important one year done.

ICRN2008, BSN, RN · Feb 21, 2008

No a generic master's degree is not worth it, unless you plan on doing bedside nursing or another specialty (infection control, research, etc) that require a master's degree but no advanced practice preparation.

The post-master's certificate at my school requires an entire year of full-time study, plus the student must make up any deficiencies in their master's preparation. In this case, getting the generic master's degree first would be more expensive and take more time than just doing the advanced practice preparation up front.

Good luck in your studies :)

subee, MSN, CRNA · Feb 23, 2008

Thanks for the response, but you don't specialize with this degree. It's just a generic MSN. Hence the name- "generic" msn :)

Sorry, didn't understand "generic". Oxymoron to me. A master's implies that you've gone on to actually "master" something as a specialty. This "master's" degree is a misnomer and should be renamed a "bachelor's"; to call it anything else is a rip-off for the student.,