Skill set of new MSN grads

[Jules A, MSN]

This came up in another thread and I thought it would be interesting to continue it. What have been your experiences with new nursing graduates from the accelerated MSN programs? Mine has been overwhelmingly negative. Not saying all new grads who go right for their MSN are deficient but the ones I have worked with have been less competent as new graduates than the ADN and LPN new graduates I have precepted. I even know a girl who just finished a Nurse Practitioner program who has never worked as a nurse! That one hasn't been able to find a job. I'm not blaming the new grad but the administrators of these programs that are selling this swamp land in Florida are doing them a disservice, imo.

[Agrippa]

I think more ADNs and LPNs have prior CNA experience and thus explains why they may initially be more competent. I think it would be interesting to reevaluate both groups say 12 months and 18 months out.

[Jules A, MSN]

I think more ADNs and LPNs have prior CNA experience and thus explains why they may initially be more competent. I think it would be interesting to reevaluate both groups say 12 months and 18 months out.

Yes in general the new grads with health care experience I have worked with are way ahead but I was referring to new ADNs and LPNs without prior health care experience. Skill sets do even out a year down the road but to the nurses responsible for helping them learn initially it can be pretty nasty and from what I've seen overwhelming and disheartening for the ones thrown in the deep end.

[PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN]

MSN grads with no experience are not "hirable" in my system. We consist of 5 hospitals with some very, very experienced people at the helm.

The peer review alone makes it very awkward when the question comes up...

"So, tell us about your experience..."

and then..."chirp, chirp, chirp..."

AWKWARD.

[Agrippa]

These MSN prepared nurses, the CNL programs mainly, are nurse generalists and are not to be confused with advanced practice MSN nurses. Of course no one would hire a MSN NP with no experience.

CNLs are applying for entry level bedside jobs, same as BSNs & ADNs. They just have a previous degree in a a non-nursing field.

[PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN]

These MSN prepared nurses, the CNL programs mainly, are nurse generalists and are not to be confused with advanced practice MSN nurses. Of course no one would hire a MSN NP with no experience.

CNLs are applying for entry level bedside jobs, same as BSNs & ADNs. They just have a previous degree in a a non-nursing field.

They are on the same level as ADNs/BSNs.

They cannot perform as CNLS without have any true leadership experience. Like I said, they are not "hirable" in those CNL positions.

Good to have the degree, though...eventually after a few years of true experience it will come in handy.

[Mr I Care]

I feel that it is imperative for a prospective MSN student to have atleast 2 years of bedside nursing experience before being admitted to an advance nursing program. I feel there should not have direct entry MSN program. I feel that it is vital for a nurse to grasp the concept of bedside nursing before acting as a primary care provider. This is simply my opinion, but I know there are people who have proven to be excellent NPs, without prior nursing experience.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

"less competent as new graduates than the ADN and LPN new graduates"

Wow - that bad? And the BSN new grads are .....???

[Jules A, MSN]

"less competent as new graduates than the ADN and LPN new graduates"

Wow - that bad?

What do you mean by this? I have worked with some very sharp new grads that were ADNs and LPNs.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

My tongue was firmly planted in my cheek. I myself am an ADN.

[TiffyRN, BSN, PhD]

Many years ago the unit I worked for hired a MSN graduate. We treated her like a new grad of any other flavor. She was a little slower to catch on to the job than others, but that could just be individuality. This was a place that only have 6 weeks orientation to new grads (I think they need twice that at least). After she had adapted, we found she had excellent assessment skills and really could relate her findings to the clinical picture. I do believe this was due to her MSN training. They had instruction in advanced assessment.

I never understood why she chose that route as she stated she had no plans to take her career further than floor nursing. We constantly encouraged her to seek higher positions or management as she turned out to be an excellent nurse and a great co-worker.

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

I think the skills of a new grad of any flavor depend mainly on the person, not the program.