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Discussion

Generalist MSN for direct entry programs

Hi!

I have a question that I'm pretty confused about. I am applying to DEMSN programs. While some schools have the option to specialize, not all schools have this option for the direct entry program. I want to ultimately be an FNP. Patient care is what I want to do. If I get a generalist MSN will I be able to do patient care including diagnose and prescribe? Is there something more I have to do after the degree?

Thank you for any help or resources you have.

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    • Featured Replies

    A "generalist" MSN is just that. You have to complete a NP program, usually prescriptive privileges are part of the NP program. There are some direct entry MSN/pre-licensure that are also NP programs. There have been multiple postings/thread on these if you do a search.

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    • Experts

    "Generalist" MSN programs prepare you for the same "basic" RN license and scope of practice as ADN and BSN graduates, nothing more -- you just pay a lot more $$$ for it.

    I didn't know there were any true "generalist" MSN programs around any more (since the concept really doesn't make any sense). Are you maybe talking about the direct-entry CNL programs? Those still do not prepare you for advanced practice. You come out qualified for basic RN licensure and CNL certification (but the CNL is not an advanced practice role).

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    • Experts

    As a previous poster said, you can't function as an NP of any kind until you graduate from an NP program and get those credentials.

    A generalist MSN just prepares you as a generalist nurse (RN), but includes the foundational content of a graduate program -- statistics, research, theory, etc. taught at a graduate level. The scope of practice is the same as any other RN. The advantages of including those graduate courses in your initial entry in nursing program include:

    1. As the courses are taught at a graduate level, it allows you to use funding sources only available to graduate-level students. That can be important to those who have already used up all of the undergraduate financial aid options and have none to use to add a BSN onto previous academic degrees.

    2. After you get a little nursing experience under your belt, that MSN will come in handy if you are interested in a promotion to an education or management job -- or any job that doesn't require an advanced practice degree/certification.

    3. If you choose to got back to school for an FNP (or any other graduate program), you will already have those MSN-level general education courses (theory, research, stats, etc.) completed. That may save you time and money.

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