Generic MSN degree

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There is a generic MSN program near me and I was thinking of applying to it. I always thought MSN program's had a specilaty. What can you do with a generic MSN degree? Is it worth going for this degree since probably you would be hired as a floor nurse?

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Is it a direct-entry degree?

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Yes, it is a direct entry.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Okay - got ya. With an MSN you can teach, but usually the school require a few years of experience after you get your RN. Other options include case management (again, you may need some years experience).

I would think the idea of the generic MSN is that you could work as an RN while you decide what else you might want to do...perhaps an advanced practice RN?

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I know this thread is kind of old. I want to know what other opportunities are there with this degree in the Nursing Informatics or Clinical Nurses Specialist field in Houton, TX? Is it worth getting the MSN or should one just become a NP?

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

The original poster was discussing a GENERIC MSN which would not supply a specialty track - so you might want to start a new thread or go to the APN forum and look under the NP and CNS threads. Good luck.

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Specializes in Trauma,ER,CCU/OHU/Nsg Ed/Nsg Research.

Generic MSN is also a good way to go if you want to go on to get your PhD. Then, you won't have that second year of track courses, and can enter the doctoral program earlier.

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That's an option I never thought to explore but sounds pretty good. IF I get a PhD, would my only choice be teaching?

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Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care, Gero, dementia.
That's an option I never thought to explore but sounds pretty good. IF I get a PhD, would my only choice be teaching?

Couple things, there are more programs that are direct BS to PhD these days, so if you're really interested in a PhD, you may look to see if there's a school that meets your interests that has that kind of program.

As to teaching being your only option, not totally, but most PhD jobs are in academia, and the two main activities are teaching and research. Policy work is another place that I think having a PhD can be useful -- it teaches a kind of synthesis that is easily translated to that arena, and we need more voices of nursing influencing policy.

But if none of this makes you particularly excited, I'd say don't go the PhD route. It'd a really major commitment and isn't for everyone.

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