Help! choose Duke BSN or UVa MSN?

[Mintaka]

Hi, Everybody,

I'm a new member and this is my second post. I wonder if any of you all would have some advice as to which nursing program I should choose? I've been accepted into a BSN program at Duke and an MSN (clinical nurse leader) program at University of Virgnia--Charlottesville.

I'm starting my third career (in my fifties!) and I can't afford a bad career choice at this point.

Here's my goal--as far as I can formulate a goal having never nursed before!

First choice: become a Nurse Educator and eventually teach in a college or university college. (this is a logical goal, since I taught for 10 years and loved all but the discipline. Presumably I wouldn't need to send nursing students to detention!) :)

Second choice: become a Nurse Practitioner? or better, combine this in a practice with educating--best of both worlds.

Both these programs cost about the same (staggering amounts).

Duke offers an accelerated BSN + 15 credits towards a Masters.

UVa offers an accelerated MSN, training me as Clinical Nurse Leader, whatever that may be. a generalist?

My question is, given my end goal, would either be the better course of study? Will I face job discrimination later, if I don't first earn a BSN? (The MSN offers plenty of clinical hours).

If I go the BSN route, then I'll need to get a specialized MSN, and NP, I presume, to reach my goal.

If I go the MSN route, I'll need to get at least a certificate for an NP.

Costwise and timewise, these two routes are just about equal. But what about careerwise? Any thoughts, advice, warnings would be gratefully accepted!

thanks

Mintaka

[Kensington]

Hi, Mintaka!

First off, congratulations on being accepted into both programs! I'm having the same debate in my head right now (although I haven't even been accepted to any programs yet!), so I'm very interested in what others have to say about this topic.

Good luck whatever you decide! I hear Duke's program is amazingly good, whatever that's worth!

:)

[Mintaka]

Hi, Kensington,

Nobody's had an opinion so far. It's really hard to compare programs, isn't it? Apples and orangutans. I've heard nothing but good about Duke,too. Good luck getting in, wherever you've applied.

Mintaka

[lc3]

Hey Mintaka,

Congrats on getting in. IMHO, I would go for Duke. I think it would be easier to get a Post-Master's certificate than applying for a Master's program. If you do the Duke Program then atleast you will have a master's to show for it.

Good luck deciding.

[KMFRN5]

Hi there,

I graduated from the Duke ABSN a couple of years ago, and after hearing your choices, I would definitely go that route. The program was still in its nascent stage when I was there, and there were definitely some improvements needed, but overall I learned a great deal and felt prepared to enter the world of nursing! Also on the plus side, they just moved into their new school of nursing building which is gorgeous, and now the SON is finally close to the hospital (we were out in a building a few blocks away when I was there). Some profs were better than others (like any school), but I still maintain a connection to some wonderful mentors that I met there.

The included Master's credits are a great plus as well. My plan has always been to go on to get my MSN and get at least some of those credits to transfer. I'm in the middle of a PNP program now (in Colorado), and the credits have helped.

Also, it is, believe it or not, a big plus to have your BSN first, even if the direct MSN would give you lots of clinical hours. Employers and your nursing peers will expect it, and they might judge you more harshly without it (we can be tough on each other, unfortunately). My original plan was to jump right through to get my MSN, but I am so glad to have 2 years of clinical experience first--especially since I'm in a field that I didn't know I would love until after my BSN was complete. You never know what will draw you in during that BSN, so committing to the MSN does lock you in to that area (I chose Duke over another direct MSN program as well, and I'm so glad I did!).

Finally, don't worry about your age! We had students aged 21-55 in my class, and everyone brought something valuable to the table. Your background, whatever it may be, will be a great asset, and your life experiences will make you a wonderful nurse.

Please feel free to ask any more questions about the Duke ABSN if you have some. Congratulations and good luck!

[arciedee]

Disclaimer: I'm a direct-entry CNL student, myself, though not at UVa

I would actually suggest the MSN route mostly because I see that your #1 nursing choice is education. I'm not sure where you're planning to settle, but in my state the MSN is the minimum credential to teach. Of course you won't be able to get a teaching job first thing after graduation, you'll still need to get your time in at the bedside, but once you do get that experience you'll have the academic credentials to empower you to apply for that teaching position. And you'll still have those graduate credits towards an post-grad certificate if you want to become an NP down the road.

And as others have said don't let the age thing bother you. I really don't think there is a wrong choice, here. Both schools are going to give you a great education and you'll reach your end goal one way or the other. Congrats on having to choose between such great options! Good luck.