Help Needed from MSN students/nurses!

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Specializes in Med Surg, ER, OR.

I know this has already been posted on another page, but I was thinking I might get more response from here. Sorry if double-posting upsets anyone.

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To The Wide World of Posters:

I am currently a first year RN student in an ADN program. I am looking into other schools for after graduation so I can advance my knowledge in nursing. I am planning on enrolling in a 2+2 ADN to BSN program.

I have been told that I need to keep in mind of going through an MSN program after completion of a BSN. The thing I am worried about is only finding jobs in management type positions. I have been placed in managerial positions before, and love nothing more than being a pee-on. I know that an MSN would open more doors to me later on, but is it really worth it? And, if so, what other types of positions would I be able to go into (CNM, CRNA, NP, CLNC, etc)?

I know I want to at least get a BSN, but have been on the border of getting an MSN. With an MSN, does that eliminate me from bedside nursing? Could I be too qualified for some positions? What are the benefits of having an MSN v BSN? Many of the RN's at my hospital are now going back to get further education while in their 40's and 50's (because they thought at one time that having a diploma or ADN would be all the education that they would ever need), and I don't want that to be me when I "grow up."

Much help is needed!

Thanks,

mcknis

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I'm one of the folks who went back to school in their 40's to get the BSN and MSN because it affords me more opportunities. I think its a good idea. There are many job options for the masters-prepared RN nowadays and many degree options as well. It does open doors. It doesn't necessarily close the door to bedside nursing. However, (I'll be honest here), as we get older, it does become harder to do the physical labor associated with bedside nursing. I love bedside nursing and could still do it now (I'm almost 49) but know that in another 10-15 years, its going to get harder. Unfortunately, I still have to work so my options were to seek another career or go back to school and advance my career.

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Specializes in Med Surg, ER, OR.

Thanks TraumaRUS for the great insight into my future. Anybody else with information, please post. I am young and need help with my nursing career.

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Specializes in ICU.

I think it all depends on what you want to do with your career in the long run. If you want to stay in bedside nursing/home health then you do not need a masters. If you want to go into management/administration, then a masters in administration would be the way to go. If you want to be a crna or np, then go for your masters. You are still early in your career, so you don't have to make a decision about your masters right now. I would say finish your ADN program, work and gain experience as an RN while you finish your BSN, and maybe by then you will have an idea what you want to do with your career. Good luck with your future!

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Hi Mcknis

In my humble opinion, one can never be over qualified because of education. And, if you ever come across a prospective employer that says you have too much education and not enough experience for general nursing (such as bedside), my advise is to high tail it out of there. From my readings regarding our nursing shortage (world wide), employers should be more than willing to help get you up to speed with entry level skills. Additionally, hospital nursing is not the only show in town. There is also community nursing--local ie schools, county ie PHN, state nursing ie Dept of health services and there are federal jobs. Also lest I forget to mention private sector jobs such as Occupational health, blood bank, teaching, etc

My only other advise (not requested by you) is that you wait just a couple of years between your BSN and your MSN--as a student and as an experienced nurse, I see a difference in the student nurses that have waited and those that have fast tracked themselves (critical thinking, creative thinking, demeanor, and enjoyment of the advance learning experience).

Welcome to the adventures of nursing--keep your goals high and enjoy the journey--You have many options. aaa rn

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Hi Mcknis

In my humble opinion, one can never be over qualified because of education. And, if you ever come across a prospective employer that says you have too much education and not enough experience for general nursing (such as bedside), my advise is to high tail it out of there. From my readings regarding our nursing shortage (world wide), employers should be more than willing to help get you up to speed with entry level skills. Additionally, hospital nursing is not the only show in town. There is also community nursing--local ie schools, county ie PHN, state nursing ie Dept of health services and there are federal jobs. Also lest I forget to mention private sector jobs such as Occupational health, blood bank, teaching, etc

My only other advise (not requested by you) is that you wait just a couple of years between your BSN and your MSN--as a student and as an experienced nurse, I see a difference in the student nurses that have waited and those that have fast tracked themselves (critical thinking, creative thinking, demeanor, and enjoyment of the advance learning experience).

Welcome to the adventures of nursing--keep your goals high and enjoy the journey--You have many options. aaa rn :welcome:

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