HELP: Second Degree BSN vs. MSN

Nurses General Nursing

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I would greatly appreciate ANY help on this matter...Here's a little background and my predicament:

I'm currently a student at Clemson University studying biological sciences. I realized a little too late that I wanted to become a pediatric nurse, so I had originally planned on graduating this upcoming May (in 3 years) with my biology degree then pursuing a BSN through an accelerated program. I'm fairly certain that my ultimate career goal is to be a nurse practitioner, but I can't say that with certainty yet. With that in mind, I'm wondering whether it's worth it to do an accelerated BSN program and spend the time and money get a second degree then potentially go on to get an MSN later, or apply to a direct-entry MSN program. I know I want to work as a nurse first before deciding if I want to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner...any advice?

To confuse everything a little more...I just got admitted into Clemson's undergraduate nursing program which I have the option of transferring into this upcoming semester. But as I'd be switching my major, I'd be very behind and would graduate in 4.5 years. While I know this is the "easiest" route to become a nurse for me, I have issues with graduating that late when I'm 20 credits shy of a biology degree (maybe it's just a pride thing?)

ANY help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Also, please share any great accelerated BSN or MSN programs that you know of! I want nothing more than to become a pediatric nurse or nurse practitioner, helping others each day, but I need to be financially responsible for how to attain this degree! Thank you!

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Specializes in Med Surg/ICU/Psych/Emergency/CEN/retired.
I would greatly appreciate ANY help on this matter...Here's a little background and my predicament:

I'm currently a student at Clemson University studying biological sciences. I realized a little too late that I wanted to become a pediatric nurse, so I had originally planned on graduating this upcoming May (in 3 years) with my biology degree then pursuing a BSN through an accelerated program. I'm fairly certain that my ultimate career goal is to be a nurse practitioner, but I can't say that with certainty yet. With that in mind, I'm wondering whether it's worth it to do an accelerated BSN program and spend the time and money get a second degree then potentially go on to get an MSN later, or apply to a direct-entry MSN program. I know I want to work as a nurse first before deciding if I want to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner...any advice?

To confuse everything a little more...I just got admitted into Clemson's undergraduate nursing program which I have the option of transferring into this upcoming semester. But as I'd be switching my major, I'd be very behind and would graduate in 4.5 years. While I know this is the "easiest" route to become a nurse for me, I have issues with graduating that late when I'm 20 credits shy of a biology degree (maybe it's just a pride thing?)

ANY help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Also, please share any great accelerated BSN or MSN programs that you know of! I want nothing more than to become a pediatric nurse or nurse practitioner, helping others each day, but I need to be financially responsible for how to attain this degree! Thank you!

My best advice is that is to transfer into the Clemson's School of Nursing BSN program next semester and go from there. You've been accepted, which is a huge advantage. You are very lucky. Since you don't have a bachelor's in another discipline yet, I cannot see considering an accelerated BSN program now. In a perfect world, I think it is best to get a BSN, work a while and then go on to graduate studies after experiencing the real world of nursing and the present healthcare environment. Any route you take will be challenging and difficult. You made a decision to change your major midstream which is not uncommon. The reality is that it will take longer and cost more. There are excellent master's nursing programs around the country. If you choose to attend Clemson's SON, you will have professors available to guide you about graduate studies. Good luck.

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.

If it is faster for you to go the accelerated bsn route, I say go for that.

I'm in an absn program right now.

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A bird in hand is better than 2 in the bush. Transfer to the nursing program now.

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