How'd you know when you were ready to get your MSN?

Nursing Students Post Graduate

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I know I need to go back to school but for whatever reason I just can't take the plunge! I got my BSN two years ago and always thought I'd go back right away, but life keeps getting in the way. It's hard to cut back on work hours once you're used to making a certain amount of money. I'm at a point where I really can't advance my career until I finish my masters. And I love to learn! So why can't I just bite the bullet and do it?! When did you know you were ready?

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Specializes in CVICU.

You're never ready, just like you're never ready to have kids. There's always life, job, family, money issues to get in the way. So, you know you're ready when you know it's what you want and why you're doing it. Just do it.

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Specializes in ICU, ER, EP,.

Well as someone whom has been an A.A.S for 16 years, fighting through a bachelors, I'm in the same boat. My issue was stopping school to work to provide for my family. Now that my three children have grown, I have the time, well in theory I have the time to go back.

Personally, and you asked, I've had two knee surgeries, a work related rotator cuff tear and back issues. I'm very old at only 41. I know I can't physically do this much longer and still need to work. That is my motivating factor to finish my BSN and then MSN.

while I do not know your personal career plans, I'm going to assume we are not much different. A BSN is now common place in the work environment. To excel past a mid-management position, to teach, research or lead on a larger level an MSN is required.

Just being stagnant in a position, with a yearning for something, no matter what your goals are, IS a sign you are ready. I had to wait for life to settle so I could succeed in my studies after much reflection. If you can devote 2 hours a day and several hours, like 4-6 on the weekend, then you can succeed. (my husband is in a masters program, so I'm aware of the time challenges involved).

Being stagnant and held back for promotion or growth is frustrating and fixable. You'll never know what you are capable until you plan your time, finances and jump in. Growth, is a natural career and nursing process. Fear of it, is unfortunately natural as well.

I hope you decide to take the plunge! Even if you find it's not the right time, you are no worse off because then you'll find the right time to make it happen! Wish you the best of success!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Academics.
You're never ready, just like you're never ready to have kids. There's always life, job, family, money issues to get in the way. So, you know you're ready when you know it's what you want and why you're doing it. Just do it.

I, too, was about to make the kids analogy. :D

To the OP, there will ALWAYS be something in the way of additional education if you are also working. Maybe you can find a program that is more appropriate for your current time and income restraints? There are a lot of different programs out there, especially if you live in an urban area. Start checking around.

There are certainly better times than others (just as there are with having children), but never a perfect time. Just don't wait until time runs out...

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Specializes in FNP.

I waited until my children were self sufficient for their basic needs. I have household and child care help, but I still needed my kids to be able to fall asleep on their own, in their own beds, and not need something in the middle of the night, lol. I have 7 children, so that took a while. ;) When I knew that I could schedule what I wanted to without worrying that a sick infant would change my plans (a sick 6 year old is vastly different!) and that I could tell them, "no, not now" and that they could internalize understanding that that meant their need would be met, but later, then I knew I could do it.

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Thank you all for your responses. You're right, it's like having kids. You're never ready! You just do it and somehow it all works out. I give myself all the usual excuses: 4 young kids, can't afford to, etc. But I guess it's not all that different from when I was doing my undergrad except then I had 3 youngs kids, and really couldn't afford to since I earned about a quarter of what I do now. LoL! Ok, whew... deep breath, maybe spring semester I'll start with two classes.

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Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.

I'm struggling with this as well. I went to nursing school at 40, and don't have THAT many years to get the BSN and MSN, though I know I want to do it eventually.

Seeing coworkers struggle with the time commitments, the paper-writing, the statistics, on top of working full time and trying to maintain a family...it frankly stops me from enrolling.

My hospital has a partnership with UT Arlington that is 100% online with no clinical component, and the hospital will reimburse most of it, so it's very attractive. In the end, though, I just think I'm still burned out from nursing school and need a little more time.

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Just don't wait until time runs out...

So true! It's all over before you even know it.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

You are ready when you are done making excuses as to why you can't. For me once I decide to do something I just jump in and don't look back. I know bedside is not for me and there is only one way to change that so I'm in an MSN program. Since I began the program I decided I really wanted to complete a DNP so I'm looking to transfer my course work into a BSN to DNP program currently. Good Luck and you know the saying S**t or get get off the pot:D

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i started my mn program with a 6-week old at the breast, because 1) i didn't think they'd accept me so i got pregnant in the meantime, and 2) i knew if i didn't go then i'd never get another chance. it was a struggle-- i went for 2 yrs instead of 5 quarters (the first in my program ever to do that, but there was nothing in the catalog about not being able to do it, so as soon as they cashed my deposit check i registered for one class).

i wanted to be able to teach and couldn't get a job doing that s a mn, so i just had to do it. i wanted to do it so much. good thing, too, because when i finished (4 months pg with #2) little did i know i was less than a year from becoming a single mother. having that mn opened some very useful doors.

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Specializes in ED, Education.

I became a nurse when I was 47 years old through a bridge program for paramedic to RN at Excelsior College. At 57 I achieved my BSN and at 60 I should have my MSN. Sometimes I think I should have done things differently; however, we all journey through this world differently. I continue to work in prehospital education, ED staff nurse, and nursing continueing education. I think you know you are ready when there is a unsettling feeling about what you are presently doing. Good luck, education is something you will never regret.

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Specializes in Cardiovascular Recovery.

You're not ready. "Life" isn't really getting in the way. When you are ready you will fight through all that other "stuff". When you are ready your true motivation will come out to do it. Going back to school is more than just the intellectual knowledge of knowing you need to do it. It's ok that you're not ready. The fact that you have a goal to return at some point suggests that you are on the path to being ready at some point. In the meantime, continue to search out different programs and funding options. That will help you be one step ahead when you are ready.

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