I need advice on nursing programs!!!

melmarie23, MSN, RN · May 25, 2009

I am a second degree student, with a BS in another field. I just finished my first semester of a direct entry MSN program.

The main differences that I found between direct entry MSNs and direct entry BSNs (and likewise ADN programs at community colleges) was that I'd be in a better spot to go for an NP once I graduate. My university has a certifcate program for those who have MSNs, so I will be 3-4 classes short of that. That and if I went for a BSN or ADN, I wouldnt be able to qualify for any financial aid. I didnt qualify for any in the direct entry BSN programs because I already had a Bachelor's degree.

As far as the curriculum between my current program and a direct entry BSN one...there isnt a huge difference. My current one is front loaded with all my basic nursing courses/clinicals that I would need to prep me for the NCLEX. We can take it next spring, and are encouraged to work once we are licensed and finish up the program. However, my Master's program, we will be conducting our own research/quality improvement project (my MSN program is for a CNL), so right now we are also taking all the theory and research programs to help prep us for our last semester where we will be conducting this. We do have a chance to get published too...previous students who went through the program had their capstone project published, which is pretty neat if you ask me.

For me, the direct entry MSN program seemed to be the better deal/best fit. It will prep me to be able to go further in my career. I would love to be an NP some day.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · May 25, 2009

an rn is merely a license to practice as an rn. that can be gotten a number of ways: hospital diploma program, community college, university bachelor degree program and on up. when you graduate from those programs they are guaranteeing the student that they have fulfilled the california state board requirement to teach them everything the state requires them to know to be a safe practitioner as an rn and to be qualified to test for the nclex exam. if you pass the nclex you are entitled to be called an rn. and as long as you follow the california nurse practice act you will remain an rn.

an adn, bsn or msn are degrees earned and granted to you by a college or university which you attend. generally, the higher the degree the more that is expected of your performance as a professional. bsn level rns are sought after in leadership positions. my bsn program taught a lot of leadership and communication. i would check out the master's programs you are interested in to see what the focus of their programs are in. they will have information on their websites. no doubt there is some type of research project involved but at the master's level your study is more streamlined. some are not requiring a bsn and you earn your rn as you go through the program. you need to contact the individual schools about the programs they offer.

http://www.rn.ca.gov/schools/programs.shtml - the entry level master's degree programs are listed with the rn programs.