Indecisive entry-level MSN student

[tigi10]

I need insight from nurses working in the field. I've been accepted to an entry-level MSN program scheduled to begin in Jan 2014. My dilemma is that becoming a nurse was never a life-long dream. My interest honestly stems from financial reward and job security that I thought accompanied a nursing degree. However, I've been reading about how many new grad nurses have difficulties finding jobs. My concern is that I'll invest both significant time and money in a degree and still struggle to find employment. I recently graduated with a bachelors in psychology and have found it nearly impossible to find a job, so I applied to the MSN program. But now I'm second guessing my choice. Once I'm through with the program I'll have about 60K in college debt. That's so much money! And I'm scared to invest so much into something I'm not sure I'm going to like. I'm 30 years old with a 4 year old son; I desperately want financial security but I also want to enjoy what I do. In addition to nursing, I've considered getting a master's in healthcare administration. But again, I'm worried about being in significant debt and still being unemployed. Does anyone have advice or any thoughts? Am I just freaking out?! For all I know, once I get through nursing school I could end up absolutely loving it, but I really don't know. I guess what I really want to know is will getting an MSN be worth it both financially and emotionally?

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

As an entry level MSN (ELM), you will be competing with all other new grads for the same jobs. ELMs do not have any advantage. In fact, in my area of the country, acute care hiring managers are avoiding them due to bad experiences.. When it comes to new grads, they prefer generic BSNs, followed by Accelerated BSNs (ABSN). This could just be unique to this area.

Unless that MHA program is one of the biggies - firmly entrenched into the 'good ol boys' network with a very strong internship program, it won't be worth it. The majority of non-nurse administrative positions are held by people with prior experience in a related field (clinical, financial, informatics, etc) with graduate degrees in their field or an MBA. Nurse administrators have to have an MSN.. many have doctorates these days.

I hate to be Debbie Downer, but that's a lot of debt to incur - just to come out with a starting salary of ~ 50k that will only increase by @ 3% per year. As a single parent, you should also realize that 12 hour shifts are the norm & newbies usually work nights for a while. Very difficult to arrange child care unless you have family that can help out.

Recent data has shown that the most promising fields for women -- salary wise -- are STEM, particularly computer science. Maybe that's not your thing, but if you're looking for a career field with higher levels of income it's a winner. One of my offspring is a CS person... hit 6 figures by the time she was 30.

Best of luck to you in whatever you choose to do

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

New nurses have an easier time finding job in some areas than in others. Are you free to move to another state to find a job? Inner city teaching hospitals often have plenty of openings that they cannot keep filled, but not everyone is free to move to find work. Those hospitals are often quite famous, and after two years there you'll have a resume that will help you find work anywhere, but you have to get through the two years.

Nursing has so many different opportunities that I'm sure you can find an area that keeps you interested and satisfied after you've put in the requisite time at the bedside, but you WILL have to put in the time at the bedside despite what many ELMs seem to think.

It may be more cost effective to pursue a second bachelors or even an ADN if debt is your major concern.