Is it hard to find jobs for someone who went through Entry Level Masters Program?

live.love.laugh · May 20, 2010

I am very confused as well and all this confusion about nursing school is starting to take a toll on me! Why would schools offer programs like the ADN and the entry-level MSN if they want all RNs to have a BSN? Why don't they just stop with all this chaos once and for all and just do it like how med school does it? Just one route. I heard so many things now that I can't even keep count. I have heard that ABSN doesn't prepare you for the real world? Is that true, Hurleygirly? Have you had a hard time finding a job? All I care right now is to get into a program...that's what I care about the most. Maybe it's easier to just get the ADN, work for a bit and then go on to get your BSN via ADN-BSN route...which takes more time and money grr.

Hurleygrly- was it hard to get into the SMU program?? I'm sure it was an intense 12 months.

mfrancisco · May 20, 2010

I agree. It is just way too confusing. It almost makes me wish I did not have a BA right now, and can just do the traditional route and get a BSN. Basically, I am going to get an ADN, and then take it from there. I am not sure if I will be "allowed" to go for a BSN or if I will need to apply to an ADN to MSN program. I do want the BSN. I don't want the generic MSN or FNP right away due to having to work as an RN for a while anyway. I have spent so much time on school that I really want to get a lot out of the education this time around. I want to go for the MSN when I am ready.

Hurleygrly, if you don't mind, can you tell us how you liked your program, and how your job search went? Thanks!

fullofenergy · May 20, 2010

It's nice to know that it is not just me that is feeling unsure about the direction to take in nursing. At this point, I will start with an ADN/RN, work for awhile and then continue on in my education for sure. If the new requirements for a DPN to be licensed as a Nurse Practioner come into effect, I may go towards the BSN as quickly as possible. I actually spoke to someone at the California Board of Nursing and she said it was really too soon to know all the ramifications of the 2015 regulation. It will be a few years before they determine whether those in an NP program during 2015 will be able to be licensed. She does believe that the 2015 will stand but they may handle it the way they did in the past. This means that those in a program are also able to continue in their pursuit of becoming licensed and practice as an NP. It all remains to be seen.

When I graduate in 2012, I will assess the situation and then decide my direction. Remember-we can't be all things to all people. If we were we would have an ADN, BSN, DNP and any other certifications we think we need. Who has time for all that?

StarryEyed, RN · May 20, 2010

I really liked the program. I know some of my classmates might disagree, but I also think it has a lot to do with your attitude. They told us that we need to be flexible and it's really true. I know others got really stressed out but I figured why stress out if I know things will get done eventually. As far as I know everyone in my class who has already taken NCLEX passed on our first time. Most of us got well under 100 questions. Lots of us just the 75 minimum. I am still looking for a job and I think it has a lot to do with the fact that I moved up to Sacramento for the program and after I finished moved back down to SoCal. Lots of my classmates got jobs already and I think being in the area and being able to make contacts really helped. I absolutely loved where I did my preceptorship but i knew I wasn't going to stay in Sacramento so that kinda sucked.

As far as getting into the program. I had decent grades in my pre-reqs. A nice variety of letters. But my average was good. I did pretty amazing on the NET & TEAS though but I don't know how much that really weighs in. I only applied after I had spoken with their Sacramento Admissions office and after telling them all about me and my background felt that I would have a chance. I think I was just too afraid to apply places and not get accepted. My biggest draw to SMU was that it was only 12 months (obviously we all had at least a BS/BA from before), that it was in a populous area with a large variety of hospitals, and that they don't work on a lottery. I did get wait-listed due to my letters of recommendations coming in way past deadline, but then again I applied way past the deadline and I still got in :) We've been told that despite doing the entire program in only 12 months we still get more clinical hours than most traditional programs. A typical week consists of at least 24 hrs of clinical apart from class. At the end in the preceptorship you are working the same hours as the nurse you are assigned to.

elkpark · May 20, 2010

I have no idea what the average, national experiences are with this, but I can share my personal experience. I went through grad school (as a traditional, experienced-RN student) at a well-respected, "big name" program that also had a direct-entry program (so many of my classmates were the non-nurse, direct entry students). My class graduated in May, and I attended the wedding of a classmate in late October. I was v. surprised to find that, of all of the classmates there, I was the only one who was employed. None of the direct-entry grads who were present had found jobs yet (although I'm sure they all eventually did -- I haven't kept in touch with any of them). This was a number of years ago, long before the economy tanked, and this was not a "generalist" or CNL MSN program -- everyone was prepared as an NP or CNS.

meeshka23 · Dec 28, 2014

hi kwong30,

can you please tell me your experience with finding a job with your entry level masters degree? I start an entry level MSN this january at Charles Drew University in Los Angeles. I hear so many mixed reviews about this type of degree, and I would love to hear your experience. You would really be helping out a brand new student who is about to start this program in 3 weeks..Thank you so much.

ShondaJ · Dec 28, 2014

Going through a ELMSN is no different then going through a Entry Level BSNS. They all only have clinical experience. It is not difficult getting a job, an RN is and RN. You can find work.

The only difference is one got more education and a higher degree than the other. They still pass the NCLEX and there are jobs available.

I don't see the problem.