Looking into cont. edu. Where can I go with a BSN or Masters?

[AhappyRN]

Please help. I am ready to go back to school as I had planned, but I don't know what degree to get. I would like to end up in education & realize that a masters is necessary for teaching theory & a BSN for clinicals.

What other options are open to nurses with each degree?

[Mijourney]

If you don't have experience as a nurse, I would start off with a ADN or BSN. In direct care, it usually does not matter whether you have one or the other. However, if there is a remote chance that you may go into the military or work in a government/military like setting, then go with the BSN. You'll be compensated for it. Of course, you get more compensation with a MSN in any scenario and you can do even more with it-from direct care to teaching theory classes.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Are you already an RN?

[AhappyRN]

I am an RN. I've worked Med/Surg/Tele for 2 years. I am now looking into going back to school & want to know what each degree can specifically offer. Thanks so much!

[PetiteOpRN]

To be quite honest, I have not seen a huge benefit to having a BSN over an ADN. It seems like the MSN is what opens more doors these days, especially if you are looking to go into management. One reason for that is the wide varieties of specialty master's programs. Some master's programs are education-focused, while others are management focused or clinical-specialty focused.

If you pursue a BSN, you will probably have to shadow an advanced practice nurse, which will give you an opportunity to see what kind of a niche certain APNs have.

Before you make the leap and go back to school, I would also look into certifications that are certainly challenging and have their own benefits. For instance, if you work in an ICU and get CCRN certification you have greater opportunities to charge, work as a preceptor, and be a clinical leader. Certifications are less expensive than years of tuition.