Masters right after BSN degree?

christvs, DNP, RN, NP · Mar 12, 2007

Honestly, my personal opinion is that is helps to have some RN experience under your belt before you start your MSN program. That being said, I think it also depends on the individual: how fast you learn, and when you feel comfortable starting graduate school. I myself learn quickly, and began my MSN program to become an acute care NP after being an RN for only 1 year (with my BSN). Everyone will tell you their own opinions, but just do what feels right for you. I personally feel great with my comfort level as both an RN and an NP student right now with only 2 years experience as an RN. I've been getting all As in all of my graduate classes and feel like I truly have no problem grasping the material. But again, it is different for everyone.

heartanimal · Mar 13, 2007

I was wondering the same thing. I am graduating with an associates degree in May and will be going straingt back to the same school to get my BSN and that will take me 3 semesters. I wasn't going back at first because I already have a master's degree in something else, but I really want to be an acute care NP also so I am going to go all the way through. I am scared that if I stop I will never go back. I guess you can say I just like school. :rotfl:

MikeyJ, RN · Mar 14, 2007

I was thinking of pursuing my MPH, MPA, or MBA right after I graduate, while working as an RN. Then after completing that I would decide whether I wanted to pursue my MSN, Ph.D., or something else. I figure a masters in business, public administration, public policy, etc. would be extremely helpful and marketable if I choose to move up into nursing administration.

arciedee · Mar 14, 2007

Does your school have any sort of fifth year program? I know my school and others offer early admission to their MSN programs for highly qualified undergrads and they can take up to two graduate level courses prior to receiving their BS. So if your school has something like that you might as well take advantage of it. It might just save you some time and if you feel up to it to barrel straight through, then go for it.

pegbord · Mar 14, 2007

I am so glad you started this thread. I have been wanting to do a similar thread, but can't figure out why the new thread button is missing!

I am not interested in bedside nursing at all. I am going through the nursing program in order to obtain my PMHNP license. The problem is I am not sure what programs will accept the direct continuation. I will be graduating with BSN in spring 2008 and would like to start grad school the fall after graduating. Does anyone know how often people do this? My passion is psych and I want to do med management as well as individual/group therapy. Ideas?

MikeyJ, RN · Mar 14, 2007

I am so glad you started this thread. I have been wanting to do a similar thread, but can't figure out why the new thread button is missing!
I am not interested in bedside nursing at all. I am going through the nursing program in order to obtain my PMHNP license. The problem is I am not sure what programs will accept the direct continuation. I will be graduating with BSN in spring 2008 and would like to start grad school the fall after graduating. Does anyone know how often people do this? My passion is psych and I want to do med management as well as individual/group therapy. Ideas?

I would definitely do at least a year of psych nursing if you are looking to pursue your PMHNP. I know most programs prefer 1 -2 years of experience, but almost every school you look at will have that disclamer that reads "will wavie experience for exceptional students". Have you looked into the schools that offer the PMHNP? I know they are pretty sparce throughout the country.

pegbord · Mar 14, 2007

I would definitely do at least a year of psych nursing if you are looking to pursue your PMHNP. I know most programs prefer 1 -2 years of experience, but almost every school you look at will have that disclamer that reads "will wavie experience for exceptional students". Have you looked into the schools that offer the PMHNP? I know they are pretty sparce throughout the country.

thanks for suggestion sistermike, i am currently completing my first year of bsn program at a university which offers pmhnp but the wording for entry requirements is confusing. the masters program prereqs state that masters level is for advanced nurses who wish to pursue pmhnp. the confusing term for me "advanced nurses" --- isnt that what one becomes after having completed the program, rather than prereq for entering the program?

MikeyJ, RN · Mar 14, 2007

thanks for suggestion sistermike, i am currently completing my first year of bsn program at a university which offers pmhnp but the wording for entry requirements is confusing. the masters program prereqs state that masters level is for advanced nurses who wish to pursue pmhnp. the confusing term for me "advanced nurses" --- isnt that what one becomes after having completed the program, rather than prereq for entering the program?

Well definitely keep your mind open throughout your BSN program -- you may end up falling in love with another specialty. Regarding the term "advanced nurses" that your school uses in regards to their masters program, I would probably call the school of nursing and speak with them about their requirements and they could probably elaborate on that.