MSN to NP...how long?

Trauma Columnist · Nov 26, 2008

I would look into various programs. I did a post-MSN adult health CNS which took two semesters. However, I used all my PTO time in order to do clinicals. It was a very hectic year! I work in an APN role and yes, indeed I would do it again.

Sunflower3 · Nov 26, 2008

Trauma,

Was things hectic because you were working FT/PT while doing school, or was the learning the curriculum a heavy load in itself?

Thanks,

Sunflower3

jyrn · Nov 26, 2008

I would look into various programs. I did a post-MSN adult health CNS which took two semesters. However, I used all my PTO time in order to do clinicals. It was a very hectic year! I work in an APN role and yes, indeed I would do it again.

Did you do the CNS first or the APN? If you did the CNS first, how long to get the APN? Thank you for answering me. jy

allnurses Guide · Nov 26, 2008

The CNS *is* the APN... in Illinois where the poster is from.

Trauma Columnist · Nov 26, 2008

Thanks ghilbert. Yes, I did my MSN with a concentration in management and leadership, then went immediately back to school for the adult health CNS.

It was busy but doable - I did work fulltime and go to school fulltime but my kids were adults at the time so that made things bearable. My husband is super supportive also.

Sunflower3 · Nov 26, 2008

Trauma,

Thanks for this insight. Did you think that the APN curriculum was a heavier work load than your management/leadership? My MSN will be in education, and outside of APA formated papers and discussion postings, it's not been hard, just time consuming.

Thanks again,

Sunflower3

Trauma Columnist · Nov 27, 2008

The APN portion (at least the adult health CNS that I did) was demanding in a different type of way - the clinicals were extremely interesting and I really liked that a lot. We didn't do nearly as many papers as in the MSN program but then, once you have the core MSN classes out of the way, most of what I did was hands-on. (I like that much better than endless papers!)

Sunflower3 · Nov 27, 2008

So, it was a lot of memorization and demonstration of practical applications? Thanks again for this great information!:)

Thanks,

Sunflower3

jyrn · Nov 27, 2008

Thank you everyone for your responses.

I will have my CNL/MSN in 5/2009. One part of me wonders if I should become a nurse practitioner. I am not sure how long it would take though. jy

Trauma Columnist · Nov 28, 2008

Check into different programs. Since the CNL MSN is not considered an APN role but more of a generalist MSN, you would at least have the MSN out of the way and only need the clinical courses.