MSN to NP....how?

MedicFireRN · Mar 29, 2016

At this time it would be either a post masters cert or by getting accepted to a MSN-RN to DNP APRN program. Eventually they're trying to make it be DNP for Entry level NPs.

mkk99 · Mar 29, 2016

What is your MSN going to be in if not FNP? There are plenty of programs that prepare you to be an FNP without needing post-grad work, so if FNP is your goal, look for one of those.

Boomer MS, RN · Mar 29, 2016

What is your MSN going to be in if not FNP? There are plenty of programs that prepare you to be an FNP without needing post-grad work, so if FNP is your goal, look for one of those.

From what I understand what the OP wrote, she/he is applying to a direct entry MSN/MS program, which is designed for those who have a bachelor's in another discipline. There are several types of the direct entry programs, some which are generalist programs, i.e., the CNL role. These programs are shorter than a traditional MSN program, and my opinion is that these graduates are new graduates like any other new grad and not ready for an advanced practice role. Depending on the school, there are three year direct entry programs that let the graduate sit for the NCLEX after the first year and then sit out for a year practicing as an RN before going on (two more years) to further study for an the NP role. It is after this time that the MSN is awarded. One school I am familiar with requires that the graduate do this for some specialities. This seems very wise to me. If the person who graduates is from a CNL program, he/she would have to do at least another year to take the required courses for the NP program. There is no short cut to getting the education and being prepared for an advance practice role.

I've heard about requiring the advanced practice role to be at the doctorate level. It has not happened yet, although some schools are transitioning their programs to the doctorate. I advise the OP to talk to people at the programs in which she is interested. There is more than one way to skin a cat. It's doable! Good luck.

Idahome · Mar 30, 2016

I'll clarify a bit. The program is at the MEPN at John's Hopkins. My understanding is at the end of the program you will sit for the NCLEX and have a MSN, likely in nurse leadership. I feel that it is a great program to be a part of, but I'm wondering what else would be required after that to reach my goal of becoming an NP.

@mkk99, I had applied to a number of direct entry NP programs, JHU was a longshot and I figured I had might as well apply, even though the end result was not NP, but MSN. I was denied to all and had pretty much lost hope until the fall, so I had settled on an alternate route, like post-bacc BSN -> floor nurse -> MSN/DNP later.

@Boomer is correct in her anylysis

Now with being accepted this program it would allow me to enter in nearly a year earlier, since most application cycles are in Nov-Dec. What I don't want to do is start a program that would make it MORE difficult to attain NP status.

Hope this clarifies a bit

mkk99 · Mar 30, 2016

Oh I see! I'm not familiar with programs that do CNL or other MSNs that aren't NPs - my apologies! I agree then that post-master's would be your best shot - I don't know that a DNP grants someone without an NP that role, and besides, it's NOT required yet so best to get some experience before pursing it.

Idahome · Mar 30, 2016

Deleted duplicate of below

Idahome · Mar 30, 2016

I was confused as well, but I see now indication from their site that it would lead to anything other than an MSN, which definitely is not a bad thing...

MSN: Entry into Nursing Practice | School of Nursing at Johns Hopkins University

I think I just need to make a decision on timing and finances and the trade off between this route and a more traditional BSN->NP later

Thanks for the clarification, I didn't know the certificates existed!

Boomer MS, RN · Mar 30, 2016

I'll clarify a bit. The program is at the MEPN at John's Hopkins. My understanding is at the end of the program you will sit for the NCLEX and have a MSN, likely in nurse leadership. I feel that it is a great program to be a part of, but I'm wondering what else would be required after that to reach my goal of becoming an NP.
@mkk99, I had applied to a number of direct entry NP programs, JHU was a longshot and I figured I had might as well apply, even though the end result was not NP, but MSN. I was denied to all and had pretty much lost hope until the fall, so I had settled on an alternate route, like post-bacc BSN -> floor nurse -> MSN/DNP later.
@Boomer is correct in her anylysis
Now with being accepted this program it would allow me to enter in nearly a year earlier, since most application cycles are in Nov-Dec. What I don't want to do is start a program that would make it MORE difficult to attain NP status.
Hope this clarifies a bit

You have been accepted to a very fine academic institution. Congratulations. This sounds like the CNL program from what you describe. As I said above, when one graduates from a CNL program, that person is like any other new grad as far as experience goes. In a perfect world, I would advise getting a BSN first and then going on to graduate school for an FNP. Going the accelerated BSN route is another option for you. With some RN experience, you may change your mind as to what you want to do for a master's.There are so many! The program I was referring to in my first post here was UC San Francisco which does have a MEPN program but not the CNL. I'm not a huge fan of the CNL programs because they are generalists. The Dean at the U of Maryland told me a couple of years ago how great CNL programs are, including theirs. I don't think you can wrong going to Hopkins and will benefit from a prestigious academic environment. Since you do seem so sure of your FNP goal, I would advise you to speak with someone at Hopkins who would be able to guide you through some of the options. Being a Hopkins grad from their CNL track might give you an advantage to get into their FNP program.

mkk99,

For clarification the four advanced practice roles in nursing are Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Nurse Practitioner (NP), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). I don't mean to talk down to you at all. Just FYI!

Idahome · Mar 30, 2016

I am very familiar with the UCSF program, it's one that I was not quite up to snuff on in the application process, plus a huge applicant pool didn't help me out either. But all is well.

I appreciate the suggestion, and that's kind of where I am now...BSN to a grad degree OR this program, which would start right away, take the same amount of time, and be at an institution that aligns with my goals and values as a nurse (which could obviously change as the education occurs). So it's a tough choice for me as to which route to pursue, the immediate is always tempting. I have a few weeks to decide and figure out what my options would be post masters if I went that route.

Boomer MS, RN · Mar 30, 2016

I looked at the Hopkins' curriculum from the link and see that it is a new program that started last fall. I was impressed with the courses. A nurse colleague went to Sonoma State a few years ago for the direct entry CNL program, and I was shocked at its curriculum. It has since closed. I'm a UCSF grad in the CNS track for the traditional MS degree. There really is more than one way to skin a cat, and being accepted to Hopkins is quite a feather in your cap. Good luck and let us know what you decide. Baltimore is a great city too.

Idahome · Mar 30, 2016

AFAIK JHU used to have an entry program that went straight to NP, but changed it to what we see today, maybe to push the DNP change...anyways, I really appreciate the input, thanks for taking the time! I will update as I decide