MSN vs ABSN

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Hello guys! So I am having a great deal of difficulty deciding on choosing to get an entry level MSN or an accelerated BSN. I believe both routes are difficult but worthwhile. I got accepted into an accelerated BSN at GW and the MAGELIN program at mount st Joseph university which is an entry level MSN. Both programs end with taking the nclex of course and being able to work as an RN. My eventual goal is to become an NP after I work in the field for a few years. However I have doubts in my self, mostly fear surrounding the academic workload. I know both are tough, nursing is tough and it's partly why I'm drawn to it. However, my first BS degree I got a 2.6 GPA and while I can admit that I did not study, it still leaves its effect on my doubting if I can complete any of these programs. I went back to cc and got a 4.0 in 70 units and all the science pre requisites for nursing but that was at a community college level. I am wondering if anyone had advice or insight about how they felt during their programs if they chose any of the mentioned types of programs. Thank you for your time.

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I'm really not very familiar with entry level MSN, but you might want to look at financial cost to help your decision? I believe you'll get more from financial aid to still be obtaining a bachelor's degree even though it's your second one? And do entry MSN cost more anyway?

To help you get over that doubt in yourself, one thing that helps me that might help you is to plan ahead of time your study/life schedule. Write down the times you wake up, work, have class, study, bed time, etc. When you get your first good quiz or exam grade, you'll start believing in yourself more :)

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Specializes in Hospice.

Does the entry level prepare you to be an fnp ?

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I'm really not very familiar with entry level MSN, but you might want to look at financial cost to help your decision? I believe you'll get more from financial aid to still be obtaining a bachelor's degree even though it's your second one? And do entry MSN cost more anyway? :)

Actually you get far less financial aid opportunities when you go for a 2nd bachelor's. Not eligible for grants, and you still have the same limits for undergraduate. So often times the only thing available is private loans. Going for a Masters opens up a whole bunch of aid. So definitely if that is a consideration; you need to sit down, do your research and start crunching numbers.

As far as academic differences; probably not much. They are both usually about 15 months, so will be around the same pace. But you may find that a Masters program may have some extra reading and writing assignments.

I would look at your finances, support systems (friends or family in area), length of programs, and cost of living. Personally, for my situation a MEPN works. I don't plan on using financial aid, but am glad the option is there (just in case). I chose a program where I have lots of friends in the area, and for me is the lowest cost. I also am very happy that it is done in 15 straight months.

Be confident and don't sweat the past. That's done and gone. Lots of us (me included) screwed around in school the first time around. We grow up!

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No. I would still take the nclex and work as an RN. It is graduate level coursework that could prepare me for a DNP

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Thank you @cyclone67 ! I got into the same type of MEPN program. It does seem more favorable. I have a lot of fear about the academic rigor and my past.

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A little fear is good; keeps you on your toes. Crippling fear; not so much! You can do it; you got the good grades when it mattered and on the hard stuff. You should see my transcript from my 1st 2 years -- atrocious. Pick the school and program that works for you! It's easy for me -- only applied to one place, it sounds like you have lots to choose from. Good luck, hopefully you have a bit of time before you have to decide.

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Specializes in Hospice.

I would probably choose the absn program.... I just don't see the value in the other. ( I have a MSN but specific to my goal (fnp)

Just an FYI I have taken coursework at several universities and community colleges..... I thought the cc was just as rigorous. You should be just fine. Good luck!

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Specializes in Med-Tele; ED; ICU.

Do the MSN. You never know how life will turn out and that may be the last time that you're able to go to school so get the highest degree that you can... it could be the last one you ever earn and an MSN will open up opportunities that a BSN will not.

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.

My community college prereqs were academically very challenging. I think they prepared me well for the ABSN program I am in now, and I think if you got a 4.0 in them, you should have confidence in your ability to succeed academically.

For me, the academics are not the challenging aspect of nursing school. Its the clinicals, the translation of theory into practice that is hard. We have to learn to take what we know and turn it into what we practice. I find it slow coming and awkward, and I find that my knowledge has lots of holes that I'm constantly trying to fill in. Also, I find a lot of difficulty getting support in my learning process. The ratio of testing to learning experiences is way too high.

I get a lot of mixed messages, no one is on the same page. It's been a hellish experience, but not because of the time commitment, the academic rigor, which are also difficult, but things I expected.

You will learn a lot of things on your own. That is just the way it is.

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