MSN vs. NNP vs. Maternal-Child MS

[JoniL&DRN]

I'm hoping someone out there can offer some advice. I am about to enter nursing school (FALL). After I graduate with my ADN I'd like to get my Master's. I'm an advance planner (a tad OCD that way) so I've begun looking at options as to schools in my state and online programs etc. I'm wondering what the differences in these three designations really are.

If you have an MSN can you work in Peds? If you have the Maternal-Child MS can you do NICU? I really don't have any resources. I was planning on the NNP route but then I started thinking.. what if I can't get a job as an NNP without relocating? The NNP program is harder to find that MSN. Would a plain ol' MSN do the trick? I don't want to pick up my three kids and take them somewhere new. There are several MSN programs that are distance learning and/or totally online which would be good for me... not as many NNP programs that are that way. Or maybe the Maternal-Child MSN would be a good middle ground? LOL see how confused I am?

Anyone out there is cyberspace that knows? Thanks in advance ladies and gents for your sage advice.

[Gompers, BSN, RN]

WHOA, slow down!!!

You still have to get your BSN after your ADN, no? Or do you already have a Bachelor's in something else? Some MSN and NP programs don't accept anything but a BSN, but most are flexible.

I can't understand exactly what you plan on doing in the future - you don't need a Master's to work in Peds or NICU, just an ADN or BSN. You can't be a nurse practitioner with a regular MSN, you have to specialize into a particular field. And you can't always tell what area you want to further your eduction in unless you work in that area for awhile. It's often very different than you expected. Just slow down, finish school, and start working in an area that interests you. I know it's tempting to plan ahead, but you never know what the future may bring. How do you even know you want to be an NP if you've never worked as a nurse? I assumed early on I'd also go for my NNP, but after working as a bedside nurse, I can't imagine wanting to change roles now. I love being a staff nurse, much to my surprise. Another thing is that schools often change what kinds of graduate programs they offer, so you really can't tell always what's going to happen later on.

Just giving my opinion. Good luck! Take things one day at a time.

[JoniL&DRN]

Thanks Gompers. I see where you're coming from. I have found a few programs that are ADN to Master's just adding in an extra year I believe and coordinating the units to kill two birds with one stone. I'm probably the type that would stay bedside as well but I'd like to have my Master's just for that sake of having it. I enjoy school and learning so that isn't an issue. But I guess I am jumping the gun so to speak... I just like to be prepared. (that's the only child of an alcoholic/addict coming out in me!)