MSW -> RN? advice wanted

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I have a Masters in a lower-paying field (Social Work) and am considering enrolling in a community college to get pre-reqs such as chemistry and biology for an eventual RN program.

I love working with people (currently I work in a psychiatric setting), and this would be a way for me to earn more money.

I'm wondering if anybody on earth has ever taken this path before. I currently work with nurses (two RNs and two ARNPs) and they have all told me that I'm stupid for wanting to "go backward" and get a BA-level license when I already have a Masters-level license (in a non-nursing field).

My primary goal is to earn more money, while still working in my current setting. My family situation has recently changed and I need to earn about $60,000 per year at least and I am currently not doing that.

How would you advise me?

Have any of you had a Masters (or higher) in another field and then switched to nursing?

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Specializes in nursing education.

Go backward? My goodness. Personally I think it's ridiculous that a field like social work demands a masters degree, a high level of commitment, and pays so minimally. Nursing wouldn't be going backward, even if you do an ADN program. In fact you would likely be in high demand for case management, UR, or whatever with your background.

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You can't be going backward if you aren't even on the same track. I'm not sure where you are, but if you want to earn a higher degree, some schools offer direct-entry MSN programs. While you would still be a new grad in the field, you will have the education to advance quickly. I know UT and Vanderbilt both have programs, but I am not sure about other states.

These programs are VERY intense, and it would be difficult to work during the program. If you are the primary bread-winner in your family right now, which unless I've read too much into your post, you are, then considering a slower track and continuing to further your education once you have your RN is likely a great choice for you. If you have the time to bust your butt for 2 years or so, I would say look into direct entry MSN programs, otherwise, I agree with Hey_Suz. An ASN will get your foot in the door and you can continue your education from there (a MSN from that point also may be a possibility, just depending on your location).

No matter what you decide, it sounds like you have a lot on your plate right now, good luck to you!

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Specializes in Ambulatory Surgery, PACU,SICU.

I have a MDIV and was working FT and went back to school to get my ADN. I work 0.6 FTE now, but I were to change that to 1.0 I would make more than I ever did with my MDIV. degree. If you take a few classes at a CC and keep working, you can see if it seems worth it. Get a PCT position at a hospital and they will reimburse your tuition, at least in the midwest that is what I did. I worked FT and PT as a PCT and went to school. 2.5 years of misery, but worth it now, as I have no tuition debt and enjoy my job a lot.

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Thank you for this feedback. It is really helpful.

Right now, a career switch is just in the "in my head" planning stages so I am going to ask some questions which might sound stupid.

I thought that direct-to-MSN programs were open only to people who already have a background in nursing? I have my Masters, but not in Nursing.

Can you please explain all the abbreviations to me? What is "UR?" What is 0.6 FTE? What is PCT?

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Specializes in nursing education.
Thank you for this feedback. It is really helpful.

Right now, a career switch is just in the "in my head" planning stages so I am going to ask some questions which might sound stupid.

I thought that direct-to-MSN programs were open only to people who already have a background in nursing? I have my Masters, but not in Nursing.

Can you please explain all the abbreviations to me? What is "UR?" What is 0.6 FTE? What is PCT?

Direct entry MSN is for people who already have a bachelors degree, you finish whatever prerequisites you need (usually A&P, microbiology stuff like that - you probably already have all the psych and English etc). The BSN portion takes about 18 months then you go right into the MSN portion. You can also do a direct entry BSN and just do the 18 month (INTENSE) portion. They are for people without background in nursing, but usually biology, health related, etc. You, for instance.

UR=utilization review, like case management kind of.

FTE = full time equivalent, 0.6=60% or 24 hours/week.

PCT= patient care technician

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Thank you again. You're really helpful!

I just searched online a bit (today is my day off, can you tell?) and I think there are no direct-to-MSN programs in my state. The closest one would be in Cincinnati.

I have a lot to think about...

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At University of Maryland in Baltimore, they have a direct entry MSN for those who have a bachelor's in something not health related. I have two friends currently in the program who both have under grad psychology degrees. You can either complete the program in 16 months, 21 months, or 23 months. If you chose to do this program, you would not need to get an ADN or BSN. The official title of your degree would be a master's in Clinical Nursing Leadership.

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Thank you for this. I don't know if I'd be able to move to Maryland, but this is helpful anyway because before today I didn't realize this was even an option...

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No problem! One of the girls I know is doing the 21 months, one is doing the 16 months. They said there isn't really a difference (in case you decided to do the program for 16 months & move to MD). UMB is one of the top nursing schools in the country. What state are you in?

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I'm in Kentucky. This is the closest I've been able to find: Direct Entry MSN (Masters in Nursing) Programs

(any of the ones in Cincinnati)

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