Need input on RN-BSN/RN-MSN decisions

[veriteblesse]

So, I have a bachelor's degree in a non-medical field from years ago, and an ADN in Nursing. My hospital is requiring all ADN nurses to achieve their BSN in the next few years, but it seems foolish to me to get a second bachelor's when I could just get a master's through a bridge program in the same amount of time.

I was considering South University, which has a campus near me, an online program, and is fairly affordable--I just heard it is somewhat a degree mill though, so I'm reconsidering. My options are to specialize in Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Administrator, or Nurse Educator. I could also do Nursing Informatics, but I've pretty much crossed that off my list.

What I'm trying to do at this point is decide which program would be best for me. In terms of salary and job security, I think that NP is the best field for that, however I just don't see myself working at that level of care. I despise public speaking, which makes me wary of the nurse education field, so I might be leaning towards nursing administration. However, I don't care for the politics and ins-and-outs of running a hospital, and I'm very interested in clinical knowledge, which leads me back to NP...I just don't know.

I'm not ready at all for a career change; I just landed my dream job as an RN in the ED and I'm very happy at this level of care. I want to continue working at this level after achieving my masters. Basically, I'm not really ready to seek a master's degree but feel pushed towards it due to job requirements and circumstance. Perhaps it's wasteful to pursue a Master's i'm not sure of, instead of a second bachelor's that would further qualify me in the job I love. I'd really love any opinions, or insights you guys might have in the fields I'm considering.

[777RN, BSN, RN]

Hi veriteblesse!

Sorry. I don't have any advice, as I'm in the same boat. However, I will be watching this thread to review the responses you receive. I am also torn between doing an RN-BSN or RN-MSN program. I also have a previous bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field and am midway through a master's in therapeutic herbalism.

I have read a few accounts of nurses with MSNs encountering problems in the workplace due to not having a BSN. I find that ludicrous, given that Ivy League schools like Yale and Georgetown offer direct-entry MSNs. However, perhaps in such cases, the lack of BSN is overlooked. Like you, I dislike the politics of this business.

While I love education and learning, it seems that nursing education is becoming an industry unto itself. Constant pressure exists for nurses to achieve degree after degree after degree ... keeping us, collectively speaking, tired and broke. One of my nursing instructors told us the pressure is never ending. She, a master's-prepared NP, said that the moment she got her master's, everyone was asking her when she was going to get her doctorate.

It seems that nursing in some ways has become a competitive sport. Nevertheless, I realize that for self-preservation in this industry, a BSN is highly preferred and basically mandatory for those who want increased job security or mobility. So, I do plan to attain one, an MSN, or both, depending on how the future unfolds.

Best wishes to you!

[sunny_days]

Many other nurses I work with are in the same position as you. I would say to go for a degree that you would use. If you don't think that you would like to practices as a NP or administrator, go the BSN route. There are many online programs that you could finish your BSN at a decent speed.

[Canter21]

Some programs offer a CNL clinical nurse leader program online... Masters level... Umass offers one ... Check out the course content, it might be what you'd like...

i just started a live classroom RN to msn program ... Didn't want to spend 18,0000 on a second bachelors when another 10 would get me a masters... Definitely did NOT want to pay for anymore undergrad liberal arts classes!

[TammyG]

A direct-entry MSN/NP program will be much longer and more rigorous than a direct-entry MSN/generalist program (such as education). If you are thinking of going the NP route, you might want to consider getting the BSN first. You can do that at a number of on-line or in-person programs in a couple semesters and it should not be too expensive. You then will have a lot more flexibility as far as NP schools. I think there are very few direct-entry MSN/NP programs.