newbie question-what to do with MSN degree?

[SiennaGreen]

I am just beginning my journey to CNM and have a question to ask of you experienced students. I am interested in a BS to MSN program since I already possess a BS in Hled. So far, I am assuming that I would enter the work force after completing the MSN in order to gain some experience as an RN before proceeding to AP training and the CNM. I don't need to debate whether the experience is neccesary. Right now, I feel like it would be since I have no hands on nursing experience and I would feel more comfortable.

My questionis: What jobs would I do with that MSN? Would I do what every other entry level RN would do or would the MSN actually end up being a hinderance in gaining employment? I know in other fields I have worked in, there really was such a thing as having 'too much' education for entry level positions. You priced yourself out of a job, essentially.

Any feedback would be appreciated greatly!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Hi chaundrah and welcome to all nurses. I think with the proliferation of the entry-level MSN RN, you would be able to find an entry level RN position without difficulty. My area (central IL) does not have a lot of entry level MSN's because we have no programs here. However, it would not be a hindrance to entry level practice. I presume from your post that you would be going for a generalist MSN versus an advanced practice RN? If that is the case, there should be no problem. You might also find this thread interesting:

https://allnurses.com/forums/f34/becoming-np-little-no-nursing-experience-193372.html

Good luck.

[JBudd, MSN]

My school doesn't have a "generalized" MSN, we choose a track and study towards that. There is one for Nursing Education, Midwifery, NP, Admin., but no longer CNS (my school that is). Our MSNs are for Advanced Practice nursing.

So, what would you want to do with the MSN? If you are looking at management, go for the admin. track. Do you mean Clinical Nurse Manager by CNM? Where I work, that is the title of my floor's head nurse, as it was once called. Hands on experience is an absolute must if you expect to be able to deal adequately with all the problems that get flung at your head!

(Edit to add: Okay, I was being slow. CNM Clinical Nurse Midwife, duhhh! I even listed midwifery above. )

There are several people in my ED who do bedside, and have their Masters. There is only a slight differential (less than a dollar an hour, BSN gets fifty cents) for pay.