No work experience---RN vs MSN??

CoffeemateCNA · Mar 28, 2010

My advice -- work as an RN before applying to an MSN program. It is sometimes easy to tell which NPs had worked as a floor nurse and which had not. Those with experience are typically more confident and have actually seen first-hand the types of conditions they will be diagnosing and treating, not just having read it in a textbook.

andrewprincesspeach · Mar 28, 2010

Hmm...If i were you i would work as an RN. And im sure there are RN-MSN programs in every state.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Mar 28, 2010

work as an rn before going on to school, especially in a specialty. you might be in love with the idea of pediatrics or ob now but actually hate it when you're working in the field. it's more difficult to switch specialties after you've locked in with an msn. furthermore, i don't believe that anyone who has never been a nurse should ever be allowed to be either a cns or an np!

LillbrenLBC · Mar 28, 2010

Thanks CoffeemateCNA--

Hearing this kind of advice from someone actually in the field (and not just friends and family) is very helpful. My gut feeling is telling me to go the ADN/RN route, but I've always pushed myself to go for "more," so it seemed natural to apply to the EL-MSN program also. I am actually fearful of being one of those professionals with a title but with little hands-on experience to back up my knowledge (even though I would hope that would come with lots of exposure, but it seems like that route would be torturous!).....I can't make a decision until May anyway (provided I get accepted) so I have lots of time to think about it!

I also have to consider the cost as I mentioned earlier---there are a lot of changes taking place in the educational system regarding financial aid/loans, etc, so going the ADN route does seem more "safe" and practical in that regards....hmmmmm :-)

Thanks again for your advice, much appreciated!!

LillbrenLBC · Mar 28, 2010

Thanks Ruby Vee and andrewphuongdao---

That makes 3/3 so far validating my 'gut feeling' :)

melmarie23, MSN, RN · Mar 29, 2010

I am doing the opposite. I decided on a Direct Entry MSN program. I felt that going for the advanced degree was the better option as I have ambitions go even further with my career after I get a solid few years of experience under my belt. The ADN programs and the direct entry BSN and MSN programs that I looked into all took roughly the same amount of time to complete, and as such, it just seemed silly to me to go for an associates when I could have a Masters. Having that advanced degree is going to pay off, and sooner rather than later, and for me that was the most important.

Sure it was the most expensive of the routes. But I knew the costs and was comfortable in incurring them. Additionally, I was recently married and have no children, and for me, it was important to get as much of my education out of the way before my husband and I started to try. I hear from so many that working and going to school at the same time, when you have kids at home, it really hard. I didn't want to do that to myself or any future children of mine.

The DE-MSN program I chose was a the Clinical Nurse Leader tract, which is a generalist program. So we are not pigeonholed into a specific specialty and I think will serve us well when we start to job hunt. I harbor no illusions that I will go into to an institution and be a Clinical Nurse Leader as a new grad. In fact, if there is one thing I appreciate about my program is that they had told us not to do so because that would never happen. However, what they have found from their previous cohorts is that their DE-MSN students matriculate into such a role sooner than their undergrads do especially once having the requisite real life, on the job experience.

I know my entry into nursing isn't the most favorable and I have met a lot of resistance. However, my reasoning for entering the field are the same as most others-the patients. And in the end, we are all there doing the same thing.

addiesmom · Mar 29, 2010

Hello, you sound just like me in your original post. I have a B.A. in social work and I also have spent my days working in a residential treatment facility. I had the same decision to make...ADN or go for the MSN. My choice was the ADN. I will be starting in the fall.

This decision was made for a few reasons: The cost is much, much less. I have a two year old at home, and I just could not devote all of the time needed to the MSN program. I feel better about coming out with my ADN, and then working for a few years to get some experience. When my daughter is in school, then I am hoping to pursue my Master's. It is just not in the cards for my right now. If I did not have a family, I would have chosen the path that melmarie23 is taking.

So overall, it is up to you and your situation. What fits best? You do want to pursue an advanced degree, so are you gonna do it now or later? Maybe later you won't get the chance due to family, etc...

lkwashington · Mar 29, 2010

I understand everyones post. In my opinion the ADN is better because you can get some years under you belt. The reason why I say this because if you go straight through may you can decide to go work in administration. My question is how can you support the nurses that work the floor if you never worked the floor? How can you be a nurse manager or clinical coordinator if you never worked the floor? Would you think your staff would have more or less respect for you. In my opinion. I am a floor nurse. I have several certifications and my BSN. My clinical coordinator dont not have her BSN, but I respect her because she able and willing to work the floor if needed. Im not trying to down no one just look at every angle in a 360 degree turn. I am planning on pursuing my MSN either this Spring 2011 or Fall 2011 havent decided. I am just giving you a thought.

iPink, BSN, RN · Mar 29, 2010

I'm going the BSN route over the ADN route. I too have my B.A. in a different field. To me it made more sense to just go school for about 15 months to get the BSN rather than roughly 2 years to get a lower degree (the ADN). I plan to work as an RN for a bit then go back for that MSN. Have you looked into any Accelerated BSN programs in your area to weigh out all your options? Maybe the expenses of the BSN program is turning you off?

The reason why I'm not going into a direct MSN program is I feel I need some hands on work experience first before pursuing that advanced degree. Wish you all the best.

MiahMSN, MSN, RN · Mar 29, 2010

I'm doing the same thing as Melmarie23. I'll start a direct-entry MSN program in August (2 years, accelerated, clinical nurse leader role). It just didn't make sense to me personally to go for an ADN or BSN when it was the same amount of time - yet I come out with a Masters, which might not benefit me as soon as I graduate, but it most definitely will sooner than later, and I don't have to worry about going back for a long period of time to advance - as I could go after post-master's certificates.

I understand everyone's point regarding getting experience as an RN, and I completely agree. That is why I've chosen this program - as a Clinical Nurse Leader, you're a generalist and your first year of experience is that of an entry-level RN, just like a new ADN and BSN grad - so ultimately you will be getting the same experience as the others. I agree that with specialized roles, such as NP and CNS, one needs a little bit more experience. My goal is to become a neonatal nurse practitioner. So my plan is to finish my program, work as an RN (which is pretty much the role for all new CNL graduates) in a NICU for 2 years, then apply to a post-master's certificate in NNP which I can complete while still working as an RN (and hopefully have my hospital pay for it)! Again, this is my ideal outcome, but I've learned that things change in a blink of an eye.....but as of now this is my goal. So this is why the direct-entry MSN (CNL) made the most sense for me.

Good luck with whatever route you choose!

LillbrenLBC · Mar 30, 2010

Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts! There are some really good points mentioned on both sides of the topic. This will really help me in the end. I am turning in my application for the EL-MSN program tomorrow. I am still leaning towards the ADN program at the moment, but that could change as I really think things over and do some research. I wish the EL-MSN program I am applying to had CNL in addition to the CNS or NP tracts, and I really like the idea of a MPH...always have, even before I decided to pursue nursing, so I need to consider that as well. The school I am applying to has a MPH/MSN, but only for BSN holders. I wish I had looked more into accelerated BSN programs, though there are none in my immediate area aside from a private and expensive school that I have not heard good things about.

Anyway---thanks again everyone!