Non-RN to MSN questions

Published

Hello! There are several direct entry MSN programs for people who hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree. They all are usually the same concept- an accelerated program leading to NCLEX and then a part or full time program for the masters portion. I have a list of about 13 midwifery programs that are all some type of direct/accelerated MSN for non-RNs. Clearly, this type of path has many pros and cons.

I had lunch today with a Certified Nurse Midwife-candidate friend of mine. She strongly encouraged me not to apply for this type of program stating that I "never" find work as a CNM without any RN experience, and if I opened a practice, I wouldn't find OB back-up. While private practice would ultimately be my goal, working for an OB group would be my first goal, so this question deserves serious consideration. I know a lot of CNMs in my community, and my friend pointed out the difficulties many of our friends had finding work right out of their MSN programs. (I had underestimated the trouble some of them had- it isn't something you talk about when you have a casual conversation with someone a couple times per year) If I attend one of these (very expensive) direct-entry programs (University Illinois Chicago, Columbia, Vanderbilt, etc) I'd be looking at becoming a CNM with no hospital L&D experience.

I'd like to hear from anyone who has graduated from this type of program- specifically people who became nurse-midwives without an ADN or BSN. People whose RN was incorporated into their master's degree. Can you share some of the challenges you faced when entering the workforce? Also, to walk the path again, would you do anything differently?

(I'm posting this in another folder too, so forgive the double post)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PICU.

I strongly considered doing a direct entry MSN, but opted instead to do an accelerated BSN program and then after working as an RN go back for my NP degree. I graduated with my BSN in Dec. and am working at a hospital where I am in a 12 month residency program. At the completion of this program we are eligible for 6 master's degree credits, due to the instensity of the progam. I'm basically getting paid to do on the job training and it's wonderful. I'm looking at starting my masters either at the end of the 12 months, or one semester later.

Aside from trying to get work without RN experience (it is possible just more difficult), here are some other things to think about that dissuaded me:

-Nursing school is hard, especially doing an accelerated program with no medical background. Graduate nursing school is even harder. I can't imagine starting a graduate program without the knowledge base you learn while working. It is so hard to simply memorize 350 different drugs, their trade name, generic name, side effects and administration requirements. When you have given the drugs to your patients, you remember them better. I am an A student and had an advanced professional degree before becoming a nurse. I know I could do well in a master program without the experience, but I will get a lot more out of the classes after having some "real life" experience to add to the book learning. Aside from the fact that it will make it easier to learn the content, I will also get more out of the content.

-There is a lot of responsiblity that you take on as a nurse. The reponsability you take on as a nurse practitioner/midwife is a lot more. You have to have a lot of confidence in your assessment skills and medical knowledge. A lot of that can't be learned from a book, and trying to learn it only in clinicals in difficult, because you have so many restrictions on what you can do. Would you feel comfortable making a decision that could harm a woman's baby, when your only experience birthing babies is from school?

-Lastly, it is a huge time and financial investment, how sure are you that you'd like being a midwife?

I certainly think that for some people these programs are great, but they aren't for everyone. I think it's important that you really think about if it is the right decision for you. If it is, then go for it:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Very valid points! I am leaning toward a traditional program.

Congrats on nearing graduation by the way!! Are you willing to share where you are working that awards graduate credit? Or is this something that is common among teaching hospitals?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PICU.

I replied to you in a PM.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

im currently a student of one of these program scheduled to graduate in december. I too want to do L&D with the hopes of either Midwife or NP in the future. This program was not my first choice but it was the first that I was accepted too and "somewhat" affordable ( public vs private school). I agree that working on the graduate work without having a working knowledge base is very difficult but i went into the program knowing that my first job would not be as a masters prepared nurse.

Another thing to consider is that for Midwife/NP programs you still need 2000 working hours to to get this your certification. It is difficult to get a job nowadays anyway so for me to get that certification long from now.

But most hospitals want new nurses who have a BSN or higher so a MSN will have some kind of payoff for getting my foot in the door.

Good Luck

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion