Direct entry MSN-good program?

[oceanspirit]

I have a masters in biomedical sciences and I have applied to a direct entry accelerated MSN program for non-nursing backgrounds. I have heard conflicting things. I heard that if you go into this program without any experience in nursing that it will be hard to get a job once you graduate. It will be hard to get a job as an MSN without the practice and it will be hard to get an RN job cause you have a more advanced degree. The people from the accelerated program says it won't make any difference, you can get the experience after you graduate, but a nursing advisor at a local college told me that I would have a hard time finding a job or finding anyone to hire me for experience. Does anyone know anything about this? I'm really confused so now I have applied for an ADN program too. Any input would be great.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Oceanspirit: You need facts, not speculation. Ask the school to give you a rundown of where their graduates got jobs immediately after graduation. Talk with members of the alumni association. If you know where you might like to work after graduation (e.g. local hospitals) talk with their Nurse Recruiters. In other words, you need to talk with people in your local area about the job situation for graduates of that specific program. All we on this bulletin board can give you is our general impressions from all over the country (and world.) That may or may not apply well to your specific situation.

That said ... My personal opinion (as someone with a Phd who works in a hospital and is involved with a lot of hiring, orientation, and staff development) is that I am a strong advocate of these generic MSN programs, ND programs, etc. -- assuming they are of high quality. They enable someone like you to enter the profession without having to start completely at the beginning. If you start with your ADN, you will probably have to go back to school again for a BSN as you gain experience and seek career advancement. You may then have to go back AGAIN to get a Master's Degree later for more advancement.

All that going back to school repeatedly depletes most people's finances and their will to continue with their education/career advancemnt. Many who start with the ADN never get to the Master's level because they just can't keep going back to school forever. If you have the chance to start with your MSN, that is what I would do -- unless you have done your homework and know for a fact that your particular program and your particular job market doesn't fit well.

llg