Online MDE Masters of Direct Entry clinical hours. Please advise.

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Hello everyone. 

Recently found out I'm pregnant and can no longer enroll in an ABSN program due to lack of child care availability. I'm looking for an online program to complete my degree in order to take the NCLEX. Most of my nurse leaders at the hospital I volunteer at advise me that I shouldn't care which form of degree I get and most of my learning will come from practice on the job. That being said, I am now considering doing an MDE instead of a BSN. I already have a bachelor's so it makes sense too, especially since I would like to consider leadership roles as well as potentially moving into a CRNA position. My only issue is I struggle to find information on how clinical hours will be conducted if I participate in an online program. Online MDE programs are limits in my city (Palmdale, CA) and I'm not sure if it's unwise to apply to an out of state program because I have no idea how I'd attain clinical hours. Please advise. 

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

Whatever job you want make sure whatever degree you get matches their requirements.  That "oh you learn everything on the job" is meaningless.  Because X job requires X degree.  Period. It doesn't matter if someone is a "better" nurse or any of that.  What matters is you get a degree that meets the job requirement.  If MDE meets the job requirement you are good.  Just don't spend thousands of dollars on a degree and then say "they now say I need a BSN or MSN for the job".  And don't take someone's word on anything.  Get it in writing.  Good luck. 

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Specializes in Nurse Mentoring & Tutoring.

To my knowledge, CRNA programs require a BSN; I'd recommend confirming with any programs you're interested in about the MDE and if it meets their minimum requirements.

Also, if you plan to pursue CRNA in the future, it's advised to avoid pass/fail programs as the GPA doesn't always convert to a 4.0 scale making you less competitive than other applicants. 

This free 8 Steps to CRNA Guide may be helpful to you: https://www.cspaedu.com/planning

Cheering you on! 

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