Parent-Child Nurse Clinician

Jolie, BSN · Apr 13, 2006

I am a pre-nursing student, trying to find my way to an OB floor as a L&D nurse and after several years of that on to a nurse midwifery degree.
In Austin, TX - since I already have a undergrad degree (in basket-weaving) I have the option of doing a 2nd degree accelerated BSN, which is a distance learning program set up by Texas Tech. OR I can do the Alternate Entry MSN through the University of Texas and specialize as a Parent Child Nurse Clinician (1st year you get your RN, other 2 yrs get your MSN)
I am at a crossroads because (oddly) the BSN has many more pre-reqs and requires a CNA certification, while the MSN program is much easier pre-req wise and requires different classes.
I am leaning towards the MSN, because I could get out - work as an RN and then go back and get a post-masters certificate (or doctorate by then - who knows!) And because I excel in the classroom, and am not too sure how well I would do distance learning wise.
So my question is - with a degree as a MSN Parent-Child Clinician, would I be hireable on the L&D floor? OR would I be over-qualified -or heck! Under-qualified???
Its all so confounding. Can anyone shed some light on this for me???
Thank you so very much! spin:
Wendy - future Austin RN
******Cross-posted in L&D Nursing and in Clinical Nurse Specialist forum

It isn't possible to be over-qualified as a new grad RN :). Having a new grad with a Master's Degree is unusual, but would not, in my opinion, hinder your chances for employment, as most hospitals start out new grads at the same pay rate, regardless of their degrees.

Would you not begin working as an RN as you complete the remaining 2 years of your MSN? That would be ideal. As a former nurse manager, I would have no qualms about hiring someone who is continuing his/her education, but I might be hesitant about someone who has been an RN for 2 years without gaining any work experience.

Good luck!

Mom2EllaBella · Apr 13, 2006

I might be hesitant about someone who has been an RN for 2 years without gaining any work experience

Excellent point! I hadn't thought about that. Maybe I could get my RN, then work on a Mother Baby floor for the next several years while I get my MSN.

I know for the BSN they 'forbid' you from working while obtaining it - so I just assumed the same for UT's program. But I guess that is not the case...

Thanks for the response!!!!!

Jolie, BSN · Apr 13, 2006

I know for the BSN they 'forbid' you from working while obtaining it - so I just assumed the same for UT's program. But I guess that is not the case...

Accelerated BSN programs are soooo intense that I can't imagine having time to work while enrolled in one. With an MSN, the student is usually able to complete the program over a longer period of time, allowing for work experience, which would be especially important for an inexperienced RN.

FutureAustinNurse · Apr 24, 2006

Hi there! Not sure if you have rec'd more info on UT's program but I was told or under the impression that you should not work during the first year of the program but after that you can go on the floor - I have several RN's that I work with that are currently in the program @ UT and they have all been working since getting past that first year. Have you found anything else out about the program? I am also going to try my hand at getting in to the AE-MSN, 65 spots out of 100-150 applicants, scary but higher chances then getting into an ADN program (I don't have all of the pre-reqs done for the accl bsn) I guess if I don't get in on this try I'll end up going for those last few pre-reqs req'd for Tech's program and apply there. Good luck!!