BSN to PhD as a New Grad

[AMC347]

Hi! I often read the posts on these forums when they come up in my google searches and decided it was finally time for me to join.

I am a junior in a BSN program in Illinois. I am intent upon entering a BSN to PhD program after I graduate. I want to focus research on community and mental health disparities among urban populations and plan to work in psychiatric nursing as I complete my degree. I want to teach and do research and work on policy reform for mental and public health acts and believe that the PhD degree is the best route for me.

Many of the posts I have read are against new grad nurses entering a BSN to PhD degree with little to no experience in the field they plan to do research and teach in. While I see that as a very valid point, if I know exactly where I want to place myself in my profession and know what I need to work towards to get there, is it still a bad idea?

I will be working with the mental health population for my community health nursing course next fall and have also requested to take part in research of a study that a psychology professor at our school is conducting on sabatical, as none of our nursing professors are currently pursuing research.

I am looking for any advice that will strengthen my applications to these programs being a new grad and also any suggestions on what programs would be best for my specific interest.

Thanks!

[Moogie]

You are so wise to study hard for the GRE. As others have said, the test is a bear but you can get through it. A good GRE score, as well as good grades in your undergraduate program, may open doors to fellowships and funding that will ease the burden of going through the program.

I definitely see the appeal of a BSN to PhD program and, actually, I had applied to one such program about a year ago. I wasn't accepted into that track because they preferred to admit students with master's over those with BSNs but also because there weren't any faculty members doing research in my area of interest. You know, you can be a very well-qualified candidate but if there aren't faculty who are conducting the type of research you want to pursue, you may not get accepted just for that reason. I'm finishing up my master's in nursing education (at the school to which I had applied for the BSN to PhD track) and in the fall I am starting a traditional PhD program at a different school, one that is very strong in my area of interest. So this is what is working out for me.

I guess what I'm trying to say is---if you don't get into a BSN to PhD track because of the school not having the right faculty for your interests or because there were other, more qualified candidates, don't feel like you'd be "settling" if you do the MSN first. You might be a stronger candidate after you finish a master's and you might have a little more life flexibility so that you could enter a PhD program at a school that strongly supports your research interests. Doing well in a master's program might open even more doors for you and get you better prepared for the rigors of a doctoral program---so do keep that option open as a "Plan B". I was really disappointed when I didn't get into the BSN to PhD track at my current school but I feel that the education I will be getting by going a more traditional route will be better in the long run. Things do happen for a reason!

I wish you the best in whatever you choose to do. Good luck on the GRE!

[cnscronce]

Moogie,

Thank you so much for the advice. I do still plan to apply to MSN programs as well. I totally agree. The BSN to PhD program is not the only option for me. I was just trying to save some time considering that nursing is already a second career for me. Im almost 34 years old and dont want to spend the next 10 years in school. However, I am keeping all my options open. Ultimately the most important thing to me is that I get to my end goal, which is earning my PhD, teaching, doing research and advancing the profession.

I truly appreciate the reponses and feedback. Keep it coming please.

[czyja, MSN, RN]

czyja,

One is at the school where I obtained my BSN (UNC Chapel Hill). This school is very well known for their PhD program and funding, especially as it relates to managing chronic illnesses. Also there are a ton of faculty who have research experience related to health disparities. However, having gotten my BSN from this school I do think it may not be a bad idea to have experience with another SON....If I did go and get a MSN before the PhD, it would definitely be in Nursing Education.

Sounds like you have a good plan in place. I would, however, urge you to think about your longer range goals, as this should impact your choice. Is it to be faculty member at a research university where you would have a research program and teach? If so, then UNC would be the better choice, and courses in education less important. If you want your career to focus on education, like the faculty at smaller schools that are primarily geared to undergrad education, then coursework in education is more important.

If you are in NC, I would not forget about Duke. Don't let the fancy name and sticker price scare you - the best schools are on the lookout for the best students.

I wish you good luck - nursing needs committed researchers and faculty.

[cnscronce]

Yes czyja,

I am in NC. I am lucky for that because we have a lot of outstanding schools in this area. North Carolina is special in nursing as we had a lot of firsts here in nursing.

I had a wonderful experience at UNC-Chapel Hill getting my BSN. The faculty are supportive and they do have a lot of faculty with experience in my area of interest. I think long term I would like to be at a research university doing research and teaching.

I have considered Duke as well. They also have a fantastic nursing program. I must admit though that the sticker price did make me not consider it. I went to an open house @ Duke last year and they are the only school that I know of that commits upfront to financing their PhD students' entire program. The expectation is that you will eventually get some outside funding, but to me that says a lot. I also thought about applying to their MSN Education program. First they have a good program, its online and you do not have to take the GRE (which I dread) if you have a GPA over 3.4. but the cost is over 1800 per credit hour. WOW! I will keep it on the list for both options.

I am also applying to the MSN Nursing Education program at UNC-Greensboro. Another great school here in NC. Again I am lucky to be in an area with so many good options. My plan is to keep all the options open and work on making myself the best candidate possible for all of these schools. First thing is to get a competitive score on the GRE and then move to the next thing; maybe some of the suggestions I received about getting some experience in my area of research interest.

I am not looking to apply to either the MSN or the BSN to PhD program until at the earliest Fall 2012. Currently I am working as a staff nurse on a renal/pulmonary stepdown unit and I truly love that as well.

I feel blessed to be in a profession that provides so many options and knowing that I can in some way do it all: Research, teach and still practice. Maybe not all fulltime, but what a wonderful career.

Again, thanks so much for all the advice. Taking on the challenge of a BSN to PhD program is very intimidating and at times I wonder if I can really do it, but it has been great receiving your advice and comments. It has been good information. More to make me think about and I do value it. Thanks.

[czyja, MSN, RN]

I feel blessed to be in a profession that provides so many options and knowing that I can in some way do it all: Research, teach and still practice. Maybe not all fulltime, but what a wonderful career.

......Taking on the challenge of a BSN to PhD program is very intimidating and at times I wonder if I can really do it, but it has been great receiving your advice and comments. It has been good information. More to make me think about and I do value it. Thanks.

Absolutely! I also feel privileged to be nurse. We are part of a remarkable profession at a remarkable time.

Funding for PhD students is much better than for masters students. Duke is great in that they promise full funding. The new program at UC Davis does the same. But most other schools will come up with a good package if they want you.

And don't be intimidated. That's your fears telling you lies... Press on and give the world the best you can give.