megandickson

What experience was required to become a caregiver/nurse aide in memory care facilities and mental health?

Hi, like many, I am looking for some advice. I have the option to apply to an accelerated BSN program or an accelerated (I.e. Direct Entry) MSN program. I have a non-Nursing Bachelor's degree and I will more than likely apply to some BSN programs and some MSN programs. I'm leaning towards an MSN-NP Program because I feel like it will be more bang for my buck: I'll have a Master's level education, an option to become an NP when I'm ready to, and a faster route to earning my Doctorates (I would like to teach at a university one day so Doctorates is a must). However, I am not planning to become an NP immediately. I've been recommended (and think this is smart) to work as an RN first to gain that important hands on experience NPs need to make sound decisions and diagnoses. A drawback, however, to entering into an NP Program now, is that I am not positive on which specialty to focus on. Any and all advice is welcome. I do have a question for you, too: Will the MSN-NP programs would better prepare me to become an RN than the BSN programs? Cost is a factor in decision, but for this argument's sake, let's assume cost is irrelevant. Thanks y'all. Megan

Hi Haylei, I am also considering accelerated direct-entry MSN programs - but am focusing on NP programs. If you are also considering MSN NP Programs, you'll want to narrow down your choices by choosing what specialty you are desiring, as you will need to make a choice when applying. Some schools offer several specialties (e.g. Vanderbilt offers Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner , Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwifery, Nurse-Midwifery/Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner/ AGPCNP) whereas others offer a few (e.g. University of Texas offers The Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Leadership in Diverse Settings, and Psych/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program (PMHNP)). You'll want to assure the program you apply to has your desired specialty. Some of the schools I've researched include: Vanderbilt - https://nursing.vanderbilt.edu/MSN/prespecialty/index.php University of Texas - https://nursing.utexas.edu/academics/graduate/degree-offered/aemsn UCSF - https://nursing.UCSF.edu/ms-specialties-admit-students-masters-entry-program-nursing UCLA (only offers Clinical Nurse Leader) - https://www.nursing.ucla.edu/admissions/degree-programs/MSN-masters-entry-clinical-nurse-mecn UC Davis - https://health.ucdavis.edu/nursing/academics/programs/MSN.html I'd also be interested in hearing other programs that offer the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, as that's what *I think* I am targeting. Sigh, so many of my statements about my future in nursing begin with "I think." LOL. So much to learn and such a big decision! Good luck. Thanks, Megan