bribri77

Thank you! I am getting ready to qualify for candidacy. Yes I am at Vandy!

I just have a few comments: 1. I hated the GRE. I sucked it up and took it anyway. 2. You're not kidding when you say "what's in store for you [in a PhD program]" Good Lord. 3. Loves me some NFLP monies. If it weren't for that, along with a scholarship, I'd be back to eating Ramen Noodles again. thanks.

Actually, some programs do confer your BSN degree when you've met requirements. (I did an ADN-MSN program and got a BSN diploma and MSN diploma). I think if you have a clear idea of what you want to do, then an ADN-MSN is for you. I knew I wanted to be an ACNP, so I went right through. If you're undecided, what's the rush? Don't make a decision you'll regret half-way through the MSN curriculum! Finish your BSN, work a little while, get some experience and decide what you're passionate about. Look into distance MSN programs if your local schools only offer BSN level degrees. A lot of schools are offering distance education for advanced degrees, so that's an option for you too. The MSN (and PhD, by the way) are huge commitments and a ton of work. Let it be for something that makes you want to get up in the morning. If you're not sure, take the time to think about it!

Hi! I am a PhD in Nursing Science student too, but I'm a NP. At my university, there are several doctoral faculty that are not nurses. They bring their own areas of specialization and apply it to the domain of research and developing of nurse scholars and scientists. We have a internationally recognized social psychologist and we have our own statistician. They both love the nursing profession. They collaborate with nurse researchers and have certainly taught me a great deal. It really depends on you: what are your goals? The bottom line is the foundation upon which you'd build your doctoral training. It also depends upon state and university regulations/requirements. Historically, prior to Nursing PhD programs, a lot of nurse faculty had PhDs in other disciplines. If you are successfully prepared as a scientist, the profession of nursing would be lucky to have your knowledge of public/global health. I'd say go for it.