MiszMo

I didn't even think about the importance of transitioning from a student to a professional! That would be vital. As well as the experience helping with my graduate studies and tuition. Suddenly that idea makes much more sense, Thanks for your great insight!!!

So I just finished my summer internship in the Neuro ICU and it was quite an experience! My last year in the BSN program begins in August, I finish in May. I'm currently deciding whether I want to go back to school for my MSN/MPH the following year or if I should take a year off and do bedside nursing? I can't see myself as a bedside nurse forever but everytime I speak to someone about graduate school, "experience" comes up and I am utterly confused! Some say you shouldn't be allowed to be a NP without working as an RN for a year or 2, and others are saying it doesn't matter at all. I learned a lot this summer, but it also made me realize just how much I don't know & how much it seems I can only learn by WORKING as a RN. After awhile the Neuro ICU became boring & repetitive but I had share days in the NICU and Peds & I loved both!! I want to become a NP and work in underserved community hospitals/clinics in the US and abroad. I also have a strong interest in policy making and planning so that is why I wish to pursue the MPH. I just wonder if it is feasible to work part time as a RN while I pursue my MSN/MPH? or if I should take a year off to work as an RN for experience? Or do you feel the experience as an RN is unnecessary until after graduation from the Masters program? I am trying to weigh the options before I apply for schools in December/ January, I would hate to waste time!