MangoTango

Ya, that seems to be what I've heard about no experience/direct entry MSN grads - that you need to be prepared to just work as like a hospital RN for a few years. And kind of justifiably I think. As far as ADN vs. BSN I definitely agree with what you posted, but have also been reading these angry pro ADN forums haha

Hey! I just stumbled across this and am looking at both Duke and UNC's programs for either 2011 or 2012 matriculation... I didn't see this listed as a requirement under admissions or curriculum or anything... what's the deal? I've been contemplating this whole becoming a CNA first thing, too. Unfortunately I'm currently working an internship that owns my life.

So it was mentioned that Mississippi is turning out lots of ADN's - what about the rest of the southeast? Georgia/SC/NC/TN? Also, I know people often say ADN and BSN's are paid the same, give or take a few dollars, but does the degree affect the potential for landing a job at all? What about if you just go straight for your masters in a direct entry MSN or ABSN/MSN combo... what's the outlook like for those new grads?

Hi! I have a question about this topic - if any of you are still around! Does it really make sense to get a MSN and then become a CRNA? It's my understanding that to be a CRNA you need to be an RN with a few years ICU experience (which I hear can be hard to come by these days). But MSN programs are for NPs and CNS's, so if you go work in one of those roles you're not necessariily getting that acute care experience? Question mark. Thats my take - lemme know if I'm wrong because I too am in the midst of thinking aobut all of this!

Not sure if this is exactly the right thread, but it's certainly related. I'm graduating college in May 2011 and as you can see in my other posts I'm less than enthused with my major and am starting to feel pretty serious about nursing. I keep reading threads and articles about nurses who love/hate their jobs and try to remind myself that its something I have to try and decide for myself. But I also keep coming across new grads who can't seem to find jobs, and I find that really discouraging. While the number factor to me is job satisfaction and passion, I also feel pretty strongly about choosing a field where i can actually get a decent job. So woes about the struggles and poor outlook for new grads is discouraging to me. Does any one have any insight about job prospect in the next ~2 years? Words of encouragement to keep this from holding me back? I currently have no hospital experience (got turned down by 3 already full volunteering opportunties... seriously who doesn't want free help...) and want to do an ABSN, so that doesn't exactly leave much time for work during the program. Again, thoughts or words of encouragement?? Ah! THanks!

The programs I've been looking at (competitive/expensive albeit) claim their students do around 700... not too shabby!

I'm currently looking at ABSN programs to apply to within the next year - I graduate with an engineering BS in May 2011. (engineering = icky and lots of attention to metals and numbers, hence wanting a major/career change!!) I love a challenge and am wondering if I can ask what program/school you are at?? Thanks!!

You are correct, I have just entered my 20’s, and I really was not trying to put myself on a pedestal “above” the field. I have so much respect for nurses, which is why I am here questioning if I too could be that type of person. I am currently finding myself on the fast track to a “square” career, and that prospect doesn’t excite me. There is nothing personal about designing, manufacturing, and marketing medical devices. So many tell stories of personal growth that are inspiring, but I am curious to hear about any professional growth that people here have experienced. Personally I believe that is a large part of professional satisfaction – whether with nursing that’s changing units, workplace setting, or obtaining new certifications/degrees. I will soon be volunteering in a local hospital and will shadow a few doctors over the course of the summer because truthfully I am just curious about what it might be like to work in the medical field. I would love to hear more about how men and women here have made nursing a career, not just a “job.” Thank you for the advice and opinions!

Basically I’ve been having a life crisis for about a year. I’ll graduate college next year with a BS in Bioengineering – difficult coursework, lucrative field, bright future, yadda yadda – the moral of the story is I despise it. Every internship I’ve held is a bore; I can’t deal with office jobs and just can’t see myself climbing a corporate ladder. So I’ve been doing some soul searching – and cannot shake the idea of a career in medicine/healthcare. I’ve always been interested in human anatomy/physiology/pathology, but always sworn I didn’t want to go to medical school. Now I'm thinking about it - but I see myself starting a family at 30, not a career. So recently I’ve been thinking about nursing (mostly advanced practice). I don’t want to toot my own horn, but I’m a smart girl with ambitions. I like to be challenged and don’t like being treated like I’m stupid. I’m looking for some opinions about the following associated with nursing: - educational opportunities (or limitations) -how mentally stimulating/challenging it is -how much grunt work -if you feel looked down upon and if so how you deal with it And how all of this applies to someone with a BSN vs. those who have an APN degree. I really would really appreciate any stories, advice, or opinions…. Thanks!