scimom

Thank you HouTx, BCGradNurse, and elkpark for your insight. I think BCGradNurse has an ideal position, but reading on here makes me believe those positions are not very easy to find. An entry level MSN (RN) would not be adequate to get me hired into an MSN (NP) position by any means. I will continue to research other healthcare positions. I appreciate your help.

There is a relatively new entry level MSN program (sit the RN exam after graduation, not an APRN program) in my area for people who already have BS degrees in another major. They don't have the NCLEX-RN pass rates up yet but the ones for their BSN program are favorable. I am trying to decide if a career change is worth it. Why am I considering MSN over BSN? I've seen credential creep happen. When I earned my BS, that was all I needed to get hired directly into a laboratory. Fifteen years later, I'm at the top number of my title, too overspecialized for a lateral transfer, am maxing out at a lower hourly wage than advertised for new RNs in my area, and do not have a night shift option. It's not enough money to support my growing family. I know nothing about the nursing profession beyond the complaints of the many nurses in my extended family (long hours, mandatory overtime, being unappreciated, etc.) and the completely opposite perspective I've gotten from questioning nurses who were in the L&D area when I was having my third kid (wonderful profession, you should try it). I have experience dealing with gore and legal issues, but I don't deal well with insults. For those who have graduated from an entry level MSN program: Were you able to find employment soon after grauation? For those with a hiring perspective: Do you consider what level of education is obtained when the candidate is completely inexperienced? Do you hire new grads with MSN degrees or do you avoid them under the assumption they're going for DNP soon and won't stay? For those in the trenches: What is your general impression of these new programs and the nurses that come out of them? What jobs would you recommend that have less mandatory overtime and minimal rudeness toward the nurses?