rnstudent23

Meanmaryjean, I was referring to more of hosptial environment patient care. I'm not very interested in the 12 hour bedside shifts. I'd be interested in exploring research, hosptial credentialing, public health and such. I don't know where to begin. My nursing program hasn't talked about many alternative careers and I don't see any job postings in my area.

The school I looked at most recently offered the RN-BSN and RN-MSN. I viewed the RN-BSN as waste of money and time if I could spend that same amount of time doing the RN-MSN. I didn't check to see if the RN-MSN I was looking at required experience. It was more expensive. I also didn't realize doing the BSN would take off money down the road. applesxoranges, sounds like you enjoy school.

Thank you for responding. I know there are options for work outside of the hospital, but sounds like the hospital is where I need to start regardless. So is this where starting out on a medical/surgical floor has it's benefit? Gives a broad knowledge for future career options?

Okami, I will look closely into these programs. You pointed out something I had never thought of. I know some higher degrees like CRNA, require the BSN. There might be other jobs/and degrees that require the same. Thanks!

Thanks for your advice. Some hospitals in my area are wanting all nurses to receive their BSN to be a Magnet hospital. I've even heard of one that is wanting all MSN nurses. If the MSN is only for teaching though, I can see your point in only needing the BSN.

I am about to finish my RN program and am looking into my next degree. What are the advantages, disadvantages to RN-BSN and RN-MSN? Is the RN-BSN program a waste of time if I'm planning on doing the MSN eventually anyways?

I am about to graduate in a few weeks and love healthcare but am interested in nursing careers that aren't necessarily patient care. I am having a difficult time finding these type of jobs. Does anyone have any recommendations of alternative nursing careers?