Shoshanne

What reputation does Vandy's MSN program have among hospitals and providers? I was thinking about doing their accelerated program for non-BSN students. I'm weighing all the pros and cons about doing this, and I need help deciding if it's a wise decision. Pros: Shaving a year of tuition off my parents' backs (they have the option of starting after junior year) If possible, getting a decent job early on Less schooling after graduation Cons: No BSN and won't have RN experience prior to the program From what I heard, lack of RN experience will make me much less appealing to employers, MSN or not. The second con is a BIG concern and is the reason why I'm wondering whether it'll be worth it. Half of what I hear people say is being an NP without RN experience is a recipe for disaster; the other half says being an NP is a different beast from being an RN and therefore isn't completely necessary to become an RN beforehand. Some hospitals around my area require at least a year or two of clinical experience before hiring, but others don't (okay, make that most of them require two years, but a prominent hospital doesn't). Is it really that bad if I don't start out as an RN first? I can't really be an RN without enrolling in Vandy's MSN program as a non-BSN student, since I'll have received by RN certification after the first year of the program (pre-specialty year). Do hospitals and other providers know about Vandy's MSN program and NP preparation, and is it highly regarded -- to the point where I could get some leeway for my lack of RN experience? P.S. I live in Houston and I'm hoping to work there, if that elucidates anything about job prospects (yes, I'm aware that the Med. Center breeds fierce competition).

@juan de la cruz In my school, you can complete your undergrad degree by the end of junior year and then matriculate to a specialty MSN program. There are some places in my city where prior experience isn't required, but I still wonder if my MSN and NP certificate will still be favorably looked at, seeing as I'll be a non-BSN graduate. In your experience, how was the employability of those whom you knew also took a similar route? Is it common for direct entry NP's to work as NP's right hand man after obtaining license?

But many of the hospitals in my city require 2 years of clinical experience. How am I supposed to get NP experience if they won't let me in the first place? I know it'd be a step down working as an RN, but what other choice would I have? At least being an RN would make me some money to pay off the loans afterward.

I was considering taking a sort-of direct-entry MSN program my school offers. Basically, non-BSN students finish their undergrad by junior year and get their MSNs and take the certification exams 2 years later. This way, my family can save money from my college. But I also realize how potentially unemployable I might become, considering that many NP jobs in my city require at least 2 years of nursing clinical experience. So my plan is this: since the school's MSN program for non-BSN students includes RN certification at the end of the first year, I'll still be eligible for RN employment afterwards. I thought maybe take those 2 years as an RN, THEN apply for NP jobs once I accumulate the experience. Would this be a reasonable plan, or would 2 years be a long time such that what I learned for my MSN would be forgotten or obsolete?