purpose of an MSN and related topics

[BJR87]

Hello, so I'm wondering is there a purpose to getting an MSN if I don't want to teach nursing? I was also considering nurse practitioner later on. I'm graduating next year with an associates in nursing and I'm just looking at all my options. Do you need 2 years of experience before you begin a nurse practitioner program? that's what it seems like? All opinions welcomes. Also, I hear about all these certificates. I want to make sure I have all the info.

[JBudd, MSN]

Most MSN programs require you to complete your BSN first.

You can do an MSN in different areas; admin, practitioner or education. Depends on what you want to do.

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

You need experience before applying to an MSN program; there are RN-MSN programs, but I find it unlikely that 2 years with an ADN will make you competitive for them. You'd be up against ADNs and possibly diploma nurses with five years of experience and even more.

I've got almost six years behind me now - and I still don't feel prepared for an FNP. I have colleagues pursuing DNPs (OMG in my opinion) with three years' experience and I can't imagine how (a) they're competitive, and (b) what kind of clinical judgement they'd bring to the table in a clinic or comparative situation. I'm a damn good oncology RN but that doesn't qualify me to be a good clinician - that's a different skill set, and I think to further that skill set I need a change of nursing scenery first, if you will. I need a different area to challenge both my knowledge and my abilities as an RN before I go off and pursue a higher level of education in the practitioner realm at this point.

Certificates could mean post-graduate certificates (you need an MSN first) or certifications, which are two different things.

[llg, PhD, RN]

My hospital has a lot of jobs for which MSN is the preferred degree. Some are in management, staff development, case managers, research coordinators, infection control specialist, pain coordinator, patient education coordinator, lactation consultants, diabetes educators, quality improvement staff, etc. Those jobs are ones that students don't often interact with -- and therefore don't consider as they plan their career paths. But they can be great jobs as they come with hospital pay/benefits, but without the shift rotations, weekend requirements, etc.

[BeenThereDoneThat74, MSN, RN]

Normally, I'd say "if you don't know what you want to do, then you're not ready to go for a master's.". But it turns out you are actually not even ready, You are in a good position though, because no one will be pressuring you to get your MS, but they will be pressuring you to get the BSN (unless you already have. Bachelors in something else, and you're thinking of bypassing it).

While you're getting your new grad experience and taking your classes towards the BSN, take in all you can about the different specialties and advanced practice roles. There are so many opportunities that don't involve traditional teaching.