question on furthering my nursing career!!!

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hi there,

i am a recent new graduate and have my BSN in nursing. I am interested in becoming an NP in the near future and I have a few questions.

If I want to become a NP, is this the same thing as getting my Master's degree but more specialized? If I get my Master's in nursing, that doesn't change my job role, right? I am not specialized?

But if I go to NP school, I specialize in a specific field?

I'm sorry if this sounds confusing but I would like to be an NP in Women's Health and I am unsure of theway to go about it. There just seems so many options for nursing and I just want to make the right choice!!

Between being able to get certified, then master's degree's, and becoming an NP i feel there are so many ways to go in my career! I'd like to just know exactly what each role brings to nursing.

If you could also tell me what getting certified in nursing encompasses as well that would be great!

thanks so much! sorry if i sound confused, i am!!

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
hi there,

i am a recent new graduate and have my BSN in nursing. I am interested in becoming an NP in the near future and I have a few questions.

If I want to become a NP, is this the same thing as getting my Master's degree but more specialized? If I get my Master's in nursing, that doesn't change my job role, right? I am not specialized?

But if I go to NP school, I specialize in a specific field?

I'm sorry if this sounds confusing but I would like to be an NP in Women's Health and I am unsure of theway to go about it. There just seems so many options for nursing and I just want to make the right choice!!

Between being able to get certified, then master's degree's, and becoming an NP i feel there are so many ways to go in my career! I'd like to just know exactly what each role brings to nursing.

If you could also tell me what getting certified in nursing encompasses as well that would be great!

thanks so much! sorry if i sound confused, i am!!

Hello, kadie226 and welcome to allnurses.com

Glad to have you with us.

In order to become an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN), you will be required to seek an MSN. But, one with an MSN isn't necessarily an APN. To be APN (NP, CNS, CRNA, CNM) you will need to graduate from a program and you will be conferred the MSN. Afterwards, you will sit for certification in your specialty. You will seek a program that interests you. Since you've graduated with your BSN, work for a while to gain experience and get a feel for which area interests you.

To have an MSN without APN does not change your role at all. Some with MSN seek an educator track or administrative track, etc. Several areas from which to choose.

If you are interested in the Women's Health NP role, seek out programs for this. Get some OB experience in the meantime. Will help immensely.

Not sure what you mean, "getting certified in nursing"?? There are MANY areas where the nurse can be certified. Many specialty areas. You need to elaborate on that statement.

Hope this helps answer some questions. If you have others, please post again.

Enjoy the site.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Hi Kadie - welcome. Glad you are considering furthering your career. Nursing is a wide open field and there are many ways to use a masters degree in nursing. I'm a clinical nurse specialist in adult health. However, I did this as a post-MSN certificate. My MSN is in management and leadership. I actually started an MSN/MBA program but after a couple of business classes, I realized that wasn't what I wanted to do.

Good luck.

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