Questions for Current NPs

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Hi All,

I'm new to the site and have found it quite informative so far. I am applying to several accelerated MSN programs this fall, as well as 2 accelerated BSN programs. I have a strong interest in cardiology as an area of focus. To help with the decision-making process, I wanted to ask a few questions of some current Nurse Practitioners:

  • Do you feel being a NP is a lot more rewarding than having a regular BSN degree?
  • How are the opportunities for doing research or working in, say, a cardiology practice?
  • Do you feel that having an advanced nursing degree will be increasingly important in the future?
  • What does having an MSN allow you to do that you can't do with a BSN?

Thanks for any info you can provide. I've done some searching on the forums and FAQ sections, and found there is a big debate about accelerated programs. I've read a lot about both sides, so I won't begin to get into that whole argument. Thanks again.

Jesse

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Specializes in LTC, Agency, HHC.

I am also curious to know as I have the same questions. My clinical instructor said that she is going to stay as a BSN because the job opportunities decrease tremendously if you have a master's degree. I, however, would like to go immediately into the MSN program when I finish my BSN, and eventually would love to get my DNP. I have high goals and I hope to achieve them, even if I will have student loans for the rest of my life, LOL!

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Yeah, the loans will be rough! But I'm confident it will work out. I've heard the same thing, that it might be tough to get a job with the MSN degree. However the accelerated MSN program I'm applying to said all their grads had jobs within 6 months of graduating. I realize I'll have to pay my dues and work in RN positions for quite awhile before doing advanced practice nursing. Are you applying to accelerated programs or a regular BSN, then applying to another MSN program?

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Specializes in LTC, Agency, HHC.
Yeah, the loans will be rough! But I'm confident it will work out. I've heard the same thing, that it might be tough to get a job with the MSN degree. However the accelerated MSN program I'm applying to said all their grads had jobs within 6 months of graduating. I realize I'll have to pay my dues and work in RN positions for quite awhile before doing advanced practice nursing. Are you applying to accelerated programs or a regular BSN, then applying to another MSN program?

Jesse, right now I am doing Univ. of Phoenix's LVN-BSN, and I may stay at UoP and go straight into the master's program. But, I have my sights set on Baylor's new grad program in OB/GYN and the nursing school out there has a BSN-DNP program (3 years F/T) with an emphasis on midwifery. EXACTLY what I want to do.....however, I see that just by getting my BSN there are sooooo many options out there, now I can't decide what to do!! So I am hoping someone here can give some insight or lead me to the right direction of someone who can!

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I sit here on my ipad sipping coffe before I head in and do not have much time but.......

Oh my, what is the difference......,everything!!!! I was staff RN, manager, airlift, ICU, wonderful 15 yrs of nursing. MSN and NP now. Complete independent practice. Patient has: fracture..? I order , read film, staff splints, talk to pt about precautions and Rx and out they go. Sutures, Sports injuries, Whatever walks in, stressful occasionally, I know when to call for consult, know when to transfer, laugh, and care for my neighbors. Pay was almost double my previous pretty good income.

Respectfully I would find it incomprehensible to go back to being a RN not a np.

A

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Specializes in LTC, Agency, HHC.

Allen that is awesome! What state are you in? Thanks for the input!

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Specializes in OB/GYN,PHN, Family Planning.

Why do you think the job market be harder when you have a MSN?

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Specializes in LTC, Agency, HHC.
Why do you think the job market be harder when you have a MSN?

I don't know if they are or not. That's what my clinical instructor said.....I think that was probably her opinion. I think that it looks like there are tons of options out there for any RN, BSN, MSN, DNP, whatever. You just have to know what you want to do with the degree when you get it.

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Humbly I might suggest that though the letters behind your name suggest academic success, in the world you need to be smart , bright and a little brave.

I am none of these mind you and have just been lucky. However those that I admire and who are successful do have those attributes.

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Hi All,

I'm new to the site and have found it quite informative so far. I am applying to several accelerated MSN programs this fall, as well as 2 accelerated BSN programs. I have a strong interest in cardiology as an area of focus. To help with the decision-making process, I wanted to ask a few questions of some current Nurse Practitioners

Do you feel being a NP is a lot more rewarding than having a regular BSN degree?

Are you serious? 6 figures, sit on my butt all day talking to patients, drinking my ice tea, a support staff helping me, my feet don't hurt, generating income vs being an expense, job offers out the wazoo....

How are the opportunities for doing research or working in, say, a cardiology practice?

You have to ask that practice.

Do you feel that having an advanced nursing degree will be increasingly important in the future?

Yep

What does having an MSN allow you to do that you can't do with a BSN?

6 figures, sit on my butt all day talking to patients, drinking my ice tea, a support staff helping me, my feet don't hurt, generating income vs being an expense, job offers out the wazoo....

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Agency, HHC.
Are you serious? 6 figures, sit on my butt all day talking to patients, drinking my ice tea, a support staff helping me, my feet don't hurt, generating income vs being an expense, job offers out the wazoo....

You have to ask that practice.

Yep

6 figures, sit on my butt all day talking to patients, drinking my ice tea, a support staff helping me, my feet don't hurt, generating income vs being an expense, job offers out the wazoo....

Working in a corporation like, say, Banner Health? or your own private practice?What is your specialty and what kind of job offers?

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Loved your NP description! I'm 3 semesters from my FNP graduation..then sit for accreditation. I would like your input on whether or not a board cert. is really necessary? Does it translate to better jobs and salary? I'm a newly passed RN in a Masters program at Univ. Hawaii...with a new dream job in Dermatology. Just started and already know this is my life. That's where I'm headed as an NP. Not primary care. Learned to never work in a hospital during my clinical rotations. Not interested at all. Love to hear more about your work/speciality...what state do you pactice? Aloha!

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