Ready to tackle MSN-but want the easy way

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I think I am ready to tackle my MSN. I have a BSN degree and practice full time. I am pretty sure I want a nursing leadership program. I have not taken nursing informatics or case management off the table either. I don't want to ruffle feathers or make anyone upset with this post. Can anyone offer information about programs that they have experience with that are not as difficult as they thought they were going to be? Please read that as I am looking for programs you thought were easy. I don't want a huge clinical requirement because I work over 40 hours a week. I definitely want an online program. I appreciate any help/information anyone can provide on MSN programs. Thank in advance!!

Popcorn?

I'll have one. But no butter.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.
I'll have one. But no butter.

I'll take your butter. OP? Where are you?

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Dangitol, I'm getting tired of these clickbait "threads." I call B.S., by which I do not mean "bachelor of science."

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
I think I am ready to tackle my MSN. I have a BSN degree and practice full time. I am pretty sure I want a nursing leadership program. I have not taken nursing informatics or case management off the table either. I don't want to ruffle feathers or make anyone upset with this post. Can anyone offer information about programs that they have experience with that are not as difficult as they thought they were going to be? Please read that as I am looking for programs you thought were easy. I don't want a huge clinical requirement because I work over 40 hours a week. I definitely want an online program. I appreciate any help/information anyone can provide on MSN programs. Thank in advance!!

Well, at least you're honest!

I don't know of any quality programs for those who want the degree but don't want to work at it or, necessarily, learn anything.

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T.R.O.L.L.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

All I can say is that the first MSN took some work; now at the end of my second graduate degree, I can do that stuff in my sleep.

All the programs that I have seen (and the two I completed) require practicums and/or capstone projects with mentors who aren't going to let you skate without putting in the work, OP. So maybe you're not quite ready if you don't want to earn it.

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Specializes in Cardiac (adult), CC, Peds, MH/Substance.

First post seems intentionally trollie. It may be just that.

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I will chime in.

Perhaps you should think about your passion in nursing. Is it truly in the leadership program? No quality graduate program is going to hand you a degree after collecting your tuition (although, there are less desirable programs that do just that). If you choose an emphasis that you are truly passionate and excited about, something that you feel is a personal strength, you will find it "easy" to put in the hard work and make the sacrifices necessary to earn that well-deserved degree.

As far as making your graduate school life easier, consider these tips:

- Choose a public university (if you can): your tuition will be much cheaper than those high cost, low quality, low workload schools (private for-profit). You don't want to stress about finances during school. Nor do you want to stress about whether or not your degree is coming from somewhere reputable.

- Talk about it with your family: tell your family that you need their support. If you have children that are old enough, let them know that they will have to take more responsibility of their own chores. Let your partner/spouse know about your concerns or fears in starting grad school, and always try to clear time for your family. This will make your life a lot easier if you prepare everyone ahead of time.

- Be reasonable about your current job: I'm not sure that leadership requires clinicals, but ask yourself if you're willing to cut hours to accommodate your school program. Again, prepare yourself ahead of time for this possibility. If you do have to cut hours you'll already be prepared, and because you chose a cost-effective program, you won't take as hard of a hit if you have to do this.

The best way to have an easy time in graduate school is to choose a reputable program in an area that you love and set yourself up for success by eliminating stressors before they occur. I wish you the best of luck! You can do this! :up:

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Specializes in Float Pool - A Little Bit of Everything.

Oh boy....

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... - Be reasonable about your current job: I'm not sure that leadership requires clinicals, but ask yourself if you're willing to cut hours to accommodate your school program. Again, prepare yourself ahead of time for this possibility. If you do have to cut hours you'll already be prepared, and because you chose a cost-effective program, you won't take as hard of a hit if you have to do this.

I would add, and ask your employer if it's possible to cut back hours to accommodate school -- lots of employers won't just let people just choose to work fewer hours.

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Most accredited MSN programs I've heard about are not difficult at all, just very time consuming. Depending on what route you wanna take, you're probably gonna have to find your own clinicals. :(

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Specializes in Med Surg/ICU/Psych/Emergency/CEN/retired.
Most accredited MSN programs I've heard about are not difficult at all, just very time consuming. Depending on what route you wanna take, you're probably gonna have to find your own clinicals. :(

Neither point you made above is true of the graduate nursing program at UCSF. And I doubt what you say is true of "most" other programs either.

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