Accelerated Degree in Nursing or Masters Program?

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Feb 10, 2017

Moms really DO know best.... eventually, just as I did, you'll probably realize she was right about everything - LOL.

I can assure you that graduates with all sorts of "health" related degrees are experiencing the same problems in my part of the country. Whether it's an HSA, or Health Education, or Health Counseling (srsly) degree - they're all pretty bogus when it comes to actually finding a job. Throughout the healthcare industry, manager and 'administrator' jobs require underlying skill sets that are applicable to their areas of responsibility, whether it's clinical, informatics, finance, etc. Even a generic MBA is not sufficient. It's a shame that schools are so successful at pushing these degrees.

I agree with your Mom. Go for the BSN. You'll have the advantage of a trusted mentor to guide you through the process.

sweet_ifunanya · Feb 16, 2017

Hi everyone. I am new to this site.

So I graduated with my Bachelors in Health Services Administration in 2015. Fast forward to 2017, I still have been having issues finding work using that degree. I have been reading different forums on the internet and it seems there are people in my shoes who are having the same problem who live in different states.

Right now, I work as a secretary in a very large hospital, but I am temping and will be concluding in a few weeks. I was told that I would have no issue finding a position with this degree by my Director of the program, but obviously this isn't the case. I initially was supposed to do nursing as a freshman, and was pushed to do it by my mom who has been a RN for over 20 years (Now I see why).

I will admit I was not focused at all (I will also admit, I am a bit squemish. I'm not afraid of blood or needles, but I dont know if I can handle broken bones out of the skin and open wounds) and was rebellious. I'm sure I can get over that. However, I am beginning to regret my decision.

I am stuck right now because I don't know what to do next. I have been looking into either a Masters in HSA, Public Health, or getting into a 2nd Degree Nursing Program (Accelerated Nursing). I am very focused and leaning towards getting my BSN. I don't want to spend time and money getting my masters in PH or HSA or even BA, just to find out there are no jobs available. The courses I took to get my HSA degree are the similar pre-reqs needed for nursing school. I already took Anatomy, Chemistry and Micro, etc.

When I look for jobs, everything I see has "nursing" as a required qualification. Jobs that I want to do (care coordinator, program assistant, research, program manager, etc.) I like nursing because of the job security and benefits. And I think I would make a great nurse. I'm compassionate and I love to help people. I love that I wouldn't be tied down to only bedside nursing and would have other options as well. In the far future, I would love to either teach nursing or take on a managerial role.

So my question is, does anyone have any advice on what I my next steps should be? What type of jobs are there for graduates with their Bachelors in HSA? Or should I consider getting my BSN over my masters in Public Health, etc? I know I can do it, but I am squeamish.

By the way, I live in NY/NJ area, so it's very competitive here. And did do some research on the boards and while I found similar questions, they were all a couple of years old.

sweet_ifunanya · Feb 16, 2017

Thank you for this advice. You're so right. I figured. It has been so tough for me and I kind of feel like a failure. But I will remain positive and push my way through. I only wish I had known this sooner. Thank you!

roser13, ASN, RN · Feb 16, 2017

cleback · Feb 16, 2017

I probably would not do the master's in administration if you're already having trouble finding work in that field.

You could do an MPH but be prepared that community health positions typically don't pay very well, particularly if you don't have a healthcare background (RN, medical micro, vet ).

Your best bet for finding steady employment is probably nursing but it's hard to tell if you'll actually enjoy it. Your remark about not being tied to the bedside is a bit concerning as that is where you will most likely start out and spend years before you can qualify for the other positions you mentioned. If you're OK with direct patient care, go for it. Good luck.

sweet_ifunanya · Feb 16, 2017

Your best bet for finding steady employment is probably nursing but it's hard to tell if you'll actually enjoy it. Your remark about not being tied to the bedside is a bit concerning as that is where you will most likely start out and spend years before you can qualify for the other positions you mentioned. If you're OK with direct patient care, go for it. Good luck.

Just to clarify, from my understanding, nurses don't only work bedside, or in hospitals/nursing homes. There are many other fields that a nurse can work in. If I decide to go this route, I will definitely stick with it. The reason why I have my reservations about bedside work is because I am squeamish. I've been told I will get over that. Thanks for you input!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 16, 2017

Previous post:
https://allnurses.com/pre-nursing-student/accelerated-degree-in-1089597.html

Thanks...duplicate threads have been merged.

AJJKRN · Feb 17, 2017

Your best bet for finding steady employment is probably nursing but it's hard to tell if you'll actually enjoy it. Your remark about not being tied to the bedside is a bit concerning as that is where you will most likely start out and spend years before you can qualify for the other positions you mentioned. If you're OK with direct patient care, go for it. Good luck.

Just to clarify, from my understanding, nurses don't only work bedside, or in hospitals/nursing homes. There are many other fields that a nurse can work in. If I decide to go this route, I will definitely stick with it. The reason why I have my reservations about bedside work is because I am squeamish. I've been told I will get over that. Thanks for you input!

Just to clarify (and not to rain on your parade but to be realistic to your situation)...yes, nurses have many paths away from the bedside but the majority that actually obtain these jobs have put their time in at the bedside and have developed the necessary skills and experience - far beyond say IV starts, etc - to get into these coveted jobs. Just ask your Mom.

As HouTx already laid out, these jobs demand an underlying skill set developed through actual nursing experience, networking, and having the attributes in ones work history that will actually lead to landing these jobs. Do an extensive job search and you will get a feel for the basic requirements you will need to even get your application pulled for the jobs you're thinking of.

You may find your answer to whether or not nursing is the right path for you by shadowing nurses in a few settings where new grads are most likely to be hired into to see if nursing is right for you.

sweet_ifunanya · Feb 17, 2017

Just to clarify, from my understanding, nurses don't only work bedside, or in hospitals/nursing homes. There are many other fields that a nurse can work in. If I decide to go this route, I will definitely stick with it. The reason why I have my reservations about bedside work is because I am squeamish. I've been told I will get over that. Thanks for you input!

Just to clarify (and not to rain on your parade but to be realistic to your situation)...yes, nurses have many paths away from the bedside but the majority that actually obtain these jobs have put their time in at the bedside and have developed the necessary skills and experience - far beyond say IV starts, etc - to get into these coveted jobs. Just ask your Mom.

As HouTx already laid out, these jobs demand an underlying skill set developed through actual nursing experience, networking, and having the attributes in ones work history that will actually lead to landing these jobs. Do an extensive job search and you will get a feel for the basic requirements you will need to even get your application pulled for the jobs you're thinking of.

You may find your answer to whether or not nursing is the right path for you by shadowing nurses in a few settings where new grads are most likely to be hired into to see if nursing is right for you.

I'm not sure if you read and understood my initial post. But just to clarify, I do have the passion for helping people and I DO understand the nursing profession.

Check out this article written by an experienced nurse of 35 years to people considering nursing school : https://allnurses.com/nursing-career-advice/for-those-considering-653061.html

In the article, she states one can branch out into other fields and do NOT have to remain at the bedside.

Of course I know I will have to do bedside nursing, hey, I may grow to love it. My issue with it is my squeamish behavior. But from what i've read, all nurses who were squeamish got over it or don't let it bother them.

As far as shadowing, I will get my CNA license and work as I've read that is great practice for aspiring nurses. I definitely have done "extensive research" but didn't get much answers, which is why I decided to come on all nurses to speak with

Having said that, thank you for your opinion. I appreciate it.

Ify2017 · Feb 17, 2017

Hi,

I'm new here too. Actually, I've been lurking for years but with my decision to finally jump into nursing comes a registered account on Allnurses :)

I completely understand your situation. I am in a similar position, with a degree that hasn't been as successful as initially promised. I say go for nursing. The love of helping people is a great positive, as well as the security, variety of jobs in the field, pay, and so on. I say go for it now, before life steps in (I will be juggling school work with family life - three kids and a hubby - and a job). It's good that you already have the prerequisites taken care off, this way all you have to worry about is getting in. There are accelerated BSN/MSN programs for candidates who already have a degree in something else, if you want to finish in a shorter amount of time. And how awesome that you have your mum as a mentor. Go for it! All the best.

sweet_ifunanya · Feb 27, 2017

Hi,
I'm new here too. Actually, I've been lurking for years but with my decision to finally jump into nursing comes a registered account on Allnurses :)
I completely understand your situation. I am in a similar position, with a degree that hasn't been as successful as initially promised. I say go for nursing. The love of helping people is a great positive, as well as the security, variety of jobs in the field, pay, and so on. I say go for it now, before life steps in (I will be juggling school work with family life - three kids and a hubby - and a job). It's good that you already have the prerequisites taken care off, this way all you have to worry about is getting in. There are accelerated BSN/MSN programs for candidates who already have a degree in something else, if you want to finish in a shorter amount of time. And how awesome that you have your mum as a mentor. Go for it! All the best.

Thank you! Good luck to you as well!