RN to BSN or RN to MSN?

[melodie04]

Please someone help me out. I have an Associate degree in Nursing and also have a Bachelors degree in a non-nursing field. I obtained my nursing licence 2 yrs ago, and since then, have been working in Long term Care, which sucks to say the least. All the hospitals I applied to wanted someone with a BSN. This fall I finally decided to go back to school and got accepted into 2 universities - one for RN to MSN; and the other RN to BSN(both are online programs). Here is my dilema: Should I go straight to the MSN program and save time and money; or Should I just start with the BSN which employers are asking for, and thereafter, pursue the MSN program? Additionally, the masters program costs a lot more, and apart from that, I do not feel that I have enough exposure/experience in Nursing to, adequately,embark on the masters program yet. Any suggestion will be highly appreciated.

[melodie04]

Thanks everyone for the insight. I'll go straight for the MSN. Two more years of school would do it for me. Thanks again .

[zaira6]

I have a question..

Im a medical Assistant with an Associate of science degree but i want to get my BSN then MSN but i only see RN to BSN, Do i have to become and RN first before being able to get my BSN then MSN? I would like to get into a school and knock it all out the way now.

Is it possible to get my RN and BSN at the same time? since i have my associates

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I have a question..

Im a medical Assistant with an Associate of science degree but i want to get my BSN then MSN but i only see RN to BSN, Do i have to become and RN first before being able to get my BSN then MSN? I would like to get into a school and knock it all out the way now.

Is it possible to get my RN and BSN at the same time? since i have my associates

You can complete your BSN to become a RN...so technically the answer to your question is: yes, you can do both at the same time. You're basically looking at entering a 4 year program to complete your BSN. However, since you have an associates' already, you may qualify for an accelerated BSN program (ABSN) or at least be able to place out of many of the pre-req classes.

Your other option is to go for an entry-level MSN program. Don't know how long that would take, but when you graduate you'd have a MSN and be ready to sit for the NCLEX.

So you know, it's not the degree program itself that makes you a RN: it's passing the NCLEX that will result in licensure. You can qualify for the NCLEX with either a nursing degree or completion of a non-degree (diploma) nursing program.

[sdorrn]

Melodie, I am interested in doing the same thing. I also have a BS in another area other than nursing. Do you mind me asking which school you chose?

[HOPE1932]

Can you tell me why MSN? Is that before NP? I have my BSN and some masters classes, although never in a selcted program. I want to finish now-my goal is bedside nursing-like a hospitalist where I work but at an advanced level-say working for an MD. Any thoughts? Tnaks