RN to BSN vs RN to MSN

[sillymu, BSN, RN]

I want to get my FNP or WHNP when I finish school, but I'm having a problem with deciding what to do about obtaining the degree. I'm currently in an ADN program (BSN and ABSN weren't options for me because I live in a rural area).

I have a bachelor's in another field and I know that there are RN to MSN programs for me, but I will have to wait a year to enter most of them. I don't have a problem with this because where I live associate's nursing is the highest of 80% of the nurses here. However, I may be moving to a large city a year after graduation and I know it will be easier for me to get a job if I have a BSN.

This makes me ask myself whether of not I should just spend that year getting my BSN and then apply to MSN and DNP programs after I move. It seems like the smarter option just to make sure I can secure a job in a large city while I work on my educational and professional goals. However, I'm not sure if I want to do this because I would rather just start graduate education courses, but I also understand the importance of the BSN and what it means for nurses and employment status.

I'm just looking for advice on what others think is the best option for going from the rural to urban nursing and continuing education. As of today I'm leaning toward getting the BSN just to be safe and provide myself with more educational and professional options in the future.

[203bravo, MSN, APRN]

I would go ahead and start working on the RN-BSN if you have any thought that you may be moving... Usually the first year of any RN-MSN (DNP) program covers the exact same information that is provided during the RN-BSN program and some programs may award the BSN while some may not.. And many employers that require a BSN for a specific job will not consider an applicant just because they may have a higher degree such as a MSN.

[sillymu, BSN, RN]

I would go ahead and start working on the RN-BSN if you have any thought that you may be moving... Usually the first year of any RN-MSN (DNP) program covers the exact same information that is provided during the RN-BSN program and some programs may award the BSN while some may not.. And many employers that require a BSN for a specific job will not consider an applicant just because they may have a higher degree such as a MSN.

I had no idea that some employers won't consider you if you don't have a BSN. With all the new direct entry MSN programs popping up that's very interesting. I will keep that in mind.