Rn to Msn or Bsn to Msn

[Mmckenzie78]

So here is my issue...

I am currently on a waiting list for an ADN-RN program but the program has a duel admission for a RN-BSN program where you can start taking some BSN bridge courses while your on the waiting list. I have completed 4 out of the 9 I could take as a non RN student (4 classes I must be an RN). My question is if my career goal is to be a NP should I even complete the BSN bridge so instead go straight to MSN after graduation or finish my BSN then go to MSN?

-I want opinions as far as time, cost, and job availability-

-(side note, I work as an EMT-B and a dialysis tech so a nursing job for me is guaranteed through my tech job in dialysis)

-(side side note, Im not 100% sure what type of NP I want to be either to stick with my current experience in dialysis or work as a family health nurse practitioner FNP

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Here's one key element you need to consider. Without a BSN, you may not be able to get an acute care (hospital) nursing job -- which may have an impact upon your admission to an NP program. It's great that you are guaranteed a job in dialysis as a new grad RN, but this is a very specialized practice environment which may not 'count' when it comes to NP program eligibility requirements.

Best of luck to you on your career goals

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

What's an ADN-RN program? Just a registered nursing program that's an associates right?

Most programs require a year of nursing experience for the RN to MSN programs. I have my ADN and I realized I may not be able to swing my paramedic experience to count. So I decided to go to an RN to BSN program. I will finish it in 9 months since I only had the nursing core classes and junior comp to do since I aimed my ADN GECs to fulfill their GECs. It also will shave off about 5,000 off the cost of my education since the RN to MSN bridge is 10,000 more and my BSN cost less than 5,000.

Now, I am hesitating about whether I want to jump into a MSN program right away. I'm having fun at my job.

My advice is to research programs and options. Also, you may find a position that you love too much and don't want to give up right away. I was kind of the opposite and wound up hating job #1 so I quit and went to job #2.

[RunBabyRN]

You need to look at the program requirements. I know that here, if you don't have a bachelor's and a RN, you can't get into a MSN program. You also need at least 1 year of RN experience, ideally in the field in which you want your master's. If you don't know what you want to do with your master's yet, why pursue it? Maybe some others can weigh in on this, but it doesn't make sense to me unless you have a particular reason or path.