RN to MSN.. your experiences?

[SoClose!]

If there is another thread on this, you may point it out- but I am also specifically asking for the GA/Atl area.

I want to further my education, but would like to just go ahead and do an RN-MSN program if possible. I would love to hear others' experiences in this, and to know what school/type of program you completed. Online, on-campus, what kinds of clinicals and how much time did it take up? I am already working (weekends) so I would have to have something that would be doable with that, and I also don't have limitless funds after paying for my first five years- LOL! (five years as in, I took things very slow with core.. )

Anyway, I would love to hear all about it. Thanks in advance!

edit: I have been working as an RN for less than six months, so something like Kennesaw- which requires 3 years of working experience- is not an option right now.

[SoClose!]

And I now realize that this may not be the most appropriate forum for this one, so maybe it could be moved?

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

Okay, SoClose!, we can do that. How does the Post-Graduate Nursing Student Forum: MSN/DNP/DNSc/PhD sound?

[SoClose!]

Sounds fine to me.. thanks! :) LOL

[ivanh3]

Having just graduated from an RN to MSN program and living in Atlanta, I have some insight regarding your question. What kind of MSN do you want to pursue? Advanced practice, leadership, educational/research? Also, what is your background? Is this your first medical career? If so, then you might want to consider focusing on professional development as a (relatively) new grad RN.

Having said that, there are many options out there for you. Many schools offer some type of RN to MSN program. Some are online, and some are local. Georgia State and Emory offer RN to MSN programs. There are many online options: University of South Alabama, Graceland University, ISU, etc. Some require a smidge of actual campus time. There is much research to be done, eh?

My recommendation would be to develop your self as a new grad RN and research the possibilities while you are doing so. Also, you may want to consider taking a few more general ed classes part time. Many of the programs will want you to have statistics, upper level writing, and possibly chem with an organic component. The addtional courses would depend on the school and specialty you chose. I hope this helped. Please let me know what else I can tell you. I will say it was a wonderful feeling going from having an ADN to now having a BSN and a MSN. Well worth it.

Ivan