RN-MSN For Unemployed New Grad

GreenRNbsn · Dec 8, 2010

I have a BSN and can find no job either. I considered what you are going to do, but quite honestly I am sick of school and ready to work! I would think that Nurse educators would not be considered competent without med-surg experience, though--which is the entire problem here where hospitals simply won't hire new grads anymore. I wish you the best in your quest though, as you will have even more debt to contend with when finished.

rainbow11 · Dec 10, 2010

I was considering MSN option a while ago, but decided not to go that route. What I found out is 1) most NP & CNS programs require at least one year of nursing experience - it's almost impossible to get into if you are a "green" new grad RN , but if you really search hard you'll probably find a few that do not require experience 2) Nurse Educator will probably accept you without nursing experience - but be careful! - I was told by a chairperson of nursing department of one of the schools I was interested in that Nurse Educator entry positions in my state require a minimum of 2-3 years of nursing experience! May be you should investigate all those rules/practice of hiring in your state. I wouldn't want to spend another year or two doing MSN (paying it out of my pocket vs. if you are employed somewhere they are likely to pay your tuition) and still not be able to land a nursing job with my MSN degree because I still won't have nursing experience!! May be while you are in your MSN program it's better if you find a nursing job somewhere, so after you finish your program you have the required experience. I didn't meant to discourage anyone - it's just my thought!

freeflowchi · Dec 28, 2010

I have also looked into this as I am a May 2009 grad with an ADN, previous BS in another field and no RN job. There are generic MSN programs, but you need to pick between educator and some kind of practitioner. You can also get a generic MSN and a specialty certificate in women's health or critical care for example, later. But I think the advice posted here is also good. I chose not to go back to school because it did not make sense without the experience.

Have you tried the military? I think the Army takes ADN grads and you may be able to get at least a BSN by signing on and completing proper training. This was not an option I wanted to take, but it might get you experience and a cool flight nurse position ;0)

Good luck!

new1nursebabyea · Dec 28, 2010

military requires 6 months of experience before they sign you on.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Dec 28, 2010

Have you tried the military? I think the Army takes ADN grads and you may be able to get at least a BSN by signing on and completing proper training. This was not an option I wanted to take, but it might get you experience and a cool flight nurse position ;0)

The Army no longer takes ADN grads for the reserves, and active duty has long required a BSN. The Army (and all branches, really) are flush with nurses right now; the next Army selection board isn't likely to be held until the new fiscal year starts in October 2011. However, if anyone's dream is to serve, contacting a healthcare recruiter is a good next step. :) Good luck, everyone!

suiteums, MSN, RN · Jan 2, 2011

Yep, you can take the CNL clinical nurse leader track. You get a masters in nursing and you are a nurse generalist, not advanced practice. You can then pursue your post masters certificate in whatever specialty you want.

RNicholask, BSN, RN · Jan 3, 2011

Hi.

I'm just starting nursing school in 2 weeks going towards my adn and I'm starting to get a bit worried about finding a job after school from everything I've read.

Im considering doing a rn-msn route. Does anyoneknow if those few online rn-msn programs are legit?

How expensive it is? How long it takes?

Im pretty sure I can get a job right after school because I'm gong through a priority placement program through the hospital I work at. But lately, it seems nothing is guaranteed. So either becoming a np or possibly going for crna are my considerations!

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jan 3, 2011

Nick, I would just network the heck out of your current opportunities! Hopefully by the time you finish school, things will be better with the job outlook. Good luck!!

new1nursebabyea · Jan 3, 2011

Nick, in the Pa area, Abbington has an adn program; unfortunately, they have not been able to place many of their grads in positions at their own institution. In the city/Philadelphia, the BSN is the new standard. Many of the grads at the Drexel ACE BSN program did not get jobs, and many are "out of luck" because it is past the 6 month window to be a new grad rn. Some students spent $$$$$$$ in loans (upwards of 50,000) and are now waitressing. On the bright side, some students landed jobs in excellent hospitals. It is a gamble in this economy and timing is everything.

With an ADN, you should see if any of those credits will transfer to an accredited 4-year BSN program so that you are not wasting your time if you decide to further your education, and so that you are not limiting your future opportunities.

suiteums, MSN, RN · Jan 4, 2011

Nick, I would just network the heck out of your current opportunities! Hopefully by the time you finish school, things will be better with the job outlook. Good luck!!

kudos on just getting selected to serve! Ultimately my goal is to be a military nurse as well. I was enlisted in the Army years ago, went ROTC, didn't finish because I got preggo (I finished school though), got out, and have been a navy wife for 7 years now. I would like to do Army because thats what I know, but I'll probably apply Navy first b/c I don't want to be too far from my fam. I just got invited to interview for a masters entry program, so hopefully I'll be competitive for the military when I'm done!