RN-MSN, and then NP-post cert, or?

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Specializes in ICU.

Hello everybody!

I have an urgent issue...I have to decide by the end of next week if I stay in the RN-BSN program only or go straight to MSN. My ultimate goal is either NP-acute care or CNS-probably cardiac...but the dilemma just starts...if I go for the MSN with the current university, I skip 5 classes...and graduate in 3 years with a BSN and MSN(but in leadership, education or public health :cry:. So I will still have to go finish a post master in a NP program. I have been blessed and worked in good hospitals, only critical care, and nursing is my cup of tea...but I HATE the BS courses...so what should I do? The regular NP programs focus more on nursing and less on theory, research, and leadership courses...so more up on my alley ...but I really would like to get an MSN ASAP since I need to get away from bedside due to health issues????

Please help with an advice...Is NP the way to go? CNS? or an MSN? What jobs are there for MSN degrees without a specialty?

Thank you all so much for reading my post!

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Specializes in family, internal, pediatric.

Since your experience is in critical care, have you thought about CRNA? Within my NP program, I had a class in research, leadership/ethics, and nursing theorists (once again). The majority of the classes are in learning diseases, treatment, prescribing, ordering tests. I like to refer to my NP program as a "mini-Med school", alot of information condensed into a small timeframe.

If you want the NP route, go for an MSN/NP program. If you graduate with an MSN only, you would still need the NP classes to sit for the certification exam. I have seen RNs with MSN degrees in administrative roles, managers of hospital dept. If you want to see patients, the NP route would be for you.:cheers:

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Why put the time, effort, and $$$ into an MSN program that isn't going to prepare you for what you want to do?? Why not just seek out an NP program in the first place?

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Specializes in ICU.

Thank you:) I was just trying to get the MSN part of it out of my way...but it would not be a smart move, I will just go straight into the MSN/NP program instead! As for CRNA...I just do not have the personality for OR, I really like the interaction with patients and family (even though I work ICU...my patients are critical but not always intubated :)I believe I will do good with the nursing part, and I will make it through theory...it wont' be as much as in a MSN/leadership.

Thanks again for the input!

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Specializes in ICU, CVICU, Surgical, LTAC.

if you continue on with your current program and do a post master's cerificate it may be easier to and quicker once you do obtain your NP. most post master's programs are only a year of full time study, plus you are likely to not have to do a GRE or other requirements if you already have a msn. i personally don't see anything wrong with doing both and it could be an asset and open more job opportunities.

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Just a thought. I earned my MS many years ago. I could have taken the NP route at that time, but didn't think I would use it. It took 36 semester hours to complete the MS. Fast forward 30 years, I went back for post-Master's certification, and I was required to take 32 semester hours for now a total of 68 hours. At present, the others in my classes who were taking the MS with NP completed a total of 42 hours.

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Specializes in ICU, School Nurse, Med/Surg, Psych.

I got my MSN in education 2006 and have found that teaching opportunities much prefer FNP so I am going back for my post master's cert.

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