RN-MSN over RN->BSN->MSN, and MSN focus

Trauma Columnist · Sep 8, 2008

I was an ADN and decided to go back to school and truly wish that I had done an ADN to MSN program. I think if you decide to go this route you have to have a clear job goal in mind. Doing your research as to what it takes to get where you want to go is the key. For instance, there are several threads here about states where if you have an FNP you are not going to find it hard to land a hospital job. Yes, in other areas, the FNP is the way to go.

I think with 11 years RN experience, you have a very good idea where you want to go and could pick an MSN program that would fit your needs. Good luck and let us know what you choose.

mombabyrn · Sep 10, 2008

Thanks for the reply. If you don't mind answering, what is it that makes you wish you had done the RN-MSN? I'd like to learn from those who have walked this path before. BTW I believe we are in the same state- IL. I think I remember reading a post from you before saying you were around Peoria.

Does anyone else have any comments?

I do have a good idea of what I'd like to do. But with the way the MSNs seem to delineate careers now, I want to make sure I don't severely limit myself. One of the fantastic things about nursing is that there are so many options and paths to take. I'm still a long way off from retirement (if that is even possible anymore) and who knows what the future may hold.

MB37 · Sep 10, 2008

Do you want to stay in OB? My instructor for that class in NS was an ARNP with a specialty in women's health - that means she does exams and all that, both for pregnant and non-pregnant women, but doesn't deliver babies. I wouldn't specialize in education unless you KNOW that you want to teach. Most of our instructors (BSN) were NPs (many had PhDs as well, but it wasn't required to teach BSN students), and had no specific degree in education. If you're completely unsure, then you should probably just earn your BSN while you spend some time researching the various options out there. If you have some ideas, you could try shadowing some practicing NPs to see if their specialty would really fit you. You do kind of have to specialize, it seems like, so it wouldn't be advisable to go to school until you know what you'd like to do with the degree. However, in my area at least, you can take some basic MSN classes without making a decision. I never had an associates, so I'm not sure how the RN-MSN programs work - do they have you start with the BSN transition courses? And do you have to declare an MSN specialty going in? If not, then go for it, and start researching what's out there now.

dorselm · Sep 11, 2008

The best thing to do is to talk with a counselor at some of the different schools that you want to attend. They can tell you what your options are and what path you can take with your degree.