Should I go straight through?

llg, PhD, RN · Aug 4, 2015

I strongly recommend against it ... unless you are going to get a job and work as a nurse after graduation and just start looking at schools and taking 1 class at a time.

Nursing does NOT need "leaders" who have never practiced nursing and who are not competent as practicing nurses. We need strong leaders who have actually practiced as nurses and been competent at it. Only at that point are you ready for grad school -- and only at that point do you know enough about what nursing is about (and like) to make leadership-level decisions about it.

As a new grad, you are a beginner -- with no experience in the actual practice of nursing. You do not know what it is like to be a nurse and your level of nursing knowledge and skill is at a very beginner level. Leading making decisions about nursing and making good decision requires a level of knowledge of skills beyond that of the very basic beginner level.

Become competent as a nurse ... transition from student to competent professional ... THEN (and only then) will you be ready to absorb the content necessary to develop leadership skills.

The last think our profession needs is someone who has never been a nurse trying to claim expertise and nursing leadership ability.

Nienna Celebrindal · Aug 4, 2015

I would agree with PP, at least get a year in, you'll be amazed at what you learn in a year.

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Aug 4, 2015

Do not pass go, do not collect $200.

jifferte, BSN, MSN, RN · Aug 5, 2015

We move from novice to expert in practice through stages that require experience. Experience is necessary to adequately fill a leadership role in nursing. I would not discourage you from pursuing a MSN/MBA but I would caution you that even after you acquire those credentials a leadership position may be a bit of a ways off. I'm certain if you gain the experience of several years of practice in addition to acquiring a graduate degree, you will be able to eventually secure a leadership position.

Good luck to you!

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses

Nienna Celebrindal · Aug 5, 2015

I agreed that you should wait from experience. I have had "leaders" who don't really know what the nurses under them do and it sucks. I believe they did their best but they just didn't get it. Poor leadership ruins relationships within a unit or company. I honestly feel we have too many "leaders" in nursing who just don't get it. You and whoever you lead will benefit from you having real life experience just being an average nurse.

kidsmom002 · Aug 5, 2015

I agree with the PP who state that you really need more clinical experiences before pursuing further education. The absolute worst managers and directors I've had are the ones with a lot a degrees but no real floor experience. They create horrible work environments! They have unreasonable expectations because they have no actual understanding of what the job really entails. They are only able to see the business aspect of patient care because they lack a real understanding of what it takes to provide effective patient care. Get some more experience before going back for an MSN so you can be an effective leader. That's how you will gain the respect of those you will one day be in charge of.

VANurse2010 · Aug 5, 2015

I strongly recommend against it ... unless you are going to get a job and work as a nurse after graduation and just start looking at schools and taking 1 class at a time.
Nursing does NOT need "leaders" who have never practiced nursing and who are not competent as practicing nurses. We need strong leaders who have actually practiced as nurses and been competent at it. Only at that point are you ready for grad school -- and only at that point do you know enough about what nursing is about (and like) to make leadership-level decisions about it.
As a new grad, you are a beginner -- with no experience in the actual practice of nursing. You do not know what it is like to be a nurse and your level of nursing knowledge and skill is at a very beginner level. Leading making decisions about nursing and making good decision requires a level of knowledge of skills beyond that of the very basic beginner level.
Become competent as a nurse ... transition from student to competent professional ... THEN (and only then) will you be ready to absorb the content necessary to develop leadership skills.
The last think our profession needs is someone who has never been a nurse trying to claim expertise and nursing leadership ability.

Correct, one of the reasons I loathe CNL programs, particularly the direct-entry ones.

Editorial Team / Admin · Aug 5, 2015

Please note that off-topic posts were removed and posts referring to the off-topic posts were edited.

Thank you.

dotdotcurve33 · Aug 5, 2015

Thanks for all the feedback. Yes, I do know that I will need experience & I do not expect to get a leadership job right away ( I know it will be a couple of years off). I would just like to earn my degrees slowly as I gain the experience.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Aug 6, 2015

It's pretty clear & consistent in nursing literature that it takes about 5 years of experience to become a proficient nurse - one capable of serving as a role model. This should be incorporated into OP's career & education plan.

Best of luck on beginning your nursing career. I hope you succeed in your aspirations - we need a continuing supply of bright, talented & COMPETENT nurse leaders.