NP path question

Nursing Students NP Students

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I am a foreign medical graduate with no residency training here unfortunately.I am interested in Nurse Practitioner route as I think it is closest to being an MD.I have two options.

1.Do accelerated BSN in 16 months.Work a year as RN and then do NP masters degree

2.Do Direct entry MSN in 20 months,get RN license,work some time as RN and then get post masters certificate in any NP specialty.It will take around a year to finish

I have searched this forum about this and still not clear which path to choose.

I have heard that to get a RN job is very tough as MSN grad rather than a BSN grad.If yes then WHY?Guys I need some serious help and your sincere suggestions on this.Please help me out

Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

It's hard to give you advice not knowing your job market. Where are you in the US? I'm in Northern California and there isn't a discrimination towards Master's prepared entry level RN's here from what I could tell. There is, however, discrimination towards new grads in general as employers can easily find experienced nurses from elsewhere (out of state) coming into the state highly qualified for the positions posted. The high RN salaries attract RN's to the area.

There is a need for APRN's in some areas (Psych, Family Practice outside of the big cities and in underserved communities within cities) and some direct entry NP graduates could get those jobs. So if you lived here, you would actually have a better chance of working in an NP role directly than finding a job as an RN. The salaries between RN's and NP's are close and in some instances, RN's can make more.

I have heard about foreign medical grads with no residency prospects. Hoping to somehow work as an NP.

You are essentially starting from scratch. Your previous education or credits will mean little or nothing.

After about age 22, everyone has to account for time on their resume.

Depending on the local market, either path could be rough, or no issue.

In a tight job market, you will be seen as a medical school failure. Or you may be seen as a hidden gem.

I hope something works out for you.

Rather sad that it comes to this.

Hello MSNP. I graduated with my MSN May 2017. I obtained my board certification in July and my state CNP license in July. I have been unable to find employment and started applying for an ED RN position since I have over six years of ED experience. I received the turn down letter yesterday. I would suggest, if possible, that you get your BSN, start working for a good health system that employs NPs in an area that you are interested in. Continue working in that system part time or PRN while your are going to school. Then when you obtain certification apply for the NP job at that health system. Good luck and I hope you have a better time of it than I have.

Specializes in ICU/ER/trauma.

What I've learned in this life is, don't let anyone talk you out what you want to become.

If you want to be an NP You will.

If you want to be a doctor. You will.

Good luck.

One thing I do not understand why people assume that any MSN is a NP? I plan to do direct entry MSN from Marquette University.I will get General MSN(Not NP) in 18 moths.Then I will have to work full time as licenced RN while I go to study Post masters certification part-time.When I will finish working for an year or 2 in the specific field of Nurse practitioner,I will get the certificate.Is this plan too complicated??What I do not want to spend is 50k on ABSN and further 50k on MSN NP program.Direct entry route will take me to NP in just around 60k.

But the main thing I still can not get why It is difficult for me to get new grad bedside job with masters vs the bachelor.

Specializes in ICU/ER/trauma.

It's difficult because you have been so busy studying theory you haven't had anytime to practice...

An lpn with ten years experience and a fresh associate RN degree is more marketable.

Specializes in School Nursing.

I am in Chicago and attended a direct entry masters program. I don't think anyone in my cohort had trouble finding jobs at good hospitals. Maybe this varies greatly by location? I'm from Wisconsin, and knowing the great reputation Marquette has (did my undergrad there), I would be surprised if you have trouble finding a position. Maybe see if you can reach out to Marquette and ask to speak with some recent grads to get their take?

What if I specifically ask them to give me a Bachelor salary scale as I am new grad?If experience for first job is the problem then I will have issue in getting job after Accelerated BSN too.And which states do you think are more lenient towards first job as direct entry MSN?

That probably wouldn't fly for two reason: If the facility is union they have to pay you at the advanced level, secondly even if the facility did do that your MSN coworkers would be very upset...

Another reason a facility won't hire an advanced degree for a basic RN position is they know you won't be staying, they prefer not to invest tens of thousands of dollars on orientation then have the person fly the coop.

I do not think that is logical.If a person wants to go,a BSN will also get a year experience and will flee.

I do not think that is logical.If a person wants to go,a BSN will also get a year experience and will flee.

whatever

Specializes in Psych/Mental Health.
I do not think that is logical.If a person wants to go,a BSN will also get a year experience and will flee.

I think you should just pick one and go with it. Nobody can forecast whether you'll get a job. A lot of factors play into that. I don't think a non-NP MSN degree will make you less marketable. People will wonder why you get a non-NP MSN, but if the price is equal to ABSN, why not?

I'm a New Grad with a Master of Nursing degree, and I had no trouble getting a job; actually, the only reason the ED that hired me interviewed with me was because of my graduate degree, as they usually don't accept New Grads. Generally, my classmates found that they were able to more easily land jobs than BSN New Grads in our area because we had such extensive resumes and experience in our previous careers.

In Minnesota, the pay increase from a BSN to MN is only like $1/hr, so it seems unlikely that the pay scale would be a huge hiring deterrent. I could see how concern about a new hire leaving would give some hiring managers pause; however, you can easily address this directly in your interview: "I plan on working here for two-three years and then going back to school to pursue a terminal degree." The hiring manager will appreciate your candor and - in my case - offer to help financially support you through your program if you commit to working for their health system once done. Do what degree you want and don't let the fear of not getting hired keep you from pursuing it. If you're a capable, qualified person, you will find a job in nursing. Best of luck!

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