NP path question

[ToBeMSNNP]

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

[ToBeMSNNP]

So many views and no reply yet.I came to this forum expecting that someone will help me out considering the situation I am.But it is really unfortunate.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

The reason it is difficult to get a job as an RN with an entry-level MSN is because hospitals are reluctant to hire someone with a master's degree for an entry-level new grad position. Your best bet is an accelerated BSN and then go into an NP program after getting some experience. OR keep pursuing a medical residency.

The hurdle you'll be facing is getting your foreign college credits evaluated- that can be a lengthy process, and you may find yourself repeating some coursework if it does not meet American university standards.

[ToBeMSNNP]

Thanks for detailed answer.I am confused .Why Hospitals do not want to hire someone with an advanced degree?

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Thanks for detailed answer.I am confused .Why Hospitals do not want to hire someone with an advanced degree?

If they are going to pay for a master's degree, they want someone with experience, not a new grad. Master's entry grads often have difficulty securing that first job in some markets.

[ToBeMSNNP]

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?

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

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?

No clue. Is your first bachelor's foreign? If it is, your first step is to see if anyone will admit you. Baby steps my friend, baby steps.

[elkpark]

If they are going to pay for a master's degree, they want someone with experience, not a new grad. Master's entry grads often have difficulty securing that first job in some markets.

A lot of employers also assume (usually correctly) that a Master's-prepared new grad RN is not seriously interested in bedside nursing and is not going to stick around for long before leaving to pursue something else. It's a waste of time and money for the employer to hire and orient a new grad who is going to leave in a year or two to return to school or pursue another role.

[ToBeMSNNP]

OK.So that means a nurse with MSN is unemployable?Strange

[elkpark]

Not "unemployable," just not as easily employable as you might expect. I realize it seems counterintuitive, but the advanced degree doesn't give you much of an advantage for entry level nursing jobs.

[ToBeMSNNP]

I want to do direct entry MSN for two reasons.Firstly,I can do post masters certification in NP and enter work market in a short period rather than doing Accelerated BSN and then complete masters program.I thought it is a long plan.Plus I am getting the masters in same cost as it is for BSN.

Also if I change my mind to CRNA,may be some of my credits can transfer to that program.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

I want to do direct entry MSN for two reasons.Firstly,I can do post masters certification in NP and enter work market in a short period rather than doing Accelerated BSN and then complete masters program.I thought it is a long plan.Plus I am getting the masters in same cost as it is for BSN.

Also if I change my mind to CRNA,may be some of my credits can transfer to that program.

You asked our opinions, we gave them . Do as you wish.

Be aware also that very few post-bacc programs allow students to transfer in coursework from other universities. Just an FYI. Again, if your undergrad is from outside the US, your first step is getting that degree vetted for American nursing programs.