Suggestions on which route to MSN/NP?

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I recently finished my BS in BioChem and have decided to pursue a degree in nursing. I'm working as a medical scribe and a tech in the ED and just waiting for a spot to open up at the local RN program. I've decide which school I'll be getting my RN (ADN, not BSN) at and have a few paths that I could choose from. I've done tons of research and have lists of schools depending on which route I take but am just looking for some suggetions or advice from the nursing community.

Option 1: I finish my RN, work a few years in the local trauma center/ICU and get some experience. The hospital will pay for my BSN completion as long as I promise a few more years at the hospital (which I am not against), meanwhile working on my TNS. I'll be moving to Chicagoland area in about 4-5 years then I could pursue the MSN/NP. Overall I'd be paying for my RN (around $5,500 because is a community college) then my MSN/NP which varies in cost.

Option 2: I finish my RN and work for 3-4 years in the trauma center/ICU move to Chicagoland area and attempt to get in a General Entry program where I get my MSN/NP at one of those programs.

I guess it boils down to does anyone have any advice on the Generalist Entry programs?

I am looking to get into management, not looking to stay in a clinical setting for more whole career. Is there a benefit to getting my NP if I want to go into management or is a BSN/MSN enough?

Are there many programs out there for MSN that focus in management?

Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

It's probably due to regional differences, but I'm a bit confused on the term "General Entry Program" for MSN/NP.

Is your goal to become an NP or Nurse Administrator? Those two tracks are completely different. After you complete the core graduate curriculum, the academic pathway then diverges into your chosen area. NPs focus on development of advanced hands-on skills/knowledge and the NA track will focus on business/leadership. The best NA programs also include a leadership practicum which will get your foot in the networking door. The uber-best NA programs are actually hybrid MSN+ programs (MSN/MBA or MSN/MHA).

IMO, an NP program is not very valuable for aspiring Nurse Administrators. No one is hired into a nurse leadership role without relevant experience.

Best of luck, which ever direction you choose.

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