What to do after ADN?

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I graduated in December with my ASN and passed NCLEX a couple of days ago. I was hired into a new grad residency program for a level 1 trauma center/ER. The hospital has magnet status so I know I need to further my education in the next few years. There are several good online BSN programs where I live but for some crazy reason I've been thinking about RN-MSN programs. What can I do with an MSN? I'm an older new nurse (pushing 50) and I only plan on working as an RN until I'm 65. As a retired teacher, the thought of being able to combine teaching and nursing is very appealing to me. If I were younger, I'd definitely consider becoming an NP but I don't know if it's worth the time and money at this point. Being new to the nursing field, I would love advice from seasoned nurses. Is an RN-MSN a viable option or is DNP the new MSN? Or are they 2 different things?!?! I'm a strong student (graduated with a 3.7). My kids are grown so I don't have to worry about juggling schedules. I wouldn't start right away as the new grad residency is intense (sim labs and classroom instruction in addition to working on the unit) but I'd like to start looking at programs so I'm ready when the time comes.

THANK YOU for any advice you have to offer!

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

A BSN is still a generalist nursing degree. However, an MSN leads into specialization. Which track you choose is something only you can decide. You did mention an interest in education- there are many schools who offer an MSN education track, among many others such as leadership/management, nursing informatics, NP, the list goes on. With an MSN, you may be able to teach either clinical or classroom in an ADN program, clinical in a BSN program, or become a staff educator. What is required to teach at various schools is influenced by both their internal policies and accreditation standards. If education in an academic setting is appealing, research your area- what programs there are, what their employment requirements are, and what the job outlook and benefits are. In my area, if I were to move into full-time education rather than looking for an adjunct position, I would take a $30,000/year pay cut, despite having a higher degree. Something to consider, along with how much debt you may take on in completing either degree.

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Thank you Rose_Queen....that's the insight I'm looking for. Much appreciated!

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Specializes in hospice.

I'm working on a BSN first. The RN - MSN programs I have looked at require at least a year of undergrad work before you start taking graduate courses. In that same time I can finish my BSN, which gives me many more options for schools that will accept an application from me.

And yes, academia and nursing boards want the DNP to be the education standard for NPs. No state mandates that and MSN NP programs still exist. I hope to enter one some time in 2006.

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I'm working on a BSN first. The RN - MSN programs I have looked at require at least a year of undergrad work before you start taking graduate courses. In that same time I can finish my BSN, which gives me many more options for schools that will accept an application from me.

And yes, academia and nursing boards want the DNP to be the education standard for NPs. No state mandates that and MSN NP programs still exist. I hope to enter one some time in 2006.

Thanks Raviepoo! I've heard that if you're in an RN-MSN program you can get your BSN along the way -- or is that just a rumor?

Good luck with your goal of NP!

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Whether an RN to MSN program awards a BSN in the process is going to depend on the school. Some do, some don't.

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Specializes in GI Surgery Step-down.

Look at suny Delhi online master of education. You can also do your online bsn there.

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Specializes in GI Surgery Step-down.

You do get your BSN first and continue on your msn. I have Ba degree and ADN. I looked couple of program RN to MSN , and really not Much difference.

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Not all RN - MSN programs award the BSN. After I get my ADN I was looking into getting my CNM, Frontier had a distance RN to CNM program, but does not award a BSN

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Specializes in hospice.

My first choice MSN program does not award the BSN first. They vary. Thw specialty I want is a little less common. If you want to be an FNP you will probably find an RN - MSN program that you can enter right away and that will award you a BSN as you progress. The point is, research, research, research.

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Lots of great advice -- THANKS everybody! I'm still not sure what path I want to take so I guess I should figure that out first. I plan on getting my CEN and TNCC since I'm in the ER and I have to get my BSN in the next few years so maybe I should just focus on those things for now. There are so many options for nurses and I'm interested in so many different areas! :)

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.

I would say that your decision should in part be determined by how long you intend to work. If you go into teaching after retiring from floor nursing your years of employment may very well make it worth the added expense of the higher degree. If on the other hand you plan to fully retire at a younger age it may not be worth it for you to take on a ton of extra debt. That personally is my reason for not furthering my education at this point. I too am almost 50 and I wouldn't make enough extra money from an advanced degree for it to pay for itself before I retire.

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