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!

But I also want to point out a path you may not have thought of: Nursing Professional Development (NPD). NPD is the official name of the specialty that does Staff Development. We do things like .... orient new staff, teach annual safety updates, teach CPR, teach new equipment and procedures, etc.

I'll definitely look into this. It sounds like a great fit for me. THANK YOU so much!

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Specializes in Inpatient psych, LTC.

I had a non-nursing BA and then got my ADN. I decided to do a BSN program instead of an RN-MSN program because a lot of jobs in my area require a BSN. Even if you have an MSN, they want the BSN too. Isn't that lame?? Anyway, so that is why I did the BSN and am now applying to school for my MSN. Pretty circuitous and expensive route but I am glad I got the BSN because as I apply to grad school many of the schools are requiring a BSN as well. So, just an FYI.

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
Even if you have an MSN, they want the BSN too. Isn't that lame??

That hasn't been my experience. Who does and for what?

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