What can you do with a MSN vs BSN?

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I am just, in general, taking a poll to see what nurses have done with their careers after they received their MSN's and how getting that extra degree affected their careers.

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Specializes in CRNA.

If I graduate from my MSN, anesthesia

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Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

the only reason i want a msn is to say i have it and i am thinking about teaching...

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Specializes in Psych, Informatics, Biostatistics.

Nothing, BUT what can you do with a BSN? Why would anyone select the BSN for four years vs. the Associates for two?

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Nothing, BUT what can you do with a BSN? Why would anyone select the BSN for four years vs. the Associates for two?

WHY would you say nothing?! The possibilities for a nurse with a masters degree are endless. And of course a BSN is worth while, if only to be your first step toward an MSN.

I will begin a CNS degree program in the Fall, and after two more years of school I will have RX priveleges in my state and the ability to diagnose and treat illness in adult patients. I also plan to teach part time at the community college level. I may even keep going for a doctorate so I would be qualified to teach at the university level.

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Specializes in CRNA.
Nothing, BUT what can you do with a BSN? Why would anyone select the BSN for four years vs. the Associates for two?

what a strange comment?

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One of my classmates applied to a MSN program to start right after graduation from a BSN program to avoid the job market. She had no work experience in health care whatsoever and never verbalized any long term goals. She also, at the age of 28, still lived with her parents. I guess, by using a working definition of the phrase, she was a "professional student".

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Some things you can do with an MSN versus BSN:

1. Teach at the college level.

2. Be an advanced practice nurse.

3. Get a higher management position.

4. Prove to yourself that you can do it.

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Specializes in ICU, ER, HH, NICU, now FNP.

5. Realize that there is a heckuva lot more that you DONT know than there is that you DO know

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Amen to #5.

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Specializes in Perinatal, Education.

Double amen to #5!!! I am getting the MSN to teach, but even the teaching possibilities are great. The faculty shortage is even more severe than the nursing one--at least here in California. The MSN program has really broadened my view of nursing as a profession. I am a better nurse, and I think I have sparked some thought in my co-workers as well. Nursing is bigger than acute care, although acute care is vitally important to nursing.

I still have a long way to go, but I have come so far and am excited about the possibilities.

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Specializes in Ortho, Med surg and L&D.
One of my classmates applied to a MSN program to start right after graduation from a BSN program to avoid the job market. She had no work experience in health care whatsoever and never verbalized any long term goals. She also, at the age of 28, still lived with her parents. I guess, by using a working definition of the phrase, she was a "professional student".

Hi,

Aren't we all, until the age of 18 that is. However the term professional student is not an insult to me because I eventually plan to return to become a "professional educator" eventually to come full circle after years in the field and then aiming for the doctorate.

Life long learning is life long learning, 28 can be viewed as still an early adult. I didn't even go to post secondary education full time until in my 30's. Yes, it is hard work and dedication and I've even heard the insult "professional student" tossed my way because this has taken me ten years already...I say, so? :) :lol2: What is it to them?

Gen-rhetorical question, of course

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