What can MSNs do that BSNs can't do?

llg, PhD, RN · Jul 19, 2004

Maybe this should be a separate thread, but since there are people on this thread who might have the answers to this I'll try posting it here.
Do any of you have any advice for someone who is just starting Nursing school in January and hopes to go on to get an MSN?
I realize I need the two years work experience, but can anyone give me any tips to increase my chances of being accepted into a Masters program?
Thank you very much!

Get good grades, good standardized test scores, and good work experience relevant to the field you want to pursue at the graduate level. Then choose a graduate program that is right for you and go for it!

llg

zenman · Jul 20, 2004

I love that sentence. I even wrote a paper based on that idea once, saying that we are all "real nurses" even though we don't all do direct patient care. Some people seem to think that if you are not doing direct patient care, you are not a "real nurse" anymore. I never stopped being a nurse and neither have the other educators, administrators, etc. that I have worked with. We just don't all do the same job in nursing.
It's nice to "meet" other nurses, such as yourself, who feel the same way.
llg

Another way to look at the "direct care" point of view is that one nurse can only handle so many patients, while if you are a unit manager for ex., you can indirectly take care of many more.

llg, PhD, RN · Jul 20, 2004

Another way to look at the "direct care" point of view is that one nurse can only handle so many patients, while if you are a unit manager for ex., you can indirectly take care of many more.

That's the way I look at it. When I teach a class or develop a program that helps nursing/nurses, I think of all the patients who will be helped by those nurses whom I taught and/or supported. Once, many years ago when I published an article describing a new mode of clinical treatment, I thought of the thousands of patients who might benefit from that new treatment.

And yet, sadly, some nurses believe that you are no longer "doing real nursing" and that you are not a "real nurse" anymore if you sit at a desk and write an article, prepare a class, etc. It's a shame.

llg

Q. · Jul 20, 2004

Actually, there are times when I truly value nurses in non-bedside positions; those nurses who truly may have the influence and power to change things simply by virtue of their autonomy in their positions.

When I design curriculum or staff development programs for our staff nurses, I have complete authority on how I feel that best is accomplished. I truly impact patient care - and I really enjoy that aspect of it.

The attitude towards master's prepared nurses, even from the public, is sometimes hard to swallow. Not being considered a "real nurse" because I don't work at the bedside is the ultimate professional insult, in my opinion. Being told my background is "alphabet soup" and not pertinent to "real nursing" is also frustrating.

Quickbeam, BSN, RN · Jul 20, 2004

llg said:

When will I go home today? ... When I feel like it. It really doesn't matter what time I come and go each day ... as long as I work 40 hours per week and I am generally here during the height of the work day, my boss doesn't care what the exact hours are or whether some days are longer/shorter than others.
I am allowed to work some on the weekends, nights, and/or holidays if I want to ... but I don't have to if I don't want to.

My job is the same and I have a BSN. Because I'm visible in the community, I am often asked by nurses about getting a MSN. I say the same thing here I tell them: education is always fine. Just know that in nursing, an MSN might not buy you the earning power you anticipate. Tred carefully and know why you are going on to school.

CHATSDALE · Jul 20, 2004

to iig and ksfrn66 i am always glad to see someone who paid their dues and worked for what they wanted..you are an inspiration for others even if they choose to follow a different route.

my neice got masters and now teaches and she says she really loves what she is doing...it doesn't come easy but if you are focused, smart and hard working you deserve what you get

CSLee3, ASN, BSN, LVN, EMT-P · Jul 20, 2004

Just a comment here, I think master educated nurse are good for the industry, because they raise the bar. I work with some wonderful nurse practitioners who kick butt in the acute setting and are often consulted by their peer MD's in the unit. Because they are nurses, it directly affects us all in the eyes of most docs who have had good karma with these practitioners.

Cya..........Chuck

zenman · Jul 21, 2004

Actually, there are times when I truly value nurses in non-bedside positions; those nurses who truly may have the influence and power to change things simply by virtue of their autonomy in their positions.
When I design curriculum or staff development programs for our staff nurses, I have complete authority on how I feel that best is accomplished. I truly impact patient care - and I really enjoy that aspect of it.
The attitude towards master's prepared nurses, even from the public, is sometimes hard to swallow. Not being considered a "real nurse" because I don't work at the bedside is the ultimate professional insult, in my opinion. Being told my background is "alphabet soup" and not pertinent to "real nursing" is also frustrating.

And with 6,382 posts you have probably "educated" a lot of nurses! :chuckle

zenman · Jul 21, 2004

Just a comment here, I think master educated nurse are good for the industry, because they raise the bar. I work with some wonderful nurse practitioners who kick butt in the acute setting and are often consulted by their peer MD's in the unit. Because they are nurses, it directly affects us all in the eyes of most docs who have had good karma with these practitioners.
Cya..........Chuck

Let me dream for a minute...if all nurses were masters prepared or NPs. Less of an educational gap between docs and nurses...I could live with that! Ok, I'm awake now. Reality Therapy is like peeling an onion...you cry through every layer.

1BlessedRN · Jul 21, 2004

I love that sentence. I even wrote a paper based on that idea once, saying that we are all "real nurses" even though we don't all do direct patient care. Some people seem to think that if you are not doing direct patient care, you are not a "real nurse" anymore. I never stopped being a nurse and neither have the other educators, administrators, etc. that I have worked with. We just don't all do the same job in nursing.
It's nice to "meet" other nurses, such as yourself, who feel the same way.
llg

Well put!!!!:) keep up the good work

Q. · Jul 21, 2004

And with 6,382 posts you have probably "educated" a lot of nurses! :chuckle

I try!

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 21, 2004

Zen, what does 10,000 plus posts net me? I don't even have BSN yet.....wooops!

(couldn't resist) hahahah!