What should I do???

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Specializes in ICU.

Please I need your advice!! I am one semester away from obtaining my BSN with a GPA of 4.0; I was offered a direct entry to an msn program CNS (critical care). The University of Puerto Rico is willing to waiver the two year requirement (work experience) because of my high GPA. I am so confused at what I should do!!! I have always believed that prior experience before entry to an msn program is a must. My previous plans was to start my career in trauma and after 2 years go back for my msn. I spoke to the director of the nursing dept at the university and she told me not to worry that this program would help me start in trauma better prepared. And it would not matter if I started out in trauma with a bsn or msn I would still be considered a nurse with no exp but with a msn behind me in the future it would pay off. Forgot to tell you my msn degree would only cost me about $6000 in total!! Please I need your feedback!!! WHAT SHOULD I DO????????

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Specializes in ER and family advanced nursing practice.

First of all, sloooow down. Don't make any decisions that you don't HAVE to make without all of the info you need. I don't think there is a problem with nurses going straight into a masters program. You will get experience during clinicals and after MSN graduation as well. Also, if you work through grad school like most of us, you will get experience.

My only concern would be the actual CNS part. I may be wrong so search this website and others and also ask around, but it seems like the CNS is sort of going out of vogue. They are definitely not as present as they were in the past. I do still see them occasionally in critical care areas, but now I am seeing more acute care NPs instead.

I am not saying the role is going away, but there are rumors. So check out the actual job needs first. Are empoyers actually seeking CNSs anymore? What is the demand?

Anyway, hope that helps. Congrats on your excellent work so far, I am sure you will do what is best.

Ivan

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Specializes in Post Anesthesia.

Not my area of expertise but I will add my two cents. If you intend to complete your MSN and the program is open to you now instead of two or more years from now why would you wait? Your goals remain the same: get MSN in your area of choice and gain the practical experience you need to open up employment oppertunities in that field. Does it matter in what order you achieve those goals? I see no reason you should wait two more years and then start back in school. Who knows what mignt happen to derail you plans- marriage, children, mortgage, health, debt,.. so many things can disrtact you from your goal I would take this as a sign you are being directed along your chosen path. When a door is opened it would be foolish not to go through it- who knows when or if will be open again.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I'm an adult health CNS - one biggie to consider what does a CNS do in your state? Are they considered an advanced practice nurse or not? This might make a big difference in what you decide. Also, is this an accredited program? Where are their graduates working? My area of expertise is trauma and ER care and at least in my experience, they would not hire someone who does not have experience.

I do agree though that it sounds like a good idea though if you decide this is the way you want to go. Good luck...let us know what you decide.

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Specializes in CTICU.

Depends what you want to do with your career. It's hard to know with no experience, and to lock yourself into something with no idea if you'll like it.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Nursing Education.

i agree - what does a CNS do where you want to practice? (statewise, license).

if you are in love with the CNS role, i really recommend some of the combined NP/CNS roles, because it seems like so many CNS grads are having a hard time finding a place to practice, and are having an even harder time finding a place to practice in a way that the role was concieved... NP's seem to be taking over those roles. Good or bad, that just seems to be the way it is. :-(

p.s. there are plenty of univ. stateside that will take you without nursing experience and you can work as a GN while in your MS program.

good luck to you!!

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I'm an adult health CNS - one biggie to consider what does a CNS do in your state? Are they considered an advanced practice nurse or not? This might make a big difference in what you decide. Also, is this an accredited program? Where are their graduates working? My area of expertise is trauma and ER care and at least in my experience, they would not hire someone who does not have experience.

I do agree though that it sounds like a good idea though if you decide this is the way you want to go. Good luck...let us know what you decide.

trauma -

I'm going to work in the ER and I was surprised to find that they won't hire a NP unless they have a minimum of 2 years of ER or urgent care experience as a midlevel. It doesn't matter how many years of ER RN experience they have either. HOWEVER, they will hire a brand new PA!! Have you ever heard of this?

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Hmmm - I haven't found this. However, I have to say that I was actively recruited for this position by a physician who I worked with in the ER as an RN. Few hospitals in my area hire mid-levels of ANY experience level.

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