What now?

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

I'm at a loss which direction to go at this point. I graduated in 2010 as ADN, RN. I went directly into L&D, worked in that area for 1.5 years in small community hospital. I moved to Virginia and was unable to find work. At the time I was fine financially so continued in my situation. Now, 3 years later, moved back to Arizona and have still been unable to find work. I have not even received a single call from applying for many jobs. I realize I need to continue my education and am looking at programs. I see there are ADN-MSN programs out there. Just wondering if that would be the way to go? Also considering a Perioperative Nursing 101 program. I have to do something soon or my license will be in jeopardy on my next renewal. Any suggestions?

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

In my part of the world, periop nursing is becoming a hot commodity. OR is one specialty that is aging out pretty quickly... and not one that is very attractive to newbies since they don't get very much exposure in nursing school any longer. If you have an opportunity to move in this direction, I'd say go for it. According to the literature, it takes 5 years (srsly) to become a proficient generalist OR nurse, so be prepared for a fairly long development period.

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Specializes in cardiac/education.

You need your bachelors. That is why you are not getting called. It's the new way.....

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You need your bachelors. That is why you are not getting called. It's the new way.....

Yes, why would you be looking at MSN programs but not mention a BSN completion program? Do you have some specific area of interest that would require an MSN (advanced practice)?

Also, I agree with HouTx about the periop opportunity.

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

I understand this, which is why I am planning to continue my education now. Thank you!

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

There are several programs that are RN-MSN track with no BSN needed. It will take 2 years to get my BSN or 2 years to get my MSN. My thought is why would I not get the MSN for the same time and money? By the time I finish BSN, they'll be requiring MSN. Just seems to be how it is all working. The two MSN programs I am looking at are MSN-Nursing Education, and MSN-Leadership and Management. They are bridge programs that still include courses in the BSN track but you continue straight through without the BSN.

As far as the periop, I would love to do that. I was on the AORN site and read about their periop 101 education program, but it looks as though they offer it to facilities to train their employees. There used to be a program in San Antonio, TX at Baptist School of Nursing, but they have discontinued it.

I feel so stale and stagnant, I really want to get the mind stimulated again and get back to work. Is MSN not better for opportunities out there? I'm so confused.

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MSN could be considered overkill for the typical staff nurse position.

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.
MSN could be considered overkill for the typical staff nurse position.

This is true, but i wouldn't necessarily be looking for a typical staff nurse position after graduating. There are many other opportunities and areas of nursing.

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