What's Next After BSN?

[Chevy_girl]

I'm about to begin my first semester in the BSN program at ETSU. Yes, I'm fresh meat and Im a young grasshopper with much to learn and I accept that. I just hope as a student nurse I don't come across as a royal pain to my superiors because I like to learn and understand the why's and how's. After much thought, I'd like to go back to school after getting my bachelors. Forgive my ignorance, but since I'll have my bachelors, what comes next? I assume a MSN but I'm still unsure. I know there are nurse practitioner programs, but what's the difference between that and a MSN? I know the responsibilities of an NP, but not a MSN is what I'm really getting at. I don't know what kind of opportunities a MSN offers. If I don't go back to school I'd like to specialize in something such as ophthalmology or optometry, but I don't know if that requires extra schooling or if perhaps there is a certificate program for that kind of nursing.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

MSN offers many tracks to take: NP, CRNA, educator, informatics, management, and several others. An MSN degreed-nurse's scope will depend on the track taken. I have an MSN in nursing education- that does not expand my scope of practice in the way the scope of practice is expanded for an MSN-prepared CRNA or NP. As for specializing in ophthalmology, I don't know that it's possible unless you would go into an OR specific to eye surgery. There aren't really inpatient ophthalmology units as procedures are done as outpatient surgery. I also don't know that offices would hire nurses, much like private practices that primarily hire medical assistants.

[scrublife6]

Hey, welcome to nursing :-) I'm a RN, BSN applying to NP programs now. [emoji120]🏽 I'm sure there are others here that can offer more info but as far as pursuing a MSN you can focus on education, administration, informatics (like nursing/IT) or CNS/NP, and from there you have a PhD in Nursing (research) or DNP (clinical).

As far as being a RN you can work in any specialty without additional training. Working as a MA or even medical records/receptionist at an ophthalmology office now while in school would get your foot in the door. There are additional certifications you can get in your specialty area later in your career.

You remind me of myself, eager to learn and always thinking about my next move before I even make the current move. Best of luck to you!

[Chevy_girl]

Thank you both for the info. I can't help but to think ahead and think of the worst or best case scenario. I tend to over-process things, and my worst fear is going to clinicals and feeling useless or in the way of a nurse who is trying to do her job because she has to teach me on top of her usual responsibility. Or, my making a mistake and being eaten alive, so I'm an observer and like to ask questions if I'm unsure. The fear of failure is what drives me forward. So thank you for your words, they were very helpful! Best of luck to you with your journey in your NP program!

[scrublife6]

Don't worry so much you're there to learn! MOST will understand that. Be proactive, ask questions, use your clinical time to really enhance your assessment skills! Thanks and good luck to you as well!