When is the best time to apply to grad school?

[SFChopeful2013]

Hi, I am in my first year of nursing school and although premature, I have been looking into graduate schools. In May 2015 I will be graduating with an ASN RN degree and would like to apply to a RN-->MSN program for Nursing Administration. My questions is, when is the best time to apply for graduate school for that particular degree? Because it is not a patient care specialization does it matter that I have a few years experience first? My thoughts are, the further away from school I get, the less likely my situation will be ideal to go back. I understand that seasoned nurses get the jobs that would fall under that degree but would getting it out of the way immediately after I graduate hurt, or should I just go back to school when I am older? Thank you in advance for any advice or information you all can provide! :)

[elkpark]

I would encourage you to get some significant nursing experience before pursuing a graduate degree. Many, many of us have had the experience of starting (or finishing) nursing school sure that we knew what we wanted to specialize in, only to find by the time we graduate, or after a few years of experience, that we are more interested in something entirely different. Most people have no idea what a broad range of possibilities and opportunities are available in nursing until they've been in nursing for a while. Unlike basic nursing education and licensure, graduate education in nursing pretty much locks you into a particular role and career path. You want to make sure before you invest a lot of time, effort, and $$$, that that role is something you really want. Best wishes for your journey!

(PS -- if you're in your first year of nursing school, how do you have "2.5 year(s) of nursing experience"?)

[SFChopeful2013]

Hi elkpark!,

Thank you very much for your reply. I think that is very good information. When I signed up for allnurses, I was under the category of pre-nursing or something along those lines. I have 2.5, well now 3 years, of CNA work. When I changed my name recently I tried to change my experience but it wouldn't change to 0. Sorry for the confusion and thank you again for your help!

Maddie