Which should I do-RN to BSN OR RN to MSN

Nurses New Nurse

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I just wanted to get a little insight from those more knowledgabe.

Here is my situation: I have a previous Bachelor's degree in Social Work and I am about to graduate from an ADN program in nursing this May. Based on the reality of the job market right now for those without BSN's, I am already starting to look at applying to and starting a RN to BSN program concurrently with my Job Search.

I am already having some regrets about choosing an ADN program over a 2nd degree BSN program and I want to make sure I am not going to have the same regrets over choosing a RN to BSN program over an RN to MSN program in the future. I'm afraid I'll finish up my BSN, finally be able to get a job, work a couple years to gain experience and figure out more what I want to do with nursing, and then decide that I want to go back and get a masters. And I'll wish I had done this instead of the BSN in the first place, just as I wish I had done the BSN over the ADN to save time (not really money though...). The problem is, none of the general MSN tracts offered by RN to MSN programs seem appealing to me. It's hard to tell what I might want in a masters until I have some solid nursing experience, but right now I see myself (if I ever did want a masters) to be more interested in FNP, midwife, CRNA, etc...

Money is an issue, so cost-effectiveness is a priority and I would really like an on-line program. I also want somnething I can do at my own pace, because I hope to eventually have an RN job while I am finishing up my RN to whatever. If I did opt for an RN to MSN program, I am not sure whether a program that offers a BSN partially through completion would be a priority??

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance!

Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I went straight into a BSN completion program after I got my RN. I didn't know when kind of MSN I would even want, so it was pointless to start that. If you're not sure what kind of focus you'd like, you might be better served by an RN-BSN program instead of an RN-MSN program. And hopefully employers will see that you're motivated and on your way to a BSN, which might count for something.

Good luck with the rest of your ADN program! :)

Thanks for your helpful reply!

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I was an LPN that went straight to an ADN program, worked 8 years as an RN, went back for a BSN then MSN then post MSN, worked for 4 years as an APN then went and did a second post-MSN.

Yes, I wished I had done an ADN to MSN for sure.

Even the generic MSN (management and leadership) would have save me much time and money. Then, I would have still had to get a post-MSN but it would have been cheaper and faster that way.

Just my opinion.

I am similar-hold a BA in another field, and went for my ADN, and am looking to further my education. But I want to put a POSITIVE spin on your wording and hence, predicament:

1.) I don't regret ADN over the BSN. I loved my nursing classes, I loved the schedule, and I love not having a student loan. I already did that (loan) with my first degree. Very much not necessary now that I am older and wiser ;>

2.) If a hospital hires you as an ADN, then they do not expect you to be in a BSN program at the moment. Ask them: do you require me to get a BSN w/in 2 years of my start date? Do you offer tuition support? What is your support for a nurse who wants to pursue a MSN? A future NP?

--My point is, don't have regrets. Be proud of what you have chosen to do and how you chose to do it. Don't let the industry make you feel inadequate-don't buy into that. You are qualified with an ADN. Your next step, make it from a position of empowerment. Say: this is what I can offer a hospital. Ask the hospital what they want from their RNs (BSN? MSN?) Ask them also what they will do to support their RNs as they pursue their next steps of becoming a more valuable employee. But please don't have regrets over studying in an ADN program--those were 2 solid years of nursing. :-D

*Also, if you can have an open conversation with your employer up front, then this may allow you to work for several years until you are ready to choose your MSN specialty. I wouldn't want to be rushed into a master's program either and I choose to work first, and this is why I didn't do the accelerated BSN or the direct entry masters programs that are also being offered now.

HTH!

St. Joseph's online (Maine) lets you take 2 one credit courses and if you acheive an A in each you can enter into their MSN, which includes a FNP program. I think that is what I am going to due. I also have a previous BS in another field.

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