Which nursing degree do I need when I already have a BA & MA

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Hi,

I am new to this forum so I apologize if this is somewhere on here already, although I looked and did not see what I was looking for. I have a Bachelor's and Master's in Psychology as well as a Teaching Certificate and am looking to going into Nursing. I am not exactly sure which area of nursing I want to go into, but I am considering NICU, PICU or Nurse Anesthesia. Regardless, I know I have some undergrad pre-req's to take, but it should just be 3 as I should have met the rest with my Psychology requirements. I am trying to find the best route for me. I know a lot of it will depend on which area of nursing I go into. However, I need to know if it is better to get the associates or BSN or if I should just go with the direct to MSN program. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

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You can either do an associates program or second degree/accelerated BSN program. If you kno for sure u want to pursue Crna or nicu/picu your gonna need RN hospital work experience in the icu/critical care or the nicu before applying to get your msn in the chosen field. Since u already have a degree more than likely it should only take you 4-5 semesters to get your degree in nursing once all pre-reqs are done

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Hi kmhcasper,

My advice would be to look at the APN and Student sections of this site. Look up the "Direct Entry Programs 2013" thread. There are a ton of people with non-nursing bachelors and masters degrees who are going straight into MSN programs - they may provide you with some insight/inspiration.

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I would highly suggest a grad entry program as well. I applied to (and got in!!) to Ohio State's GE program, and I'm almost positive that already having a non-nursing masters degree allows for the GRE requirement to be waived. Can't remember if it has a time frame since the masters degree has been awarded to 'qualify' like science pre-reqs usually have that 5yr window.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Whoa Nelly!!! Even if you get the degree & pass NCLEX that is no guarantee of a job. That would be a horrible shame after investing so much time and money.

Be sure to check out the employment prospects for all those 'direct entry' programs in your area. kms673 is correct "there are a ton of people with non-nursing bachelors and masters degrees who are going straight into MSN programs"..... and this is the source of the problem. KWIM? Chances of an NP with no clinical experience getting hired in my area = slim to none. MSN "new grads" are not being hired either... employers are looking only hiring new grad BSNs & the market is seriously glutted with them right now.

Carefully reconsider any decisions about moving into nursing. There has been a deluge of people (just like you) who are doing the very same thing. As a consequence, there has been a serious shift in the employment situation for nurses. The reality??? New grads are competing for scarce jobs & having to accept anything that comes along. Nursing practice, especially for newbies, is a really hard slog. Take time to explore some of the other forums such as "First Year of Practice" to get a better idea of what you'd be facing. Things may improve in a few years.

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