Should I get a BSN as a 2nd Degree or go for entry level MSN?
I want to enter the nursing profession. I already have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW). I have some experience in medical social work (oncology, geriatric care management & physical rehabilitation). I have not been able to find a job since graduating with my MSW in May 2009. I love working in the medical setting & desire more patient contact. Additionally, I would like a job that offers better pay, more opportunities, & security–like nursing–this is especially important since I have a 7 year old daughter.
To complete the BSN it will take about 9 semesters (beginning Spring 2010, including summers, I’d graduate in Fall 2012). Or I could pursue an entry level MSN that would require 3 full-time semesters (Summer, Fall, Spring), 4 part-time semesters. The MSN program is in a city that is one hour away from where I live (I don’t drive) and in a city that I do not wish to relocate to. However, it allows for students to sit for the NCLEX to become a RN after the first 3 semesters and work while taking classes part-time for the remainder of the program.
Advice, suggestions, & thoughts about the option that would put me in the best positon would be most helpful!
First, I don’t understand why it would take you 9 semesters to get your BSN (especially since you already have a bachelor’s degree) since it normally takes 8. That aside, I highly recommend going for the MSN. It sounds like the program you’re looking at is a GREAT opportunity and quite a find. I’m just finishing my BSN now and am going to start my MSN in the fall. Personally, I haven’t graduated yet and I’m already pretty intellectually bored with floor nursing and ready to work on becoming an FNP. Since you’re looking for more patient interaction, that is definitely the way to go. It may seem like you’ll get adequate time with your patients working on the floor, but you won’t. The nature of the job now, sadly, is that you are overloaded with patients and spend most of your time charting. It just isn’t the way it was in past years. As an FNP (or educational specialist or whichever specialty you’re going for), there are a lot more options for you. I’m sure you’re already aware of them so I won’t list it all out. Bottom line: MSN sounds like a much better option to me. God bless your endeavors! We need good nurses!
First, I don’t understand why it would take you 9 semesters to get your BSN (especially since you already have a bachelor’s degree) since it normally takes 8. That aside, I highly recommend going for the MSN. It sounds like the program you’re looking at is a GREAT opportunity and quite a find. I’m just finishing my BSN now and am going to start my MSN in the fall. Personally, I haven’t graduated yet and I’m already pretty intellectually bored with floor nursing and ready to work on becoming an FNP. Since you’re looking for more patient interaction, that is definitely the way to go. It may seem like you’ll get adequate time with your patients working on the floor, but you won’t. The nature of the job now, sadly, is that you are overloaded with patients and spend most of your time charting. It just isn’t the way it was in past years. As an FNP (or educational specialist or whichever specialty you’re going for), there are a lot more options for you. I’m sure you’re already aware of them so I won’t list it all out. Bottom line: MSN sounds like a much better option to me. God bless your endeavors! We need good nurses!
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