BSN vs. Masters

Question:

This should be an easy question but I am having difficulty deciding whether to go back to school for BSN or Masters.

Answer:

I have a Physics B.Sc. from long ago and just started a BSN program. This was after working as a software design engineer for several years and being a ski-bum/ballroom dancer for a few more. My school's BSN program is intended to be the last five semesters of a four year bachelor's degree. Only about twenty percent of my classes are actually doing it that way. The rest are working or returning students, of one sort or another.

I had to take three semesters of pre-reqs to get into the BSN program, even with the previous degree. There isn't much overlap, is there? In my state, the legislature has mandated that all bachelors’ programs cut degree requirements to a total of 120 credit hours. IMHO, it might be possible for an entering freshman to complete a BSN program in 120 credit hours, but forget about getting a liberal education at the same time. Other schools in my state cheat by requiring people entering a BSN program to have a CNA certificate first.

I also took some other courses like Spanish, clical Greek, and Philosophy to see if I could still read, write, and think after being out of school so long. If your original degree program was loaded with tech courses (mine was) I would advise you to do the same. I got top marks in Greek, not bad for a non-traditional student. I figured it would be a good idea to come out of my second degree program as an educated, informed member of society. Knowledge of differential equations or algorithms does not do this.

I may be wrong, but I am suspicious of programs that are designed to turn a computer programmer or poet into a master's level nurse. Those programs that I have looked at seem designed to produce researchers or administrators, rather than nurses. My plan is to get the BSN first, and then look for a specialized masters program, perhaps after working as an RN for a year or two. I am only fifty-one, so I have plenty of time.
You must first give some thought as to what type of nurse you wish to be. Are you interested in only management or research? Bedside or other direct patient care?

Most BSN programs are light on clinical and MSN programs lighter still (compared to ADN programs). If you're a person with zero nursing/hospital experience and enter a program that whisks you through to masters there is a real great chance you may have very little to any clinical experience.

I'd go for the BSN first and p the boards, once you start working and find your niche then you can take a masters program tailored to where you want to be.

As for being a male nurse I thought that term went out with white caps/stockings and uniforms. You would be a professional nurse. There might be some parts of the country where a male nurse raises some eye brows, and I'm sure there are some old school female nurses who resent intrusion by a man into their world, but by and large you'll be judged on you and your capabilities, not your sex.
I'd be curious to know what type of MSN program we're all talking about here. Most of the programs I know of that go from non-nurse to MSN prepare people for advanced practice, not management, and not specifically for a career in research.

My main requirement is that any program be within eight hours' drive of where I live, in Silverton, CO. Two years ago when I started looking for nursing schools I found advanced practice masters programs in Albuquerque, NM, Greeley, CO, Boulder, CO, and Laramie, WY. They all recommend a BSN and two years practical experience before entry to the masters program. I entered a BSN program in Grand Junction, CO and plan to apply to Albuquerque after I graduate and work a year or so. Laramie is supposed to have a better program, but Albuquerque is only six hours' drive from Silverton.

There is a Doctor of Science in Nursing program in Denver that will turn you into a nurse administrator, and an N.D. program in Boulder that is good for advanced practice or research, I hear. These are the only two graduate programs I am aware of in my area that will take non-nurses into the program.

Most BSN programs are light on clinical and MSN programs lighter still (compared to ADN programs). If you're a person with zero nursing/hospital experience and enter a program that whisks you through to masters there is a real great chance you may have very little to any clinical experience.

Not all together true as far as the MSN in relation to the clinical practice. I'm an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with my MSN. I had to complete hundreds of hours of clinicals with Physicians and other ANPs prior to graduation. My scope of practice allows me to function and treat patients from the new born to geriatric status.

As of next year, you must be masters prepared to be able to bill Medicare, Medicaid, have your own DEA number independent of a physician with the ability to prescribe schedule 2 - 5 narcotics, only to mention a couple of things.

I work for a large orthopedic group that has 22 surgeons functioning.
I work as First Assist in O.R. some days, working across from the surgeon sometimes closing for him / her so they can get scrubbed for the next case. I love it.

The CRNA also is Masters prepared now. Certificates as far as I know are out and the BSN and ADN CRNA's are slowly phasing out, being replaced by the Masters Standard; not necessarily a Masters of Science in Nursing, however.

In conclusion, you’re totally on target in relation to the BSN and the clinical experience its light in hands on experience in comparison to the ADN. However, you have to have your BSN to matriculate to the MSN program. BSN in research foundation oriented. The MSN, depending on what road you take will have strong elements of research method and
Nursing Theory so get out the incense! Some of the courses I had to complete were, Path physiology, Advanced Pharmacology & Assessment, which was nothing like the assessment taken as an undergraduate. The CNS track is clinically focused as well where as some CNS can prescribe meds in some states. Just a thought.

Go for the education, when or should you not be able to do you can teach. Not meaning that in a diragoratory way considering illness, family issues & the like. I've had instructors that have admitted they would kill someone of they had to practice nursing since they were so far removed from the clinical aspect. I also know a PhD that currently works for a Cardiologist as his number one APN She’s knocking down the bucks, big time and know her stuff as well Got to respect someone that has put that much work into their craft.
A description of the program here:

The Generic Master of Science in Nursing Program prepares nurses for leadership roles in Clinical Care Management, Entrepreneurial Leadership, or Community/Public Health in acute care, ambulatory care, community, and home health settings. The program offers a pathway for non-nurse applicants with baccalaureates in other fields to enter graduate studies. Qualified applicants are accepted into the MSN program conditionally. Students convert to classified students in nursing upon completion of pre-requisite courses and foundation courses in nursing. Foundation courses must be completed on a full-time basis. It is possible, through full time study, to complete the program in seven semesters of study in three years (including two summer sessions). However, students may choose to study graduate level courses on a part time basis after completion of the foundation courses. Students are eligible for RN licensure after completing foundation courses. Students receive an MSN and are eligible for California Public Health Nursing certification upon completion of the program.

I was lead to believe that this was more towards the administration side of the house. I am pretty sure that I want to stick with the clinical side of the house in particular something in pediatrics or labor/delivery. Having an MBA already, getting one in Nursing while a good goal is not as important to me as getting the clinical experience.