tiffany
once i complete my bachelors in RN would it better to go straight into masters or should gain experience first?
in regards to my future career
#nursing #registered-nurses #career #medical-school
4 answers
Mike Garcellano
Mike’s Answer
Hi Tiffany,
The answer to your question might depend on your goal and career path you want to take with a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing). Plus, there are different types of Master of Science in Nursing: leadership, academia, Nurse Practitioner, etc.). Once you decide, it might narrow down things for you and hopefully give you a better idea on your career path in nursing.
Generally, those who decide to gain experience first with a BSN have a need to save up for the Master's program but if that's not an issue for you and you're able to attend a Master's program right after completing your BSN, then that's another thing to consider.
Also, depends on the Master's program you want to attend, the school might have a requirement that students have certain years of experience as an RN, again, that's another thing to consider.
Good luck and let me know if you have additional questions!
Mike
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Elaine Gomer RN, MS, PHN
Elaine’s Answer
You are very wise to consider planning beyond your undergraduate years. Most graduate nursing students have RN experience and/or are working as RNs as they progress through graduate school. Drawing from experiences as a RN will help tremendously to master the material and there are many opportunities to use a current RN job to fulfill clinical requirements in graduate school. Any graduate student who brings RN experience with him/her to the program will be a more comfortable and competent clinician ready to take their practice to the next level. With your masters degree you may be in a leadership, educational, managerial or administrative role. Your previous experience will provide you with first hand knowledge of what it is like for those you may supervise.
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James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
The decision to immediately venture into a master's degree after your bachelor's in nursing or to first acquire some practical experience is a common predicament for many in the nursing profession. Both avenues have their unique benefits and factors to consider, and it's crucial to weigh these carefully before making your choice.
Benefits of Directly Pursuing a Master's Degree:
1. Early Specialization: Opting for a master's degree right after your bachelor's can enable you to specialize in a specific nursing area at the start of your career. This could pave the way for more specialized job roles and potentially higher pay.
2. Rapid Career Progression: Possessing a master's degree can expedite your career advancement, as many senior roles in nursing necessitate advanced degrees. It can also equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle more demanding roles.
3. Academic Momentum: Diving straight into a master's program can help you sustain the rhythm of being in a study-oriented mindset, making the transition back to academics smoother compared to taking an educational hiatus.
Factors to Consider When Opting for Experience First:
1. Hands-on Skills: Working as a registered nurse before undertaking a master's degree can offer you invaluable practical experience that can enrich your comprehension of patient care and clinical practice.
2. Professional Networking: Cultivating professional relationships and networking within the healthcare sector while gaining experience can be advantageous for future job prospects and mentorship.
3. Clear Career Objectives: Spending time working in the field can assist you in defining your career objectives and interests, which can influence your decision on the specialization to pursue in a master's program.
In the end, the choice between immediately enrolling in a master's program or first gathering experience hinges on your personal goals, ambitions, financial circumstances, and preferred learning approach. It could be beneficial to consult with mentors, career advisors, and professionals in the field to gather more insights before deciding.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
1. American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN): The AACN offers valuable perspectives on nursing education, including details on advanced degrees like master's programs and their influence on nursing careers.
2. National League for Nursing (NLN): The NLN is a respected organization that provides resources and guidance for nurses at all career stages, including advice on advancing education through higher degrees.
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides extensive data on the nursing profession, including job prospects, salary details, and educational prerequisites for different nursing practice levels.
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
Marlena Bushway
Marlena’s Answer
If you're going into s nurse practitioner masters program, I'd gain experience while taking some of the courses online before core NP courses, the expertise is truly needed for critical thinking skills and a more well-rounded knowledge base for holistic type care vs just a medical model approach. I've seen many nurses go straight to NP programs with no or little nursing experience, I'll be brutally honest, I won't go to them for advice or care, because they don't truly know the realm of Nursing care, they don't dive into the holistic approach to care, mind, body, spirit. They work more on a medical model, push meds, don't think of true nursing interventions, non-pharmacoligic approaches, and use digital guides to help them make decisions. Having a solid nursing foundation gives an NP the edge over an MD and they understand what a patient truly wants from a practitioner.
If it's for education or nursing practice, continue gaining experience while continuing your educational goals. But don't stop, no matter what! Take a break, do what you need for you, but keep reaching for your goal!
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