Is it really that difficult to get your BSN, work for a little, and then go back to get your masters?

Lauren; I struggled with the very same question while I was completing my BSN at Michigan State University. By the end of my BSN, I was ready to start working and I felt that I needed a break from school. What you learn in school is so much different than the real-life experience that you gain from your first year on the job. I also got married right after my BSN and my husband was an officer in the Army so I had to leave home to move with him to North Carolina. Moving to a new place where I didn't know anyone was tough but it forced me out of my comfort zone.

I was accepted into an Emergency Department residency program and a trauma center. I LOVED my residency program, it was a great gateway into my nursing career. I would highly recommend a hospital-based residency program that helps you integrate into nursing.

After about a year of working, I was beginning to get stir-crazy. I was working full-time and working toward several certifications (TNCC, CEN, SANE). After being certified, I realized I needed to go back to school for my masters. So I am currently completing my masters. I have 2 years of nursing experience and by the time I complete my masters I will have 5 total years of experience.

Picking when to go back to school is truly an individualized process. I wanted to gain nursing experience before returning to school but I also didn't want to wait too long before returning because I knew I wanted other things in life like children. I wanted to be completely done with my degree before having babies. That was my main driving factor. You just have to sit down and make a list of your goals and if getting your masters is at the top of your list, I would consider going back sooner rather than later. Just make sure the plan is what is best for YOU. I'm sure you will be great at whatever you decide to pursue because you are asking early on. Good luck!

The benefits of getting your BSN and going to work is that you will be able to put the book learning to reality and there are things that the classroom can’t teach you. You will learn patient interaction, teamwork, time management, how to work in new situations (little support, no supplies, etc) life’s lesssons. The other benefit is that the hospital will help pay your tuition and going back will be easier because you will be more prepared since you are now experienced and a great nurse is constantly learning while working.