Nursing Career: RN to MS?

I am considering a career switch to nursing. I have a bachelor's degree in something unrelated. I have two options: 1) get an associates degree to become an RN and then if I want to continue my education later (i.e. NP) I can have my employer pay for it or 2) get an MS in nursing to become an RN with a focus in "clinical nurse leadership." For both options I know that I have to take pre-reqs. Anyway, for the same amount of education I could get an AA or an MS, the latter costing more of course. However, "clinical nurse leadership"?? That's generic and total BS, right? I would be in the same position whether I finish either program. If I get the AA, I can have employer pay for me to get RN-BSN degree and then an MS leading to CNS or NP. However, that would mean lots more school but I want to start a family. Eventually, I think I would like for focus on women's health; how important would it be to have an advanced degree that is focused on this area? What would you do if you were me?

Well, since you sound sort of undecided on where you want to end up in the long run, I wouldn't go into a MS program until you've worked as an RN for awhile and see where you really prefer.

A master's in nursing leadership is not total BS - you would be specially groomed for management and leadership positions that sit near the top of the nursing food chain in many facilities. It may or may not be what you're looking for. If you're wanting to focus in women's health, it may help you as far as securing a management position later in a birth center or fertility clinic or something similar. But if you really want to focus in women's health, NP, CNM, or CNS is the way to go.

Personally, if I were you, I'd try to find a program that is an "accelerated BSN" program, which is designed for people like you who hold a bachelor's degree in another field. It would take you about 2-3 years depending on how many pre-reqs you need before you can start the nursing core - which is the same amount of time an associates degree would take you, so why not go for the higher degree?

Then, work for a year or two and see what you like doing. You shouldn't have trouble finding an employer that pays tuition assistance. Also, many master's degree programs require you have at least a year of work experience as an RN under your belt (especially NP programs). It would be a big mistake to rush into a master's program as a new RN and find the track you chose is not what you thought it would be and you end up wasting time and money.
Good luck whatever route you choose.