Pros/Cons of different Masters degrees

[schrist1374, BSN, DNP, CRNA]

I've currently been working on a Med/Surg ICU for 1 year and am starting to look into grad school. In my area we have a DNP, MSN Nurse Educator and Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia available. I think I would enjoy aspects of all three areas but I need to narrow it down. What are some pros/cons of each area and why did you choose the path you did? Thanks!

[happyheatherp]

You really need to go into an area that really makes you happy. I completed the Master's in Nurse Education because I absolutely loved teaching and still do. Money was not a deciding factor when I completed my degree, and as you will find out, education does not pay what clinical practice pays. For this reason it is difficult to find qualified faculty to teach because experienced clinical nurses won't make the change due to lower pay. I am now working on the post-masters FNP degree due to my long-standing desire for advanced practice. After 22 years of nursing, I am excited about my next adventure. Good luck in what you decide!!

[Adenium]

By all means shadow! I found that the areas I thought were more interesting (intellectually, etc.) weren't really where I'd likely be happy day-to-day. I got all prepared for Acute NP or anesthesia in a very high-charged ICU, then realized while I admire the ability to handle high acuity and the cool factor of all the technology, I'd rather be in a lower-stress environment. I shadowed a CRNA, talked to a number of NPs. People were very friendly and supportive helping me figure out where I should go. I'm very happy I chose MSN/FNP.

We're lucky that in the nursing business it's considered normal and acceptable to shadow. Too bad all industries don't function like that.

[Cardiac-RN]

I completed my MSN Ed back before DNP was gaining popularity so for me at the time it was a choice between MSN Ed, PHD, or MSN/ FNP.

I chose the MSN Ed because I was very interested in teaching, whether in an undergrad college setting or as a part of staff development, and I liked that I could complete the program in a calendar year FT. I still was able to work while attending, and it was half on campus/ half online. Many of the courses crossed over with the MSN/ FNP track (liked advanced patho & health assessment). When I was finished, I found that staff development type jobs were pretty easy to come by, but the bigger colleges would not consider me for faculty without a PHD, PHD in progress, or advanced certification as an NP.

I was lucky enough to have some great mentors who were NPs PT/ educators PT, and years later I decided to attend a Post-Master's program for FNP which I loved (and just finished in May). I am hoping that after practicing as an NP for a while, I will be able to find the sweet spot of 1/2 educator & 1/2 clinical position which is my ideal.

I was not willing to invest in the PHD initially because I wanted to work as soon as possible, but at some point might consider it or the DNP.

Good luck in whatever you choose. We need good NPs, and we need good teachers for nurses at all levels for the generations to come. I cannot speak at all regarding CRNA school/ practice, because I never much looked into that. I am sure someone here will chime in though!

Cardiac