why do you want to pursue graduate studies?

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Specializes in ICU.

I am wondering what reasons people have for pursuing graduate studies... What do you hope to /did you get from a master's degree? is it always higher pay?

Specializes in Tele, Cardiac Post Op, ER.

Not necessarily higher pay as my main motivation, although it sure helps! but increased job satisfaction and more knowledge base.

Specializes in ..

I think this is actually a good question. I think many nurses jump on the MSN/NP wagon for the same reason that many of the general public have jumped on the "become an RN" wagon....they think it will automatically lead to a well-paying, satisfying & secure career. Nursing schools are being flooded with applications from "qualified" individuals who have given no serious thought to whether or not nursing is for them. NP programs are being inundated with applications from RN's, many of whom have not considered the reality of NP practice. I think many nurses would be happier furthering their career by becoming MSN prepared Clinical Nurse Leaders or Clinical Nurse Specialists, as there aspects of these careers much closer to traditional bedside nursing. So many jump into NP school as the "next logical step in career growth", when in fact, NP practice is so different from nursing and many don't like it. Besides that, there is nothing wrong with remaining at the bedside without an MSN as long as one keeps up with current practice. Taking more classes to be a better clinician and teacher at the bedside are valid reasons for a MSN degree.

Personally, I want a MSN to practice as a NP, but I've researched this and realize the differences between bedside nursing and NP practice.

bsnanat2

If I may ask, what resources did you research to know the difference? Can you post it please. Thanks.

Specializes in ..
bsnanat2

If I may ask, what resources did you research to know the difference? Can you post it please. Thanks.

If you check out the ANCC website www.nursecredentialing.org and look at the test outlines for nurse practitioner roles (family, adult, acute) and compare them to one another and then look at the test outline for the Clinical Nurse Specialist (adult) you'll see, not only the differences between the expected competencies, but basically job descriptions for each role. I have heard and read comments from some who have pursued the NP degree and then are not happy with how different it is from the traditional RN role. If you look at the CNS role, it is really a good combo of NP and traditional RN (SuperNurse). Some have gotten generic MSN degrees that really gave them no more autonomy, authority or true nursing skills than what they already had as an RN. The point is to read, investigate and weigh all options carefully before making a decision on which route to take. I started "looking and listening" on this topic well before nursing school and I'm still trying to formulate my final plan. Hope this helps!

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