I have this one question that I am hoping someone working in nursing management or HR will kindly answer. I have a Bachelors in Social Work and an Associates in Nursing. I am currently working towards a Masters in Health Administration (MHA). Am I wasting my time? Will I end up as one of the hundreds who will get a piece of paper to put away in my dresser drawer?

I do want to eventually get into management. I would like to apply for management positions when I do get my degree. Am I employable without the BSN? Will my bachelors in another field coupled with this masters work?

Please help...

My experience isn't the final answer, of course, but I haven't worked anywhere in years where you could get a management position, even entry level (charge nurse or NM) without a BSN (specifically, not an ADN and some other BA/BS).

If your long-term career goal is to stay in nursing and move into management, I would strongly encourage you to not go the MHA route, but complete a BSN and think about an MSN in nursing administration (or go directly into an MSN program that doesn't require a BSN -- there are some "out there"). That will be much more helpful to you in nursing. The only people I've encountered over the years with MHAs were people in healthcare disciplines other than nursing (disciplines that don't offer a graduate degree in their discipline with a focus on management/administration).

Best wishes for your journey!

I don't mean to bombard the thread because OP is asking a personal question, but Elkpark your response was VERY helpful. I'm in the same position holding an Associates with a previous BA. I loved my social work job but switched to nursing. I'm now looking into MSN programs. I've NEVER considered MHA or any other Masters degree because I feel that I have to stay in nursing now. No more jumping around for me anymore.

What type of management position are you looking for? If it's a nursing management position, it's quite likely that you will need an MSN, and the MHA may not qualify. Our nurse managers must have an MSN (or if hired before the requirement started, must be enrolled in a program) to be considered for the position. Charge nurses are not required to have any type of degree. The best thing you could do is to ask about policies at hospitals in your area. That should give you an idea about the requirements in your area (but keep in mind they could change/ be different if you move later on).

If you want to get into nursing leadership/management, you need an MSN. Neither an MHA nor a previous bachelors will suffice.

Many facilities, especially magnet facilities, require leadership to have one degree in nursing (bachelors or higher). Other than that; MBA, MM, MHA are great degrees to have, and are well respected.

I am a nurse manager in a private facility and hold an ASN, which I realize is quite the rarity. I know that should I decide to move on/up/elsewhere, I WILL need a higher nursing degree. I would encourage you to do the same: minimum of BSN, if you're looking for the minimum.