[KMS4]

I just graduated from a BSN program, have yet to take the boards though. I have so many ideas of what I'd like to do running through my head, but I have no clue yet! lol

anywho, I always wanted to do some work internationally, I'm interested in working with those with HIV/AIDS. I finally found something that I think will click with me. It's the Master's International Program at George Mason Univserity which is a program between George Mason University and the Peace Corps and I can do one year of class at George Mason, then I can work with the Peace Corps for two years. The program they offer is an Advanced Clinical Nursing Track.

What exactly is an advanced clinical nurse????? It's not considered an NP, correct? Is it considered a CNS?

I know I shouldn't go for a program that I have no clue what exactly it is lol, but I'm not planning on going now, so I thought you guys could help me with the research process. I hope I'm in the right forum. Is there anyone who is an advanced clinical nurse that can explain what you do and what exactly you would be considered once you graduate?

Where would I be able to work with this degree? I know it's considered a masters program.

I am hoping this is the right fit for me. I can do the internation work I've been wanting to do, hoepfully get to work with the population I'd like and end up with my masters.

Thanks for any help and feel free to move this post to a thread that will most benefit me.

This is a link to the program: http://chhs.gmu.edu/nsg/msn-advancedclinical.html

Thanks again!!!!

Kaite

[traumaRUs]

Hi there. I appreciate the link. It is an MSN degree but am unsure what an "advanced clinical nurse" is. You are right, in one of the student profiles, the student plainly states that she didn't want an NP program. And...it doesn't mention CNS either. I would hazard a guess that it is a general MSN with a concentration in policy and management.

I did a general MSN at University of Phoenix with a concentration in management and leadership. However, I knew I wanted a clincial component so I went back and did a post-MSN adult health CNS.

With you wanting to go overseas and work, a clinical MSN - like an NP or CNS might be more what you want. And...you have to consider what you can do with this degree once you come back to the US.

[KMS4]

I know that I do not want an NP program either. I was thinking that was the only next step I could take and was discouraged about going back to school to get my masters. I have my own reasons for not wanting my NP, so when I found this I was excited.
I would still be getting my masters through George Mason University, not oversees.
Thanks for your input, I was thinking it could be a general masters degree as well. I do eventually want my CNS, but in what I don't know. Right now I'm looking into a med/surg position, but I'd love to work with the HIV/AIDS population and the ED has always interested me as well. There are too many options with nursing!!! lol

Thanks again

Kaite

[traumaRUs]

Glad to be of service. Just a word to the wise though. My background is ER (10 years in level one), I loved it and wanted to stay there. However, they wouldn't even consider a CNS, only NPs and not at the level one where I worked either.

A true CNS role is more of an educator who might work on policies and do more of an admin role. For me, that wasn't what I wanted. However, I will say though that by getting an MSN (versus say an MS in education), you will be putting yourself in a better position to teach later on.

Good luck.

[subee]

Originally Posted by KMS4

I know that I do not want an NP program either. I was thinking that was the only next step I could take and was discouraged about going back to school to get my masters. I have my own reasons for not wanting my NP, so when I found this I was excited.
I would still be getting my masters through George Mason University, not oversees.
Thanks for your input, I was thinking it could be a general masters degree as well. I do eventually want my CNS, but in what I don't know. Right now I'm looking into a med/surg position, but I'd love to work with the HIV/AIDS population and the ED has always interested me as well. There are too many options with nursing!!! lol

Thanks again

Kaite

Check out the international nursing master's at Columbia and compare what GM is offering you. These are not NP or CNS programs - neither of these would prepare you for what you would do as a specialist in int'l nursing - thinks along the nature of designing and implementing health programs. Enjoy your med/surg position while you're young. I did it right out of college and it was so exciting to be learning so much every day!

[KMS4]

That is interesting to know, thank you. I wasn't aware that the CNS role was more of an educator.

It's funny, I want to do some international nurisng now (I don't think I want to make a career out of it) and do some education in that country, but I don't want to be a nurse educator at all! Lol. Teaching isn't my thing, I def do not want to be a nurse educator at a college. I did have my own class while I was in school... def NOT my thing haha! But the idea of teaching HIV/AIDS education in another country is appealing to me. I know, it doesn't make sense to me either!

I want to be on the floor, I'm not one for a desk job (that's why I chose nursing) so I guess a CNS isn't my thing either. Thanks for all the help!