Any Ideas on Graduate School????

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds.

I once was in a family nurse practitioner program, but dropped out as it wasn't for me. For one thing, working more than fulltime and graduate school is a hard mix. Another thing, I noticed a lot of the cardiologists in my hospital are using ADN nurses as their "FNP's" (just don't call them that). Their nurse comes to admit the patient for the doc, writes the orders, initiates the progress note, history and physical, compares initial labs, EKG's, etc. This was quite a startling discovery and very discouraging for me. Why even bother with all the rigorous studies to obtain FNP status, if ADN nurses are able to do essentially the same thing? Another thing, FNP's in my area only make around $60 a year (if they're lucky)--I almost make that much now. FNP workload is ridiculous (followed one around during my practicum for RN-BSN, so I know--this FNP later stopped practicing and is now teaching at the university). I want to get into a good graduate program, just don't know which one yet. A lot of the nurses around the unit want to become a nurse anesthetist. This really is not for me either--this program requires that you can't work at all for 2 years while in school and very, very competitive just to get into the CRNA program.

Any ideas on grad school? Can be a field outside of nursing. Something mellow would be nice. Just need some brainstorming.

Thanks in advance!!!

:D

Specializes in Med/Surg, Geriatrics.

I'm considering grad school but like you I don't want to be a nurse practitioner either and I'm not interested in administration. Also I've heard that the market for NP is becoming saturated. I was considering clinical nurse specialist but there aren't as many programs for that as NP. What I really want is skills that can help me in my quest for nursing independence, not to find another job. But it's still on the table. I guess I'm looking for ideas like you.

One of the cardiologists at my hospital used a MA as his "nurse." Everyone thought she was a nurse, and she did all the above mentioned things...interesting, ain't it?

Master's in clinical psychology or master's in mental health counseling? Those were a couple that I was thinking of in addition to thinking about NP school. As far as CNS, I know one nurse who has her psych CNS, and she goes around the ERs and does crisis assessments.

Most of the people I know who got their MSN in nsg administration/MBA wind up not using it...they get unhappy dealing with hospital administration issues.

In my state, you can get your PhD in nsg straight from your BSN, which could get you into research.

What about something involved with education? Public health?

Indiana University/Purdue University at Indianapolis has a lot of graduate nursing programs, and lots of other stuff...

http://www.iupui.edu

Good luck!

:)

My 2 cents. I suggest physical therapy, occupational therapy or exercise physiology. With the population aging, wellness and rehabilitative services are going to be in demand. Now, how much you get paid and what people will pay for will vary. A nursing background would lend itself to these areas. I'm going the opposite way. I have a MS in exercise physiology and am currently in a bridge MSN program to become an acute care NP. I'm hoping to work in cardiology.

Specializes in LDRP; Education.

I'm currently in school for my MSN with an education focus; can either work staff development, patient education or nursing faculty. I liked the idea of teaching better than admin or NP for the reasons you all cited above.

Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds.

Thanks for all the above suggestions. An MSN with an education focus sounds like something I would like. MBA is definitely out. Any online program information would be very welcome as well as other suggestions. Thank you so much!!:):)

Check out University fo Phoenix Online for MSN. I have a traditional MSN from a state university and my daughter just completed MSN with emphasis in education through UOP. The curriculum was comparable but the cost was much more!!! However, it allowed her flexibility, no travel and self-pacing to some degree. She was in the fast mode and finished a 24 month program in about 18 months. She and I are teaching nursing and it is a great change of pace from 100% clinical practice. I will warn you, though, there's not a lot of money but a lot of other perks!

Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds.

Thank you for all the suggestions, truly gave me some real options to consider. Will visit the Phoenix Online and Purdue University websites. Want something that I can do at a very slow pace, probably just one course a semester (all I can handle with fulltime load).

masters programs?

i've been thinking about going back to get a masters degree in a field other than nursing. i've heard that the kirksville college of osteopathic offers on-line degree programs in public health, geriatric health and health administration. is anyone familiar with these programs?

Just a word of caution about RN's who are functioning in advanced practice roles without certification or training. I have also seen many RN's who do this. THey should however be VERY careful of not practicing outside their scope of practice. I have seen some even write discharge prescriptions on scripts that the MD has already signed. THis is illegal. THings like making a diagnosis and transmitting this to the patient is also out of their scope of practice. Making rounds for the MD and charting for them is a no-no with Medicare if the docs are billing for daily visits an not actually laying eyes on the patient. I know several RN's who have done this and felt very uncomfortable with what the MD was asking them to do. Remember that not only is the MD liable but your license is on the line if you practice outside your scope!

Have you thought about Forensic Science. You can couple that with being a nurse and take courses to become a SANE (sexual abuse nurse examiner).

Specializes in LDRP; Education.

I would also be cautious of 100% on-line programs. While they are convienent, there is something to be said for classroom discussion and personal interaction with faculty and other students. Just my personal opinion.

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