Need opinion about education/certifications

[MedSurgeMess]

I am currently working on my MSN. The facility where I work states that they would rather that I had gotten certification after my BSN instead, and waited awhile for my MSN. I realize that certs make it look like we are specialized in our area, but shouldn't education be just as important? They know that I don't plan on leaving, so I don't know what the big deal is...Anyone have thoughts on certs vs. ed? I'd especially like to hear from nurse managers, just to get a line on the thought process of certs. I may go get a cert in something soon anyway, but just wondering.....

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

It is your career, not theirs, so do what is best for you. I did not get my MSN or certification to enhance the hospital. I feel that education is more broad than a certification, though both have value. Even if I fail to keep up my cert I still have the degree.

[SmilingBluEyes]

It is not necessarily an "either or" thing and you might want to remember, maintaining certification requires a lot of continuing education and time invested, for nurses. Certs don't "just make a person look like he/she specializes in his/her speciality"; they indicate that person has taken the time and has the hands-on years of experience necessary to have earned that credential ----it is something tangible that shows the public and colleagues person has the education and experience , as well. It's not about appearances; earning and especially, maintaining, certifications is hard work!

Each person has the right to choose the path(s) that best serves his or her career. Ongoing and high-quality Education is paramount to a successful nursing career. On that, we can all agree. Earning an MSN is a definate step up for anyone. So is gaining certification in one's specialty or specialties. Neither is "better" than the other, so much as may be more appropriate at one time or another for a given nurse.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Oh my goodness. I had enough certs to float a boat as an ADN. Once I got my MSN, I did have some folks ask what it was, but that was about it.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I am well aware of the work involved in earning certifications. My point was that the decision to earn either a degree (any level) or certification (any type) is a personal decision. Unless a degree/cert is required for a position I do not see that the employer should expect one or the other. I am all for personal development!