BSN-?Undecided Graduate Program...HELP

[gbarrera2]

Hello,

I recently graduated from a BSN program and am eager to begin grad school this fall. I am contemplating a few graduate programs: MA Ed. (Science Middle School Teacher, or School Counselor), MA Ed./Ed.S (School psychologist), MSN (Nurse Educator), or PhD. (Professor of Nursing).

I have discovered that my passion is truly in Education. I was torn between Nursing and Education as an undergraduate, and decided to do Nursing because I felt that it was my calling at the time.

I will begin working as a part-time RN at a nearby hospital in April and will attend school in the evenings following a cohort model in September. After meeting with previous Nursing professors, they have all advised me to continue my education now, instead of postponing it for x amount of years. I just can't see myself retiring as a nurse, so I see no reason to wait to go back to school. Does anyone have any suggestions or input? I would really appreciate a second opinion. Thank you so much!

[elkpark]

If you've already decided that you're more interested in eduation than nursing, what help are you asking for? If you're not really interested in nursing, it's hard to imagine that you'll be happy in a position in nursing education, which is still nursing. Unless you want to commit to a career in nursing, I wouldn't see any point in getting any further degrees in nursing.

[HealthyRN]

Do you still feel an interest in nursing? Do you have a passion for the profession, but you're just not sure that you want to be a bedside nurse? If so, you may want to reconsider the MSN or PhD in nursing. This would give you an opportunity to combine both nursing and education. You also have to consider what kind of students you want to teach. If you want to work with children, nursing education is not going to provide that.

[MemphisTiger]

My master's is in the College of Education, with an emphasis in Instructional Design and Technology. Basically it's adult learning and training. That could also be an option for you.

[joy09]

I would take some time and consider where your interests and talents are. I had a career analysis done at one point in my career because I wasn't sure where to start and I wanted to move on in my career.

Before I did that, I started a MSN program in critical care clinical specialist track and switched to primary care because I didn't think I always wanted to be in the hospital. I finished the NP track but never practiced. I thought I was destined to be an educator but felt very uncomfortable in the role. I found I was better suited and interested in Management.

It's virtually impossible to teach nursing if you haven't mastered nursing - at least some aspect of it, even if you have a master's or PhD. That's my opinion anyway.

I would start interviewing experienced people in the field you are considering too and get a real handle on what you would like and not like about each of the avenues you are consideting. The only thing you seem to be consistent about is the academic environment. I was very taken by it too will I was in college. I love the academic schedule (I have worked at a nursing college and in a public school) and being a student but not teaching.

Good luck. I would love to hear what you decide to do.