RN to MSN downside?

Nurses Career Support

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Hello! I have recently listened to the debate of "over educated,under experienced". Even some who think an MSN is a waste of education offering little advancement opportunities. What are your thoughts on this?

I am starting a RN(ADN) to MSN-Leadership Management program because I love being a nurse and I think education will help me become a better nurse. I need and want more experience and do not expect to obtain some high up leadership position immediately after completing my degree. I still want to do bedside nursing and my long term goal is case management. Those with an MSN have you been looked over at a bedside job because they deemed you "overqualified"?

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If your long term goal is case management, an MSN is not required.

What is required is EXPERIENCE towards case management that can be acquired without a masters degree.

There are other avenues available to obtain a CM position.

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Yes. I currently hold a case management position. I love school and have the means to continue and am excited to earn a higher degree than ADN. It's not just for career reasons I think it will help me take better care of my patients. Experience is the best thing but I can't see education as hindering much either, while I gain more experience.

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Yes. I currently hold a case management position. I love school and have the means to continue and am excited to earn a higher degree than ADN. It's not just for career reasons I think it will help me take better care of my patients. Experience is the best thing but I can't see education as hindering much either, while I gain more experience.

i mean the advancement opportunities is definitely legitimate, especially with Magnet institutions which always want more nurses with advanced degrees.

I am currently in an MSN in Leadership program, and have to say that it really is beneficial to YOU. I have learned quite a bit of concepts and material that I dont think many if not most nurses really have much of a background in.

And really provides you with excellent ways to incorporate new ideas and innovate into your own practice. Even if you dont decide to be a nurse manager or something, i really think it provides you with a chance to open yourself up to a whole new world.

For example I dont think most nurses would really appreciate the idea of marketing in healthcare and their profession, thinking that business doesnt "belong" in healthcare. But once you get a deeper understanding of how it can be beneficial it could really help you implement change and improvements.

Im not even close to complete with my MSN yet, but i do think ive gotten a ton of out it so far.

Edit- If your long term goal is case management, and you already hold a case management position.... Am I missing something here ?

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Thanks for your reply! I currently hold a per diem case management job and am getting experience. I should of specified that landing a full time case management position with a larger case load is part of my goal. The company I currently work for only has 1 client in my area so my expertise is limited but it should expand in the near future :)

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

As far as I know, the only 'downside' associated with obtaining an MSN has to do with the increased level of accountability that comes with advanced clinical education. This is applicable to AP nurses, as well as those with clinical specialty certifications. Your carrier can provide you with details.

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