What's the benefit in getting a Masters if you're in psych?

[algebra_demystified]

I was looking at the course descriptions and was completely underwhelmed. Community-based nursing, change management, underserved populations... no more biology, no statistics, no thesis, no psychiatric anything. It looks like everything I hated about Fundamentals of Nursing for two more years and another $28K. There isn't even any organizational psych.

I'm going to get an automatic raise when I finish, that's why I'm moving forward with the degree. I figure I'll break even on the financial investment in about six years, and it's all gravy after that. But seriously, who came up with this curriculum? It looks like all the BS that rolls down from management.

What if I'm not into management? I want to stay on the floor.

It looks like an expensive slog with very little personal fulfillment.

[elkpark]

What kind of MSN program are you talking about? It doesn't sound like you're talking about a Master's in psychiatric nursing. One "benefit" of an MSN in psych nursing is that it's the entry into advanced practice (psych CNS or NP), which is what most psych nurses going to grad school are looking for. My CNS program was two years of rigorous training as a child and family psychotherapist (which was the CNS role at that time -- no thought of Rx authority) -- child development, child psychopathology, family dynamics, family psychopathology, courses and supervised clinical experience in child and family therapy -- plus, yes, statistics, research methods, one course on "trends and issues" in advanced practice (which was interesting and worthwhile), and a real thesis. Oh, and I took electives in mental health law and teaching (nursing).

My degree and certification has given me a much wider range of career possibilities -- I've worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings (like you, I prefer inpatient, "hands on" work), as well as teaching nursing and doing psych consultation-liaison work. (I also worked as a psych unit/hospital surveyor for my state and CMS for several year, but I could have gotten that job without a Master's.)

There's a great deal of variation among MSN programs -- quality, as well as content/focus. IMHO, it is a waste of money to take a degree that isn't going to get you where you want to be. Are you being pushed into this particular program/concentration for some reason? You're going to put a lot of time, effort, and $$$ into any MSN program -- it's worth shopping around to find a degree you actually want to have.

Best wishes --