Masters degrees and school nursing

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Specializes in Adolescent Psych, PICU.

I am looking at becoming a school nurse in the next year.

I have a BSN and have always wanted a masters as well (both a professional and a personal goal of mine).

I am looking at both Masters in nursing education and masters in public health. I really don't know which is best and am looking for some guidance with this. I plan to apply for the spring (which means I'll be applying fairly soon).

I think the MPH looks interesting but I wonder if it would also be limiting to my future? I don't think I'm interested in working in the hospital again (infection control officer).

I was thinking with the masters in nursing ed I could always get some extra work teaching clinicals, a class here or there, etc.

Anyways....just kinda wanted to think out loud here with you all. What are your degrees and what all do you do with them? Do you wish you would have done anything differently?

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Specializes in School Nursing.

Well, I am in almost the same boat as you, still deciding which way I want to go. I am considering a joint MSN/MPH versus a NP. Of course the NP would be more hands on, whereas the joint degree seems like it would offer more office type opportunities. I have interests in both areas, so we will see!

I have thought about teaching at some point as well, but I think I will just get a post-master's certificate when I am ready for that. I also thought about the joint MPH degree then getting a post-master's NP, but like I said, still deciding.

I know of a couple of universities that have post master's work in school nursing, but I do not have that info here handy. You could google it and see what comes up.

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The two degrees would lead to different opportunities and different closed doors in the future. Both degrees would enhance your role as a school nurse in different ways. In some states, you can only teach nursing if your masters is in nursing. However, the MPH is a great degree, and would open up many positions in PH and in non profits, especially with your infectious disease background. If the MS MPH is not a option for you, another option is a MS in PHN. Good luck!

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The National Association of School Nursing has a website for school nursing interested in getting the BSN, the masters or doctorate, and lists many school nurse specific and online programs:

http://www.nasn.org/Default.aspx?tabid=610

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After much consideration, I registered for a MSN program with an Education track. It is an online program, and I just finished my first course. It was excellent. The curriculum is what drew me to this particular program (not sure if I can refer to it by name). My goal is to continue my day job as a school nurse, and teach at night for the adult learners that are returning to school.

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Congratulations and good for you for investing in yourself.

The other forums frequently post pros and cons of particular programs.

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

I am facing the same crossroads myself - Most of my local colleges (state colleges) offer mostly NP programs - which i'm not counting out - i was hoping to get someting relevant to school nursing - but it seems to me that it would be difficult to maintain one's self as an NP and a school nurse. So what then? MSN in education seems most reasonable, but then there is a MSN in clinical leadership too. Help! My head is spinning.

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Specializes in Adolescent Psych, PICU.

bumping this thread

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Specializes in Adolescent Psych, PICU.
After much consideration, I registered for a MSN program with an Education track. It is an online program, and I just finished my first course. It was excellent. The curriculum is what drew me to this particular program (not sure if I can refer to it by name). My goal is to continue my day job as a school nurse, and teach at night for the adult learners that are returning to school.

When you say teach at night, do you mean teaching nursing classes in the evening?

I have been looking at the online MSN Education program here as well.

I am still not sure what to do. I don't want to pay a fortune for ANY masters degree (which means no out of state programs). I do think I would enjoy teaching in the college setting during the summers and maybe a class a week during the school year.

Just was curious what other school nurses had their masters degrees in.

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FYI

The House Bill that passed last night included:

»Improved Nurse Education Grant Programs under Title VIII:

The improvements to the nurse education grant programs under Title VIII include:

» Expanding education, practice and retention programs for nurses.

» Enhancing existing student loan, scholarship and loan repayment programs.

» Enhancing development of advanced practice nurses, including those who deliver primary-care services.

» Expanding existing loan repayment programs to increase number of nursing faculty.

Also check for finacial assistance where you are planning to attend and at http://www.discovernursing.com

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